New to tractors, don't know what I don't know!

[Coyote machine]

Welcome to TBN.
For what it's worth, (FWIW), keep the loader as low as possible when operating your new tractor, to stabilize the load, whether the loader is loaded or not, you want the COG, ( center of gravity) as low as possible at all times. Cross slopes slowly and carefully, recognizing that if a rear wheel lifts off the ground, you are soon going to be laying over the tractor on it's side.
I believe most operators remove their loaders, or at least their buckets, when brush-hogging- but those with more knowledge on this practice can follow-up on this line of thinking and reasons why.
Have fun, be safe, and come here for answers to any questions.

 

[dougtrr2]

Okay. Found it.
The oil looks black, plenty of it though. I should probably change it soon.

That is kind of the nature of diesel engine oil. It turns black pretty quick.

Doug in SW IA

 

[bspeedy]

That is kind of the nature of diesel engine oil. It turns black pretty quick.

Doug in SW IA

I do agree with this statement, in general, but my TC30 oil would stay very clean for 50 hours or more after a change. These Shibaura tractors are great.

 

[WM75Guy]

The manual will have a service interval chart. Unless you are sure of the service that has been done I would do a complete service of all fluids and filters just so you have a baseline to go on for future maintenance needs. It is not cheap but think of it as insurance to help prevent failure.

 

[fried1765]

While you are at the New Holland Dealer you should pick up a gallon of Ambra multi g 134 trans/hydraulic fluid. It's good to have on hand.
View attachment 498820

The best bang for the buck is TSC ...."Traveller Premium Universal Tractor Trans/Hydraulic Fluid"
It meets the Ford Type 134 specification, and is only $33 for a 5 gallon pail.

 

[PHPaul]

Regarding loaders and rotary mowers: I've had loader tractors and rotary mowers for 30 years and never taken a loader off for mowing. In fact, the only time I've taken a loader off at all is to split the tractor for a repair!

In a new field that you're not sure where all the stumps and rocks are, running the loader down low makes an excellent Early Warning System.

For routine mowing , I just raise it up so the top edge of the bucket is about even with the hood as protection against tree branches and such and commence mowing.

I've rarely found the extra length to be a problem and those few times I'd just back in as needed.

 

[Fabriktr]

Thanks airbiscuit. I will by a gallon at NH next week when I pick up the owners manual.

 

[fried1765]

Regarding loaders and rotary mowers: I've had loader tractors and rotary mowers for 30 years and never taken a loader off for mowing. In fact, the only time I've taken a loader off at all is to split the tractor for a repair!

In a new field that you're not sure where all the stumps and rocks are, running the loader down low makes an excellent Early Warning System.


For routine mowing , I just raise it up so the top edge of the bucket is about even with the hood as protection against tree branches and such and commence mowing.

I've rarely found the extra length to be a problem and those few times I'd just back in as needed.

AGREED !!!

 

[Fabriktr]

This is all good info. Just what I am looking for. Some of this is I have figured out and there are some gems that you might call tribal knowledge. I like the money saving tips like Fried 1765 with the TSC oil for $33/5 gallon. I will assume that is a substantial savings from the Ambra G-134. How about alternate engine oil filters from an auto parts store?
I would like to keep the bucket on. Removal seems to be a pain by looking at it. I'm sure you experts could do it in your sleep. Some day I will be there. I am leaning heavily toward the complete fluid change to start at Base Line Zero. I will also start a dedicated maintenance log book. A habit/obsession acquired from airframe and powerplant work.

 

[bspeedy]

I'm 90% sure that WIX (available at O'Reilly Auto Parts) makes the NH filters. Same exact markings with different part numbers. WIX is a first quality filter and cheaper w/o the NH markings.

Google wix filter lookup.

The TSC fluid is fine for your TC30, assuming it is a gear drive model. For HST, I would use the factory juice.