Gator TX GREAT ... until ....

[Jack Squat]

doing first maintenance, and the things to do are SO DIFFICULT I can not believe it. I got through the drain plug, that was no fun. But the oil filter - had to abort the job. Ended up just replacing oil only as I have to find a way to get that filter off (and needed to get it back in service). What a B****
There is a engine housing shroud that blocks any wrench swing. Too involved to remove. Any knowledge here? BTW - oil & filter change at 8 hr seems kind of early. ?

 

[TWO GUNS]

Went on your website... Great place & set up you have there >>

I can see you take quality care of your animals, and respect you for that !!!

Never heard of a first service being just eight hours, makes someone think it was a misprint in the instructions >>>> To keep your pressure down, might call your dealer and see what his remarks are, for we both know, that filter needs to come off !!!! If he acts like it's nothing to it, make him get his butt over there and take it off !!!!

Good Luck ~~~~

 

[darkday]

On my HPX it's a PITA but you can do it. Get one of those oil filter wrenches which use a metal band that tightens around the filter. You can work at it for awhile and get it out eventually.

As for the 8 hours my dealer said that it should be done then. The oil gets a lot of crap during break in or something during that time. I don't know but he said that it was definitly a good idea to do both the filter and oil at 8 hrs.

 

[TOMMYHPX4X4]

yea during breakin you get all kindsa little bitty metal shavings sorta speaking from the parts seating and from the factory itself . and when you run it the oil really washes the inside the engine down so you get rid of all that stuff. as for as the filter on the hpx it's right there on the front the motor my son never complained although he fusses about my chevy aveo oil filter on my car.

 

[darkday]

yea during breakin you get all kindsa little bitty metal shavings sorta speaking from the parts seating and from the factory itself . and when you run it the oil really washes the inside the engine down so you get rid of all that stuff. as for as the filter on the hpx it's right there on the front the motor my son never complained although he fusses about my chevy aveo oil filter on my car.

Maybe it's my diesel.

 

[Kahuna]

I have the XUV gas. I changed oil after the first 10 hours. On the XUV everything is out in the open. An oil and filter change takes less than 10 minutes.

 

[Jack Squat]

Thanks TWO GUNS - We enjoy the farm and animals... it is the life

Well I discovered later that the strap metal band type oil filter wrench did not quite snug up on the filter. Need a smaller one. I swear I wasn't in a full beer coma.

RULE - when changing filter on new equip, check new replacement filter in wrench you are trying to use.

It still looks like it will be a dog to do. Will report once I obtain new correct size wrench. I am also thinking of one of those band type wrenches with a socket drive on it.

Yes I was comparing it to my 790 tractor - it was 50 hr before first maint. But it is diesel.

 

[Kahuna]

The filters are small, probably too small for a filter wrench unless is is specially designed for such use. On the XUV I use a slip joint pliers that does fine. I am not sure is the TX has that type of clearance though.

 

[downtoearth]

Jack Squat,

As the owner of a TX, I agree on the initial change of the filter as the factory seems to overtighten just a tad. I too had the same problem, but once I acquired the correct size oil filter wrench with the metal band at my local NAPA, it came right off. I also acquired the small filter pliers while I was there and use them now rather than the metal band wrench. Having the right tool for the job is the key I suppose. Subsequent changes aren't nearly as bad unless you overtighten like the factory. Removal of the oil plug for drainage isn't that bad. My TX had an access hole and a socket took care of it. My TX has carried and dumped many a fairly heavy load and hasn't failed me once so I believe you will be happy with its servicability and reliability once you get over the hump with the filter removal.

Downtoearth

 

[TOMMYHPX4X4]

all the oil filters should be put on hand tight. i wouldn't use a wrench at all. just put a little oil on the o-ring seal and tighten it up.

 

[claykin22]

The XUV has made a big improvement on ease of service. It doesn't take anytime at all...

My mother-in-law has a TS, and it is a pain. I worked to change the oil on it the first time for a half hour before I eventually loaded it up on her trailer and pulled it 50 miles to my house so I would have the right tools...until that day, I had never cussed in front of the in-laws!!

Someone else has said it, but a filter wrench is the way to go for that one.

 

[Jack Squat]

Thought I should post the final resolution on this - I know - its been a while...

I did finally get it off. It was still very difficult and took several attemps. I used a fabric strap wrench with a 1/2" drive (had to cut the square tube drive shaft a lot to get it to fit in the area). On the final time, it ended up deforming the filter substantially with the amount of torque required. I think rubber strap would be better. I'll have to shop on line, as I have seen every filter wrench in this area without a doubt.

Hopefully this will be easier next time around - when the factory HULK isn't the one that installed it.

I still love to use this Gator, but have to qualify the maintenance as being a pain.

 

[john_bud]

Not germain to your JD, but when using the rubber/fabric strap wrench on filters in tight spots, I have found that putting a self adhesive sand paper sheet on the filter makes it grab easier and spin off nicer.

You do have to plan ahead and put in on the filter before installation!

I do this on the fuel filters for my duramax and it really helps.

jb

 

[LongLook]

Thought I should post the final resolution on this - I know - its been a while...

I did finally get it off. It was still very difficult and took several attemps. I used a fabric strap wrench with a 1/2" drive (had to cut the square tube drive shaft a lot to get it to fit in the area). On the final time, it ended up deforming the filter substantially with the amount of torque required. I think rubber strap would be better. I'll have to shop on line, as I have seen every filter wrench in this area without a doubt.

Hopefully this will be easier next time around - when the factory HULK isn't the one that installed it.

I still love to use this Gator, but have to qualify the maintenance as being a pain.

The best way to do this, based on my 5 year experience is to buy a rubber belted strap wrench from the hardware store. The smallest one you can find is best because the strap on the large ones won't fit due to the very small clearance. Even then it can be a problem, especially if it is the factory installed filter as they are installed tightly.

Once you have done it a couple of times, it gets easier.

If anyone knows how to get the transmission oil plug out though, please post here. I have been trying to do that for 5 years without success.

By the way, if you think the oil filter is tough, wait until you change coolant.