So I'm new here so forgive me if I've missed any forum posts or articles regarding the servicing of the Kubota L185DT model tractors. I've found bits and pieces here and there and some good info and some not so good. I've also found some contradictory information regarding servicing of this model tractor. I'd like to ask if there is any information out there that correctly details the servicing of the transmission on this model? From all the info I've gathered, this is what I "think" I know. The transmission should be serviced every 300 hours. The transmission lube should be SAE 80 gear oil and requires 24.9 quarts to service a completely empty unit. The 24.9 qts. services not only the transmission, but also the rear end and axles. The metallic suction screen filter element should be located on the left hand side of the transmission behind the left passenger foot step plate and slightly lower than the step plate. It should have 2 bolts and looks like a rounded top hat. I've found mine and plan to paint it red when I remove it for inspection and cleaning with diesel fuel. Forward and up higher should be the oil level gauge bolt. This is removed for servicing so that as oil gets up to that hole, oil oozes out, telling you you've got a serviced transmission. I'm told there is also another bolt closer to the clutch pedal that's also an oil gauge port, but I'm not sure what purpose that one would serve if they're both at the same plain on the transmission as I'm being told they are. Maybe it would help with draining the oil by allowing more air flow through the system while draining occurs?? Beyond that, I'm also told that there are several drain plugs on the belly of the transmission and rear end. Do those all get removed and if so, where are they all located? I've yet to find in the WSM or online, instructions on how to do a complete transmission oil change in any depth or clarity. If someone could point me in the right direction to that info, that would be appreciated. Ruling out fact from fiction so far as methods and procedures go is important to me (Ex-Air Force Jet Engine Mechanic). Looking forward to hearing from you all. Thanks.
Kubota L185DT tranny servicing facts?
- Thread starter Fryeburg500
- Start date
I think due to your expertise, having a worksop manual would make everything a walk in the park. As far as drain plugs, what i did was look for the obvious - lowest areas with plugs that have gaskets on them. Oil reccomendations should be as manual states,which you have already figured out. Seems lik you have a handle on most of it already, manual makes it so much easier.
ShaunBlake
New member
Lifetime Member
Equipment
B6100D; B219; Piranha bar; Hodge stabilizers; Filled Ag rears; R322T w/48" deck
Found one near me by Giggle search: Lashley Tractor Sales $75.23. One closer to you Messicks, Elizabethtown, PA for a few pennies more $75.61
Russell King
Well-known member
Lifetime Member
Equipment
L185F, Modern Ag Competitor 4’ shredder, Rhino tiller, rear dirt scoop
"I'd like to ask if there is any information out there that correctly details the servicing of the transmission on this model? "
IF you want a PDF copy of the operator's manual please send a PM with your e-mail address and I can send you one.
"The transmission should be serviced every 300 hours. "
Correct
"The transmission lube should be SAE 80 gear oil and requires 24.9 quarts to service a completely empty unit. The 24.9 qts. services not only the transmission, but also the rear end and axles. "
You can use gear oil (that is what the manual recommends but that was all that was available at that time). Use "universal transmission hydraulic fluid" such as Kubota UDT or other brands and you will be fine. The hydraulics should work better.
The manual states 23 quarts for the 2WD and 24 quarts for the 4WD (your model) transmission. The front axle requires another 2 quarts total (1.2 in the differential cases total, 0.8 quart in the gear cases total)
The metallic suction screen filter element should be located on the left hand side of the transmission behind the left passenger foot step plate and slightly lower than the step plate. It should have 2 bolts and looks like a rounded top hat. I've found mine and plan to paint it red when I remove it for inspection and cleaning with diesel fuel.
Correct location. There will be an o-ring behind the plate with two bolts. There will be a spring and a filter screen. You may need to grab it with a needle nose plier to pull it out.
"Forward and up higher should be the oil level gauge bolt. This is removed for servicing so that as oil gets up to that hole, oil oozes out, telling you you've got a serviced transmission."
I did not use this one - so can not comment.
Yes you let oil run out of the plug and it is full.
"I'm told there is also another bolt closer to the clutch pedal that's also an oil gauge port, but I'm not sure what purpose that one would serve if they're both at the same plain on the transmission as I'm being told they are. Maybe it would help with draining the oil by allowing more air flow through the system while draining occurs??"
No idea why Kubota installed more plugs or bolts but the "official" port is near the clutch pedal on the side of the transmission. It may be square head but mine is a hex head bolt with a crush washer behind it.
Removing the transmission oil fill will allow a lot more air into the case than any other plugs so I wouldn't remove them.
"Beyond that, I'm also told that there are several drain plugs on the belly of the transmission and rear end. Do those all get removed and if so, where are they all located? "
Yes there are multiple plugs to drain the transmission and rear axle. On mine there was one plug on the bottom of the transmission and there were two plugs on the rear axle each side (4 total). These plugs are again hex head bolts with crush washers.
Drain the transmission first through the bottom plug then the axles.
The axle drains are on the inside of the rear tires on the inside of the sheet metal enclosure and are on a vertical surface of the sheet metal.
