Is my new girl OK?

[FlanaganFarm]

I took delivery of a new L3901 this week. After the initial walk through of the machine, the dealer rep suggested I take some time to play. I happily obliged and after about an hour and a half running it including putting the implements away, my thoughts were that it seemed a little "whiny" but it is HST so I figured I just needed to get used to it.
I decided to check the fluids & when I got to the trans fluid, it didn't even register. Dealer was closed so after a night of hand wringing I called in the morning. They suggested I pick up some fluid but I insisted they come out as it was brand new & I was concerned there might be an issue.
When the mechanic came out he ended up adding MORE THAN A GALLON of fluid!!! There was no leak, I don't understand how that is possible...it literally had 2.5 hrs on it. I didn't think it was possible I could spend that much on a machine that wouldn't come with tranny fluid! I expressed my concerns that I had run it for more than an hour that way. The engine did stall a few times during that time but I am not sure it was related. He had me drive it and jockey the bucket a bit before pronouncing it fine.
I'm new here but I did some looking when I was shopping & was impressed with the knowledge base and the member's willingness to help each other out. We are new farmers and this tractor represents a huge investment for us as our first real equipment purchase (quite an upgrade from tackling virgin sod with a 1955 gravely walk behind). I am losing sleep at night imaging the damage that one hour did on a machine I plan on counting on for another thousand. I'd appreciate any input on how much/little damage likely occurred, if there is anything I can do, and any break in advice to take care of my new girl. The info is much appreciated, thanks guys.

 

[bxray]

OUCH!
That was a big dealer booboo!
Does it sound different now that it is full?

The hst does have quite a whine. Someone said it sounds like a starwars tie fighter.

There is 4+ gallons so maybe there was enough.
Go to the salesperson and have them add warranty!
Give it a workout while under warranty to see if it fails.

Ray

 

[Bluegill]

It's fine, no worries at all! One gallon low is not goin to hurt a thing in just a short time.

 

[tcrote5516]

It's fine. The first fear with low fluid levels is starving the pump but that would have caused obvious problems while operating. The second fear is heat with 25% less oil circulating but since you were in the break-in period I would think you were taking it somewhat easy on it. A gallon sound's like a lot but remember it's just that last gallon, the gallon that sit's on top of the other three. There's nothing out of the fluid in that last gallon of any importance and it's expected that sometimes after an unnoticed leak that some of that would be lost anyway. That tolorance is built into the design.

 

[koja]

No worries , she's fine . Now if it had been low enough that it wouldn't move,,,then yes, I would be concerned . But it sounds like you didn't notice a difference so its ok .
HST is quite noisy . Haven't seen one yet that isn't . Especially under load .

 

[Kingcreek]

I agree with above. Relax- Not an issue.

side note: I traded for a new ford truck in 1993. Got it home and drove it with no problems but then cold weather arrived and I started having problems going into drive with the auto trans. I took it back to the dealer 40 miles away and they checked it out and told me it needed a part in the transmission. They would need it 2 or 3 days because they would have to tear it down, then order parts, and install under warranty. I was waiting a couple weeks to schedule the work. I realized I was due for the first oil/filter service and took it my local mechanic.When I picked it up he told me he noticed I was 2.5 quarts low on AT fluid so he added some and by the way, it shifts a lot better now!
I called the dealer to cancel the service and told them why, and never dealt with them again!

 

[skeets]

Yeps shes ok,, Now we lovs dirty pictures so go out and play errrrr I mean work her, get her all dirty, and take some pics,,, we lov out tractor porn

 

[ShaunRH]

Must be from Australia... image is upside down.

Gratz on the new toy.

I think a gallon down is okay but I'd watch it just to be certain.

 

[FlanaganFarm]

Wow, that's great to hear. I've been sweating bullets.
I guess I can get back to using her so I can get some dirty pictures for you guys.
Thanks guys for the advice (I have been running her easy for break in, around 1900 RPM if not under load).
Ha, New England, not Australia.
Fixed the pic here....boy she sure is purdy.

 

[FlanaganFarm]

I agree with above. Relax- Not an issue.
I was 2.5 quarts low on AT fluid so he added some and by the way, it shifts a lot better now!
I called the dealer to cancel the service and told them why, and never dealt with them again!

That is exactly what I needed to hear, thanks man

 

[CaveCreekRay]

Flan,

I bought a used L3800 and when I test drove it, the HST was so loud in high range an high speed I wondered if there was something wrong! I am used to it now and wear nice headphones but plan to swap to SUDT (Synthetic) soon. My interval is 400 hours for the first fluid change but, when I get caught up, I'll do it early. Folks here say it quietens down the tranny quite a bit. I am looking forward to that! I already have the fluids and extra filters though, the hydraulic filters have been changed three times thus far due to maintenance on the 3pt.

One thing you hear in the HST is the main valve sound. With a warm engine in high range, just slightly push the GO pedal... you can hear the loud strain noise of the fluid passing through the valve under high pressure -like a faucet when you crack it. That's normal. Somebody mentioned the Grands have rubber blankets to quiet down the tranny. If they made one for mine, I'd buy one.

Have fun!