Recently purchased an new 4wd L2501 Gear Transmission with FEL and backhoe. I had read somewhere that to check the hydraulic fluid level the tractor should be shut off, FEL down on ground and Backhoe in transport position. At that point the fluid level should be 1/2 way up the view window. Mine did not show at all. Got a gallon of fluid from dealer and added it slowly with no visible fluid in view window. Added, the gallon and can just barely see fluid at the bottom of window. If I lower the backhoe bucket and extend it out completely the fluid is about 1/2 way up view window. Talked to dealer and my belief is they did not top the reservoir off after adding backhoe. he said the level I have now is correct. My question is should I be adding more fluid? or is this adequate. I do believe it was low when I received it(14 hours on unit). Any chance of any damage running it at low level. I guess it I should have checked it when delivered but we were kind of excited about our first new tractor and it was a matter of trust with the dealer. Thanks for your time. Great machine, we love it.
Hydraulic/Transmission level l2501
- Thread starter Ted1
- Start date
The oil level will fluctuate. Temp, etc will affect it. And most importantly, the tractor MUST be level. Even a degree or two of tilt one way or another will affect the oil level in the sight glass. Yes, FEL down, BH in transport position is correct.
Yes, Like you I had trouble seeing anything in the sightglass when I got the tractor with FEL last week. Since then I have been tempted to add some fluid, but checked with the dealers shop, made sure the FEL was on the ground, and most important, make sure the tractor is level. Usually when park it after mowing with the 5 ft King Cutter, the fluid is warm and I can see the level in the sight glass somewhere in the middle. The range I've seen is from a drip on the bottom of the white disk, to almost to the top of the sightglass when it's warm.
Getting much more confident with checking it over and loving the maneuvering with the HST.
Yes, usually only 1 tiny bit on the bottom of window with FEL down and Backhoe in transport position. One time when tractor was running, using the backhoe, and a slight tilt toward the drivers side did I see the fluid up to the top of the white disk. I have put in about 5 quarts and still not sure it is sufficient. Not sure why it came with low levels other than some air pockets in cylinders and not topped off at dealer. My dealer did give me fluid and was nice about it. Good people and would definitely buy from them again. Just apparently missed when installed. I don't think anything was damaged although caused a bit of anxiety since it was a brand new machine. I must say we really like the tractor and the backhoe is extremely helpful to us. Just the right size for our purpose.