L2501 oil change at 200 or 400 hours?

[Virtual Guy]

I downloaded an electronic copy of the operators manual. It says to change the oil at 200 hours. I've done all of the service except the oil change when I noticed my paper manual says I don't have to change the oil until 400 hours. Have any of you noticed this discrepancy?

I realize an extra oil change won't hurt anything. I'm just curious what you all I've done.

 

[Virtual Guy]

Electronic copy...

Paper copy...

 

[Pawnee]

My paper and electronic both say 400 hours.
At my current rate of 50 hours per year that means 7-1/2 years 'til the second oil change.
I'll probably let it go to 150 hours for the second change, then maybe every 2 years.
It only takes 5L of oil.
If you let a car go 400 hours at 100KPH that would be 40,000Km.
Seems wrong.

 

[85Hokie]

Pay the fiddler change it now........simply for the peace of mind, the tractor will love you for it!

 

[RalphVa]

The Bs manual says every 200 hours.

 

[old and tired]

I change my engine oil at every 100 hours. That's what my L2800 manual said to do.

Maybe since that engine is detuned, it can do that.

 

[thebicman]

Minimum every 200 hours but I change it every fall no matter what. What's an extra oil change worth compared to the cost of an engine.

 

[Virtual Guy]

For what it's worth I did change the oil & filter and changed to synthetic oil. I will probably change it every 200 since that'll be pretty long intervals for me (time wise). I just find it odd that there's such a difference in the two sources.

Side notes:
Mobil 1 M1-204A subs for the OEM oil filter
WIX WL10014 subs for the OEM transmission filter
Spec says 6 quarts of oil but 5.5 put it just over the top mark
Walking into a raised grapple tine will cause a lump on your head and bad words to be said.

 

[RCW]

How many hours per year do you do?

I always err on the side of caution for a new engine. Change early.

I usually change motor oil annually on tractor. I do about 50 hours/year.

Like Pawnee, I don't like to go beyond 2 years on motor oil, especially if usage is such that the machine is not regularly worked for many hours at operating temperature.

Guess point being that sometimes hours are fine. Sometimes the calendar should dictate.

 

[DustyRusty]

I change the oil on a new engine after starting up with a new break in oil and filter. On my tractor, I changed the oil at 50 hours and then once a year or every 100 hours. Oil and filters are inexpensive compared to replacing an engine.
Toyota recommends changing oil at 10,000 miles, and if you watch this video you will learn why you shouldn't follow the manufacturer's recommendations.

 

[RCW]

For what it's worth I did change the oil & filter and changed to synthetic oil. I will probably change it every 200 since that'll be pretty long intervals for me (time wise). I just find it odd that there's such a difference in the two sources.

Side notes:
Mobil 1 M1-204A subs for the OEM oil filter
WIX WL10014 subs for the OEM transmission filter
Spec says 6 quarts of oil but 5.5 put it just over the top mark
Walking into a raised grapple tine will cause a lump on your head and bad words to be said.

Just bolded a couple of things - these are just my opinion.

1. Like I said in previous post - - 6 years between oil changes isn't necessarily a good thing.... I only use 6 as an example. 2 years is enough in my book.
2. For filters, I recommend OEM. Many here on OTT do the same. We've had folks here with issues, some very bad, related to non-OEM. An OEM filter costs a couple dollars more. Your tractor, your choice.
3. The 6 quart spec is normally not met. You won't drain everything when changing fluids. Surprised you got 5.5 in it.
4. Not mentioned, but if new, check your front axle fluid....bet it's low or dry....

 

[Virtual Guy]

Just bolded a couple of things - these are just my opinion.

1. Like I said in previous post - - 6 years between oil changes isn't necessarily a good thing.... I only use 6 as an example. 2 years is enough in my book.
2. For filters, I recommend OEM. Many here on OTT do the same. We've had folks here with issues, some very bad, related to non-OEM. An OEM filter costs a couple dollars more. Your tractor, your choice.
3. The 6 quart spec is normally not met. You won't drain everything when changing fluids. Surprised you got 5.5 in it.
4. Not mentioned, but if new, check your front axle fluid....bet it's low or dry....

