HST fluid change

[MichaelE]

To save a few bucks, I like to do my own routine maintainence, and since my B2910 is crowding 300 hrs. I thought I'd tackle changing the HST fluid and filters and clean the strainer. I was reading over the procedure on page 60 of the owner's manual, and got confused. one diagram shows the 3 drain plugs in the rear trans case, and the other diagram shows a drain plug in the front trans case. The text makes no mention of draining the front case, but I'd assume that you should do it, right? If I'm right, where do you fill the front case, or does the pump circulate the new fluid through the entire system?
The last step is to turn the steering wheel lock to lock a few times, I'm guessing to purge any air, but then it says do NOT operate the tractor immediately afterward. So what do you do? Let it set for a few minutes, or a couple of hours, or mabye overnight. What would you think? I'd appreciate any input from you guys who have done this on your own. It's Sunday and the dealers are closed, and I don't want to screw this up.
Thanks, Mike

 

[rickster]

Yes drain front and rear. No fill spot for front only rear. There are quite a few plugs. As your filling it back up check your dip stick as you go. Not a bad job to do take your time and follow the instructions. I didn't understand that last thing about not starting it when finished. I started my tractor up when I was done.

Rick

 

[DiezNutz]

Smart: Start it up, let it idle a bit, work the PS, then gently work the HST through its range of motion.
Dumb: Yank the throttle right to 2500 and stomp the HST pedal (in H range even).

See the difference?

I also like to pre-fill filters about half full (i.e., not so full that it runs out when you're trying to install the filter). Compare with installing bone dry filter that has to prime and has twice the air trapped in the system - which isn't getting lube pressure while all of that is happening. If you've ever changed an oil filter on a vehicle and seen the oil light flash for a few seconds after you started it back up, that's what's going on and this will eliminate it.

 

[dannydan3]

Smart: Start it up, let it idle a bit, work the PS, then gently work the HST through its range of motion.
Dumb: Yank the throttle right to 2500 and stomp the HST pedal (in H range even).

See the difference?

I also like to pre-fill filters about half full (i.e., not so full that it runs out when you're trying to install the filter). Compare with installing bone dry filter that has to prime and has twice the air trapped in the system - which isn't getting lube pressure while all of that is happening. If you've ever changed an oil filter on a vehicle and seen the oil light flash for a few seconds after you started it back up, that's what's going on and this will eliminate it.

Pre-filling filters - great idea. Never liked that oil light delay on startup.
Thanks!