Gator TX GREAT ... until ....

[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.