I wouldn't let it go that long. I expect to put the next 200 in a couple years max.

I don't fully agree that OEM= better. WIX and Mobil1 are very reputable filter manufacturers and have no motivation to cause their customers engine problems. I would not use a no-name however.

That is exactly why I stopped at 5.5 and checked. Looks like it would be about mid-range on the stick with 5.

I did not buy this new but I'll definitely check the front axle. Thanks.

 

[Virtual Guy]

How many hours per year do you do?

I always err on the side of caution for a new engine. Change early.

I usually change motor oil annually on tractor. I do about 50 hours/year.

Like Pawnee, I don't like to go beyond 2 years on motor oil, especially if usage is such that the machine is not regularly worked for many hours at operating temperature.

Guess point being that sometimes hours are fine. Sometimes the calendar should dictate.

Yes I agree. I wouldn't let it go beyond 2 years. I just got the 2501 a couple months ago so I'm not sure just how much I'll use it but it wouldn't surprise me if I put 100 per year or more. So that won't likely be an issue.

 

[RCW]

I don't fully agree that OEM= better. WIX and Mobil1 are very reputable filter manufacturers and have no motivation to cause their customers engine problems. I would not use a no-name however.

No worries. As stated, just expressing my opinion. Kubota doesn't make filters. They put their name on someone else's product.

Anything oils, fluids, filters, and even greases generate a lot of opinions here on OTT!!

 

[MountainMeadows]

I don't fully agree that OEM= better. WIX and Mobil1 are very reputable filter manufacturers and have no motivation to cause their customers engine problems.

Next time you get a chance cut that Mobil 1 filter open and see how it's made.

I cut open a dozen name brand filters to see just how well they were made. Mobil 1 was the cheapest of the bunch having a piece of string tied around the center of the filter element to keep it from ballooning out against the canister.

Wix was one of the best.

Kubota was not among the batch of test filters but when it comes to my tractor I'll be going with Kubota filters + fluids when it's time for service. I'll also be examining the Kubota filters when the time comes.

 

[Virtual Guy]

No worries. As stated, just expressing my opinion. Kubota doesn't make filters. They put their name on someone else's product.

Anything oils, fluids, filters, and even greases generate a lot of opinions here on OTT!!

Oh don't I know it! I used to ride a motorcycle. Folks online could go on for days about fuel and oil.

My very favorite post poking fun at that was:

OP: "Should I be using traditional or synthetic oil in my xxx?"
First reply: "yes"

 

[RCW]

Oh don't I know it! I used to ride a motorcycle. Folks online could go on for days about fuel and oil.

My very favorite post poking fun at that was:

OP: "Should I be using traditional or synthetic oil in my xxx?"
First reply: "yes"

I think we have several threads in the last 2 years about grease. Think they're 100 posts each.....

You put synthetic oil on your tractor?!?!!? That's another 200 posts somewhere here on OTT......

Many times I've gotten involved in the 50 hour service of new tractors.....that's 1,000's of posts....

Still check your front axle....

 

[Fordtech86]

Still check your front axle....

whatcha puttin in it


As far as oil changes, I’m in the change it once a year crowd. Tractor maybe sees 50 hrs a year now.

 

[radas]

I change the oil on a new engine after starting up with a new break in oil and filter. On my tractor, I changed the oil at 50 hours and then once a year or every 100 hours. Oil and filters are inexpensive compared to replacing an engine.
Toyota recommends changing oil at 10,000 miles, and if you watch this video you will learn why you shouldn't follow the manufacturer's recommendations.

This is the way.

 

[Virtual Guy]

While doing the service I noticed the coolant is at the bottom line. The only thing I have is John Deere Cool Gard. Will that be okay in my Kubota?

Aaaaand....go!