Cub 2542 Trans question

[timkins]

I have a Cub model 2542 with the Hydrostatic transmission with about 235 hours on it. Do I need to change all of the transmission fluid if I am only changing the spin off filter. Can I just remove the filter without all of the oil spilling out of the transmission?

 

[Richard001]

Tim,

Look in your owners manual for information on that. If you don't have the owners manual, look on the internet. You should be able to find it there.

Richard

 

[timkins]

I have the manual but it does not directly address my concerns. I guess what I will do is unscrew the filter with a large container underneath and find out that way.

 

[Bob_Bainbridge]

I've changed several trans filters on a couple different Cubs without changing the fluid. On mine the filters were mounted toward the front of the transmission and I found that if I jacked the front end up as high as possible and changed the filter quickly I didn't lose much fluid.

Bob B.

 

[Dave M7040]

If you plan on keeping the tractor, give it some extra love with fresh fluid.

You are relying on the dipstick seal to keep water out. You cannot fix a hydrostat yourself unless you have special skills but you sure can make it last a long time with excellent care.

Dave M7040

 

[Leo Rabon]

I highly recommend that you change the fluid. Hydro Gear BDU 10 tranny calls for 5.7 quarts but I have found that 5 quarts 6 ounces does the job to the full line on the dip stick.. Be sure to use a Cub Cadet filter or equivalent hydraulic fluid filter. I use OEM Cub Cadet Fluid which is very expensive but others swear by 15w40w dino oil.

 

[timkins]

I am confused now. When I check the price of Cub Hydrostatic Oil, they want nearly 60 dollars for a Gallon of it, but when I started checking on what it is I find people suggesting 20W50 is as good to use at half the price. What is the difference, if any between the Cub Hydro oil and 20W50 and why do I need to pay extra because it says Cub Cadet on the packaging.

 

[Iamblessed]

I have a 2542 also but I have almost 750 hours on mine. I have changed my hydro fluid every 100 hours or so since it had 227 hours. I changed the filter only at 191.5 hours but didn't think that was good enough. I got online on hydrogear website in 2011 and found that they recommended 20-50 automotive oil standard or synthetic. I could only find 20-50 in the Walmart branded oil in my area and that is what I have used since. A few months ago I tried to find the information again on hydrogear site but could not, Do you think Cub Cadet pressured them to remove it? Anyway I have had zero problems but again they recommended 100 hour changes. I am not trying to tell you what to do just sharing my experience. I also remember reading on their website that this BDU10L is rated for 1000 hours. As I have 3/4 of that already with a good strong transmission I am very satisfied.

 

[Iamblessed]

One thing that I forgot, I have always used a Cub Cadet, John Deere or a Baldwin hydr. filter. They are all excellent filters.

 

[timkins]

Thanks for that information. I will be checking with my local WalMart over the weekend.