LX277 leaking oil

[bunkers]

So a few weeks back, I noticed some oil on the floor underneight the rear of my LX277. I put cleaned off what appeared to be some oil on the hex bolts and put some towels under the machine to see if the leak would continue.

It seemed like a very slow leak, with maybe a drop an hour. Of course, I had just used that tractor and wasn't sure if maybe it was just melting snow or mud or something. Well I knew it looked like oil, but was hopeful it would stop by some miracle.

It did continue for a few more days ... and now I'm about in a position to need that tractor, so I checked the small reservoir of oil (tranny oil?) next the fuel tank and it shows the oil level down to maybe only 1/4 (full) and its about at the "ADD" mark on the outside. There is a transmission oil refill spot just about this chamber.

My question is: how is the best way to go about locating and fixing the leak? And then can I just refill the tank with new transmission oil? I think it uses SAE 10W30 ... can someone confirm what I should refill it with?

I haven't tried tightening the bolts yet, but is that a useful way to fix a small leak?

I will take it to a dealer, if you think thats the most advisable option.

Thanks,
Scott

 

[atschirner]

Your owner's manual calls for 5W30. Check the level cold. Here's a link to the online manual: OMM148972_I2

 

[bunkers]

Thanks for clarifying on the 5W30 w/ API class SE or higher.

In terms of the leak, any pointers on how to identify where it originates and how to resolve the slow leak?

My thoughts are the wipe it clean, then look for the spot with pooling, then tighten that bolt. Or just tighten all bolts slightly and hope that does it.

 

[bunkers]

Does anyone have an advice on how I could go about finding the source of my slow hydro fluid leak?

Should I just take it in to a Deere dealer for them to diagnose and fix?

What type of 5w30 tranny fluid must I use ... and where I can buy it?

Any ideas would be appreciated!

Thx,
Scott

 

[atschirner]

If you work on your own fleet of vehicles and OPE take the plunge and buy a UV leak detector kit. I purchased this one: Tracerline TP8647 OPTIMAX Jr Mini Flashlight Tracer Products TP-8647 to locate an oil leak on a Club Car golf car. With the lack of access the added feature of seeing the source of the leak was priceless. This kit includes UV dye for coolant, oil and freon systems.