RK55HSC Oil changes

[Melancholy Bear]

I only put on about 50-hours per year. At my 50-hour service a couple years ago, the mechanic told me assuredly that I don't have to change the oil until I reach my 300-hour service. Now I'm questioning that. Does oil go bad or break down or lose efficacy after a year? Should I be changing oil every year no matter how many hours I put on it? And if so, does that go for the other oils like transmission and hydraulic, or just the engine oil?

 

[DonRybak]

I looked at my manual for the RK37 and it says to change the oil ever 250 hours or one year which ever comes first. I don't change mine annually but most manufacturers, both vehicle and oil, recommend yearly due to the fact that oil contains chemicals that fight wear plus absorb moisture from the environment. I guess one year is what is considered the max time that the moisture absorption is affective. Just my guess......

 

[Roadworthy]

Transmission and hydraulic go longer because there's no combustion in those places.

 

[TractorTYMe]

Just do engine oil annually, HST/Hydraulic is a closed system and doesn't nearly see the heat and abuse engine oil sees.