I recommend getting a large drain pan (go to Home Depot or equivalent) and get a plastic pan in the masonry area for mixing concrete - about 2 x 3 feet). Put your multiple 5 gallon buckets inside this so you can catch any overage. You will need to have more than one bucket unless you are very good at carrying a full bucket of liquid!
Also - there (are probably) two plugs to drain the engine oil so please ensure you drain it from both plugs! Again these are hex bolts with crush washers.
IF you want a PDF copy of the operator's manual please send a PM with your e-mail address and I can send you one.
"The transmission should be serviced every 300 hours. "
Correct
"The transmission lube should be SAE 80 gear oil and requires 24.9 quarts to service a completely empty unit. The 24.9 qts. services not only the transmission, but also the rear end and axles. "
You can use gear oil (that is what the manual recommends but that was all that was available at that time). Use "universal transmission hydraulic fluid" such as Kubota UDT or other brands and you will be fine. The hydraulics should work better.
The manual states 23 quarts for the 2WD and 24 quarts for the 4WD (your model) transmission. The front axle requires another 2 quarts total (1.2 in the differential cases total, 0.8 quart in the gear cases total)
The metallic suction screen filter element should be located on the left hand side of the transmission behind the left passenger foot step plate and slightly lower than the step plate. It should have 2 bolts and looks like a rounded top hat. I've found mine and plan to paint it red when I remove it for inspection and cleaning with diesel fuel.
Correct location. There will be an o-ring behind the plate with two bolts. There will be a spring and a filter screen. You may need to grab it with a needle nose plier to pull it out.
"Forward and up higher should be the oil level gauge bolt. This is removed for servicing so that as oil gets up to that hole, oil oozes out, telling you you've got a serviced transmission."
I did not use this one - so can not comment.
Yes you let oil run out of the plug and it is full.
"I'm told there is also another bolt closer to the clutch pedal that's also an oil gauge port, but I'm not sure what purpose that one would serve if they're both at the same plain on the transmission as I'm being told they are. Maybe it would help with draining the oil by allowing more air flow through the system while draining occurs??"
No idea why Kubota installed more plugs or bolts but the "official" port is near the clutch pedal on the side of the transmission. It may be square head but mine is a hex head bolt with a crush washer behind it.
Removing the transmission oil fill will allow a lot more air into the case than any other plugs so I wouldn't remove them.
"Beyond that, I'm also told that there are several drain plugs on the belly of the transmission and rear end. Do those all get removed and if so, where are they all located? "
Yes there are multiple plugs to drain the transmission and rear axle. On mine there was one plug on the bottom of the transmission and there were two plugs on the rear axle each side (4 total). These plugs are again hex head bolts with crush washers.
Drain the transmission first through the bottom plug then the axles.
The axle drains are on the inside of the rear tires on the inside of the sheet metal enclosure and are on a vertical surface of the sheet metal.
I recommend getting a large drain pan (go to Home Depot or equivalent) and get a plastic pan in the masonry area for mixing concrete - about 2 x 3 feet). Put your multiple 5 gallon buckets inside this so you can catch any overage. You will need to have more than one bucket unless you are very good at carrying a full bucket of liquid!
Also - there (are probably) two plugs to drain the engine oil so please ensure you drain it from both plugs! Again these are hex bolts with crush washers.
Russell King - you are the man! I have the operators manual and WSM. I'll review these further. In the meantime, I'd like to thank you for your email. It has given me nearly everything I need. Thank you!
Russell King
Well-known member
Lifetime Member
Equipment
L185F, Modern Ag Competitor 4’ shredder, Rhino tiller, rear dirt scoop
Glad to help. A few other suggestions:
Don't over buy the oil quantity, you probably won't use the full quantity listed in the manual. I don't know why, it just doesn't take it before it starts running out. If I recall I got about 21 to 22 quarts in my L185F before it ran out. Have someone to watch the fill level since you will be busy pouring/watching funnel...
If you buy the oil in a 5 gallon (20 quarts) pail, buy a transfer pump for the 5 gallon bucket of oil (screws into the spout). There is no "easy" way to get the 5 gallon size bucket to pour into the transmission, even using a funnel. It is heavy, hard to hold, won't fit between shift levers and seat... It is cheaper but more difficult to use.
Buy at least some small (1 or 2 gallon) containers to top it off after using the 5 gallon pail.
If you have any other questions, let us know.
Don't over buy the oil quantity, you probably won't use the full quantity listed in the manual. I don't know why, it just doesn't take it before it starts running out. If I recall I got about 21 to 22 quarts in my L185F before it ran out. Have someone to watch the fill level since you will be busy pouring/watching funnel...
If you buy the oil in a 5 gallon (20 quarts) pail, buy a transfer pump for the 5 gallon bucket of oil (screws into the spout). There is no "easy" way to get the 5 gallon size bucket to pour into the transmission, even using a funnel. It is heavy, hard to hold, won't fit between shift levers and seat... It is cheaper but more difficult to use.
Buy at least some small (1 or 2 gallon) containers to top it off after using the 5 gallon pail.
If you have any other questions, let us know.