ZD 326 Maintenance

[vettman]

It's time to change transmission/hydrostatic fluid in my ZD326, and I have a few questions. First the owner's manual only refers to a single transmission filter, yet the system has two filters. Is the change interval the same for both? The owner's manual says change filter at 50 hrs., and then fluid and filter at 400 hrs. The errata sheet for the owner's manual says interval is 200 hrs.; dealer says 300 hrs. What interval should I use? Owner's manual says capacity with filters is 19.02 qts., and the errata sheet says 12.8 qts. I'm prepared to assume the errata sheet is correct; can anyone confirm? Also, what torque value should I use for the RH and LH rear axle drain plugs, and the transmission sump drain plug?

The owner's manual says after draining the fluid, fill to the "upper line of the gauge". Clearly, if you fill to the upper line with the fluid at "room" temperature, it will rise above the line at operating temperature--is this a problem/issue?

Thanks

 

[Maverick1568]

Vettman I see no one answered. What did you end up doing?

 

[vettman]

Vettman I see no one answered. What did you end up doing?

I do have some answers after talking to a rep at Kubota HQ. The info is in the barn and I will dig it out and report back later today.

 

[vettman]

Here's the info I got directly from a Kubota customer service rep at the Kubota Corp. headquarters in Suwanee, GA, re. changing transmission/hydrostatic fluid in the ZD326 mower:
1. The upper filter is the "HST Transmission Oil filter". It should be changed every 200 hours, without changing the fluid. Filter part no. is HHK70-14070.
2. The lower filter is the "Hydraulic Oil Filter. It should be changed every 400 hours, along with the fluid. Filter part no. is HH3A0-82623.
3. Re-fill transmission to midway between the upper and lower marks on the dip stick--approximately 12.8 qts. (This is a slow process, as the fluid takes a while draining back into all the various sumps).
4. Tightening torque values for the drain plugs should be based on the bolt sizes, as listed in the table on page 76 of the owner's manual. (I do not recall sizes of the drain bolts, so I can't provide torque values. You'll need to measure plugs when you remove them, then consult the chart for the correct tightening torque.)

 

[RjCorazza]

Replacing the filters is always a hassle on my Kubota zd326. Changing numbers, dealers calling them by the wrong name, etc...
One Kubota parts web site used to just list them both as "HST Filter".
There must be variants of the zd326 that affect at least filter locations, as mine are not located as described on yours, and the transmission filter is a different part number. Typical.
I also refilled with 12.8 quarts total. 8 quarts slowly added, start machine for a minute or so then shut down, add balance. The starting the machine thing to distribute the fluid was actually in my WSM, with a warning to not move the machine.

 

[vettman]

Replacing the filters is always a hassle on my Kubota zd326. Changing numbers, dealers calling them by the wrong name, etc...
One Kubota parts web site used to just list them both as "HST Filter".
There must be variants of the zd326 that affect at least filter locations, as mine are not located as described on yours, and the transmission filter is a different part number. Typical.
I also refilled with 12.8 quarts total. 8 quarts slowly added, start machine for a minute or so then shut down, add balance. The starting the machine thing to distribute the fluid was actually in my WSM, with a warning to not move the machine.

I believe I have a note somewhere in my manual about starting the engine at some point during the re-fill process, but now I'll add your advice somewhere that's easy to find/remember. The upper filter is easily accessible after you lift the seat; the lower one is a bit of a PIA as you have to crawl underneath to access it.

Do you use the "built-in" front lift when changing blades or do you just drive it up on some ramps?

 

[RjCorazza]

I use the built in jack and a 4" ramp. I get the ground wheel pointing sideways, and direct it up the ramp to get enough height for my air tools. That jack is a real slick piece of engineering!

 

[Maverick1568]

I believe I have a note somewhere in my manual about starting the engine at some point during the re-fill process, but now I'll add your advice somewhere that's easy to find/remember. The upper filter is easily accessible after you lift the seat; the lower one is a bit of a PIA as you have to crawl underneath to access it.

Do you use the "built-in" front lift when changing blades or do you just drive it up on some ramps?

I use the front lift. I also, want to say thanks for info out there now involving hydraulic fluid change. I called my local rep and he told me same refill process. Add fluid to mark then jack up machine rear and start engage drive medium speed few minutes to allow fluid to work its way to RH/LH gear case (rear tires).

 

[vettman]

Hadn't thought about using a ramp for the grounded wheel when using the front jack. I've been just driving that wheel onto a short piece of 2x12, orienting the wheel so that it will roll along the board until max height is reached. A 4-inch ramp sounds like a better solution. Thanks for sharing, RJ