I recently purchased a 2005 Kubota L3400 4WD with 722 hours. I changed the oil this weekend andonly about 3 quarts drained out. Its supposed to take 6 so I'm not sure if there is an issue. I ran a quart of new oil through and then refilled with 4 quarts. The dipstick is reading right in the middle where it should be and the oil on the dipstick looks clean now. Should I be concerned that I couldn't get 6 quarts to drain out? I removed both plugs and the filter and took of the cap to facilitate a good flow. I didnt' know what else I could do to get out the rest of the oil. This is my first tractor.
Servicing my new used tractor (Oil Change)
- Thread starter kdcvsc
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bp fick
Super Member
There are a few threads here on that issue. It seems few folks are able to actually put in the 6 quarts the manual states. Most find 5 to be just about right.
Tibbits
Bronze Member
- Joined
- Aug 19, 2007
- Messages
- 74
- Tractor
- L3430 GST, BX1500
also, fill the oil to the top mark of the dipstick (but not over). every little bit helps. you may want to consider changing all fluids since it is used. it's a pain, but provides a lot of peace of mind. and, you'll learn a lot about your tractor.
Will do Tibbits. I've already lubricated the tractor and FEL and plan to change out the fuel filter and the Hydraulic filter. I was told by the original owner that he recently had to refill the hydraulic fluid when he had a hose bust and all the fluid leaked out. It doesn't look like he change the filter though which I thought was odd. I plan to replace the front axle case oil as well but I need to figure out what type of oil goes in there first. Is there a secret to getting the oil into the check plug? It looks difficult.
Tibbits
Bronze Member
- Joined
- Aug 19, 2007
- Messages
- 74
- Tractor
- L3430 GST, BX1500
sounds like a good plan. you can use sudt in the front axle, but I've read threads where folks say gear oil is also ok and may have some benefits. I use sudt for simplicity (always have some around).
refilling the trans fluid is a pain due to the fill hole location and angle. there are some threads on how to rig a solution. best I recall, I used a flexible funnel and wire and a lot of grunting lifting 5 gal buckets of sudt. I think next time I will buy a small transfer pump. others say it makes the job simple and I seem to be seeing other uses for a pump. they're cheap from what I've read. should save a lot of time and oil spills.
also, be sure you get the new sudt2 when you change fluids. I think most dealers have this now, there are threads on it. I still have the 'old' sudt but plan to switch to the new at next fluid change. I don't like to mix fluid types, even if it's ok to do so.
I also assume you have the dual element air filter. the inner element is an emergency filter in case the outer one fails. you don't have to change the inner, but I did when I bought the tractor.
I also flushed the radiator. it was clean, but at least I know it was clean. if you do it, it can wait until you're in the mood.
one last little thing, get a turning knob for the steering wheel if it doesn't already have one. cheap but makes a big difference.
refilling the trans fluid is a pain due to the fill hole location and angle. there are some threads on how to rig a solution. best I recall, I used a flexible funnel and wire and a lot of grunting lifting 5 gal buckets of sudt. I think next time I will buy a small transfer pump. others say it makes the job simple and I seem to be seeing other uses for a pump. they're cheap from what I've read. should save a lot of time and oil spills.
also, be sure you get the new sudt2 when you change fluids. I think most dealers have this now, there are threads on it. I still have the 'old' sudt but plan to switch to the new at next fluid change. I don't like to mix fluid types, even if it's ok to do so.
I also assume you have the dual element air filter. the inner element is an emergency filter in case the outer one fails. you don't have to change the inner, but I did when I bought the tractor.
I also flushed the radiator. it was clean, but at least I know it was clean. if you do it, it can wait until you're in the mood.
one last little thing, get a turning knob for the steering wheel if it doesn't already have one. cheap but makes a big difference.
Tibbits
Bronze Member
- Joined
- Aug 19, 2007
- Messages
- 74
- Tractor
- L3430 GST, BX1500
almost forgot, after you change the front axle fluid, check it frequently for a while. it can take a little time for the fluid to work into all the spaces in the axle.
Tibbits
Bronze Member
- Joined
- Aug 19, 2007
- Messages
- 74
- Tractor
- L3430 GST, BX1500
since I was in your shoes not long ago, I have to mention the best benefit I have found on TBN. it's not how to get the most from your tractor, but how to live long enough to do so.
these machines are a lot of power in a small package and can make your wife a widow in 3 seconds. read the posts on this site about fel safety and roll overs. it's amazing how easy it is to get in a dangerous situation on a tractor. wear you set belt while your new to it all and remember even experienced drivers are routinely killed or maimed.
don't want to scare you, but a good dose of fear early may not be a bad thing and should evolve into a healthy respect as you get used to your machine. if you ever become fearless, you'll one day be reminded... with a blushed white face and soiled undies as you teeter in 3 wheels.
these machines are a lot of power in a small package and can make your wife a widow in 3 seconds. read the posts on this site about fel safety and roll overs. it's amazing how easy it is to get in a dangerous situation on a tractor. wear you set belt while your new to it all and remember even experienced drivers are routinely killed or maimed.
don't want to scare you, but a good dose of fear early may not be a bad thing and should evolve into a healthy respect as you get used to your machine. if you ever become fearless, you'll one day be reminded... with a blushed white face and soiled undies as you teeter in 3 wheels.