Transmission Fluid Level Question

[PlanMan]

I recently changed the my transmission / hydraulic fluid and replaced it with the 12.7 qts. indicated in my owners manual. However, the fluid level is now at the top of the hole where the dip stick goes in, way above the full mark, which I am assuming was caused by some trapped oil. Before I drain some off, could someone advise me:

1. When checking the fluid level, should the loader boom and bucket cylinders be fully extended or retracted?

2. How about the 3ph - raised or lowered?

Thanks

 

[Dusty]

The position of the cylinders shouldn't matter, since there is oil on both sides of the piston seals. For the future, only reinstall the amount that you remove. It is a pain to do this accurately, but you need to dispose of the old fluid, so why not put it into empty washer fluid jugs? If you remove 2 gallons and 3 quarts, that is what you initially put back in. Then check the dip stick and fill to the line. You will never get out what the entire system holds, and the figures that are published in the manuals are for a total fill when the system is dry. Often times, even those figures are wrong. The BX is a prime example of capacity reference information being published wrong. No harm will be done if you drain off a little. If you want to make your life easy, then disconnect a hydraulic hose and drain that line. Remove about a pint and see what happens with the level once you start the machine. Also, always check the levels when the machine is running, so you know that all lines are charged. Dusty

 

[Doc_Bob]

1. When checking the fluid level, should the loader boom and bucket cylinders be fully extended or retracted?

2. How about the 3ph - raised or lowered?

Thanks

Mine machne is on level ground, FEL lowered, 3ph in any position. (<- I never look).
Bob

PS I have been told that the fluid is just a reservoir on my NH TN70A and not to worry when it was overfilled it. I still removed the extra gallon the dealer put in. I don't know if it matters, I just feel better.

 

[ozzie tractor]

hate to argue but the position of the loader will affect the oil level, there is oil on either side of the seal in the cylinders but one side is smaller in volume because there is a ram shaft in there as well taking up room. 3pl is the same, but i have never seen one make a huge diffrence, as long as its between the full and empty its ok, a bit over wont hurt, but to much crates pressure inside the gearbox and encourages oil leaks.

 

[Volfandt]

Run it a couple of minutes then shut it down, give it a minute or 2 to drain down then recheck. If it's still too high then drain it down to where it's where it's supposed to be.
It won't hurt it to run it overfilled for a few minutes but after it heats up it'll eventually find it's way to the pressure relief valve and start self draining, probably all over your tractor and you'll smell it forever

I've found that it's best to check the fluid level with all mounted hydraulic implements "down". That is that the 3PH is down, the FEL is down and if mounted the BH is pinned in the transport position.
I generally check my fluid level with the FEL & BH dismounted primarily because they do hold some fluid even when de-energized or dismounted and I want the fluid level correct sans these implements.
Good luck
Volfandt

 

[Double 00 Soul]

PlanMan, sounds like you got a lot of good advice here. One thing I liked about the owners manual for a Cub Cadet mower that I have is that they pointed out that a person shouldn't go by the stated capacities but rather just fill to the full mark and re-check after running. Of course this is the same owners manual that told me to change the filter on the HST after ten hours but neglected to mention that all the fluid comes out when the filter is taken off.

 

[ronjhall]

I have found that when filling the transmission on the 2 different Cabot's that I have owned is they required less oil than what is stated in the manual. Probably because not all oil can be drained when changing oil. If oil is at top of dip stick opening, I would expect oil to leak out when tractor is warmed up. May even push the dip stick out of hole. Drain down the oil until it is at top of dip stick markings for full.