2017 BX23S with 110 hours - ignore "hours" service interval and change fluids?

[dje]

I recently bought a 2017 BX23S with only 110 hours on it. It had its one and only dealer service in 2018 (50 hours). If I were to follow the service manual strictly, then I wouldn't be changing any fluids until 200 hours (apart from coolant).

I didn't feel comfortable running old oil (could be 5 years old), so I went ahead and changed it (& engine oil filter). I also flushed and replaced the coolant and the engine air filter.

I'm wondering if I should go ahead and change anything else - namely, the hydraulic fluid (& filter), front axle oil fluid and fuel filters. My gut tells me I can probably follow the standard service intervals (based on hours) for these fluids/parts - but I'd appreciate some other viewpoints.

Thanks!

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Yes you should change hydraulic fluid and filters too!

 

[GrizBota]

I believe the operators manual provides time frames in mos/years (as well as usage hours) regardless of usage hours for some service aspects. You might check that.

Myself, when I get a used rig, I change out all the fluids pretty much regardless of what the (nearly always incomplete) service records show. That way I “know”the condition of all the fluids for certain shortly after I own it.

 

[Runs With Scissors]

Edit: except automotive trans fluids...LOL

 

[hodge]

If it were me, I would first check the condition of the fluids. If they look good and clean, I would probably wait. I may change the filters, but if the fluids are good, there's no reason to change them. Changing good, clean oils makes no sense to me.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

There are two 'camps' to the 'change the HST oil' debate...
Yes, it's a good idea to do all, so you KNOW when it was ALL done after that well....
....while changing HST oil on a regular basis may sound good when was the last time( if ever) you've changed the HST oil in your lawn mower or the automatic tranny in your car or truck ?

I KNOW the HST in the 25+ year old Cub Cadet(MTD ) rider, that I've used and abused has never been changed, and it still drives fine. A lot of newer riders don't even have drain plugs for the HST (JD for sure...). even some car trannies don't have them ( or dipsticks ?).

For the OP, for sure, remove the 'screen filter' ( behind left wheel..fun..) and clean. Course to do that , you need to drain the oil. If you're careful, you can reuse it.

 

[The Evil Twin]

At 6 years old, I would change it. Everything degrades over time. How much? Who knows. But, I would change it now and then follow the schedule from there.

 

[Runs With Scissors]

when was the last time( if ever) you've changed the HST oil in your lawn mower or the automatic tranny in your car or truck ?

Good point Jay......I forgot that I am in the "If you don't completely flush your automotive tranny fluid with one of those flushing machines, and change the filter at 40k, then never touch it unless you absolutely have to" camp.

Although my observation is completely anecdotal, I have witnessed too many customers that have their tranny fluid changed at 80 or 95k, only to return 3 days later with shifting problems.

I'm not sure there is a 100% "apples to apples" thing going on, but you bring up a valid point.

I guess it's one of those whatever makes you feel better situations.

If I were the OP, I would change it since he is within the scheduled maintenance time frame and it would just make me feel better.

 

[PaulR]

2020 BX23S here with 109 hrs.
I've done oil, filter, HST filter change but no Hydraulic oil just yet.
I may do mine at 150, we'll see.
Of course, I think my rear PTO seal is leaking, so that may alter the schedule a bit.

 

[TheMurf]

If it were mine, I change all the fluids and filters including the air filter and grease the tractor. I'd remove the deck, clean it, sharpen or replace the blades and grease it too.. It's your machine do what you feel is right for you.

 

[fried1765]

Ev

At 6 years old, I would change it. Everything degrades over time. How much? Who knows. But, I would change it now and then follow the schedule from there.

"Everything degrades over time"?
The Kubota dealer told me that the 10 gallons of SUDT I bought, has an indefinite shelf life.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

well a 'long' shelf life, if NOT opened.....

 

[The Evil Twin]

Ev


"Everything degrades over time"?
The Kubota dealer told me that the 10 gallons of SUDT I bought, has an indefinite shelf life.

They are incorrect.
Every major refiner states 5 years if unopened. Some list up to 10 years given controlled storage conditions.
Could it go beyond that? Sure, but how long? They are not going to say that the properties will not change beyond what they state.

 

[Biker1mike]

I have never heard of a machine that had too much maintenance, but have heard of many the were under maintained.
For me, if in doubt change the fluids and filters, mark the hours and date.
Up front cost are a tad high. Pay me now or pay me later.

 

[fried1765]

They are incorrect.
Every major refiner states 5 years if unopened. Some list up to 10 years given controlled storage conditions.
Could it go beyond that? Sure, but how long? They are not going to say that the properties will not change beyond what they state.

So....
If I store it for 4 years, and then use it?
I only get one more year, before it needs to be changed again?
I think "every major refiner" likes to take advantage of the paranoid consumer.

 

[Henro]

At the end of the day, I don’t believe I’ve ever heard of anybody claiming that changing fluids too frequently caused any kind of a problem. If it doesn’t break the bank, why not just do it? It might feel bad for your wallet, but certainly will feel good otherwise.

 

[Henro]

So....
If I store it for 4 years, and then use it?
I only get one more year, before it needs to be changed again?
I think "every major refiner" likes to take advantage of the paranoid consumer.

I can’t help but think about hearing of people buying Kubota tractors and using them when they are 40 years or more older. And some of them are HST tractors I’m pretty sure. So I can relate to what fried1765 is stating…

 

[The Evil Twin]

So....
If I store it for 4 years, and then use it?
I only get one more year, before it needs to be changed again?
I think "every major refiner" likes to take advantage of the paranoid consumer.

I never said that. Simply that they do not guarantee the quality of the product.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

I know the QUARTS ,yes, REAL Canadian QUARTS, of 10W40 made in 1979 work 100% in my 1957 tractors,also good in my 70isg diesel forklift.
Just have to shake them up good to get the additives into suspension..something Shell didn't tell me about....

 

[imnukensc]

Did all fluid/filter changes/cleaned hydraulic suction strainer on my 2380 at 50 hours about 3 years ago. Did it all again the other day at 175 hours. Peace of mind for me.