Changing oil in tiller?

MattN03

Active member

Equipment
2011 B3200, LA504 FEL w/B2366 SSQA conversion, BH76 BH, EA Wicked 55
Sep 5, 2016
222
40
28
KY
Has anyone changed the gear oil in the gearbox and side gearbox on a King Kutter tiller? I've had a used tiller for a few years now and have always stored it inside. I till probably 20 acres or so a season in my area as a side job and have never changed the gear oil. I called King Kutter and they recommended just checking it and making sure it was up to the correct level. Thoughts on just doing this vs actually changing the gear oil every few years?
 

Runs With Scissors

Well-known member

Equipment
L2501 TLB , Grappel, Brush Hog, Box Blade, Ballast box, Forks, Tiller, PH digger
Jan 25, 2023
2,513
2,916
113
Michigan
Can't hurt to change it. Cheap insurance.

I only do about 1 acre for food plots, so I could probably get a long time out of it, but will change it every couple of seasons. I worry more about condensation than actually the oil breaking down.
 
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UpNorthMI

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Lifetime Member

Equipment
L3200, L3901, MX5800, SVL75-2, KX040
May 12, 2020
850
568
93
Up North, MI
I'm like you, low acreage use once a year, mine is about 5 years old now. I try to look at it in the spring, check the oil level, grease any grease points for bearings and grease fittings on the PTO shaft. General quick inspection for tine wear. In 5 years I've not had to add any oil, no real wear, just a little grease. Maybe this spring I will change the gear oil as I have plenty of gear oil in my shop, not sure it really requires a full oil change but I have also not really reviewed the oil condition to date.

Like you I store inside and I'm convinced that helps with equipment life and maintenance requirements. As commented above it can't hurt to change the oil. You also stated it was a used unit, I like to establish a benchmark on used equipment and try to keep a log of work done on equipment. I have my moments when I think I changed that gear box oil 5 years ago only to go back and look at the log to realize it was 15 years ago !!

I try to maintain what ever I can and normally do tractor maintenance earlier than recommended as my hours put on my tractors each year are low.
 
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GreensvilleJay

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Equipment
BX23-S,57 A-C D-14,58 A-C D-14, 57 A-C D-14,tiller,cults,Millcreek 25G spreader,
Apr 2, 2019
11,652
5,041
113
Greensville,Ontario,Canada
Unless there's a puddle of oil where you park it, just open the fill hole ,check, maybe add some, if required.
 

woodman55

Well-known member

Equipment
L6060HSTC, RTV 1100
May 15, 2022
937
733
93
canada
Where you bought it used, I would change it. That way you know what you have. Cheap insurance.
 

skeets

Well-known member

Equipment
BX 2360 /B2601
Oct 2, 2009
14,618
3,450
113
SW Pa
I mean really what could it hurt to change it, drain it and refill with fresh sync gear oil.