L345 Hydraulic/Transmission Fluid

[JimDD]

I bought the L345 tractor (used) this fall and only used it once to bush hog 3 acres. I checked all the fluids after use and all was fine.

I am working a separate problem with the PTO H/L engage grinding a little too much and have to start the tractor up with the PTO engaged. I recently discovered this tractor had a suction filter on the hydraulics in addition to the circulating filter. So that was going to be my winter project, changing the trans fluid and cleaning the two filters in the system after the first of the year.

When I checked the trans fluid after using the tractor last, it was very clear and clean. Just this past week I was over and checked all the fluids and noticed when I checked the trans fluid, it was not the clear it was last time but was yellowish and milky. We do not get very cold here in Louisiana and the tractor was stored in a dry environment.

I know the oil will need to be changed with the filter maintenance, but is it normal for a tractor used not often to have what appears to be moisture show up being stored in a dry barn after its last use? Time since last use was about 2 months.

Thanks for any help.

JimDD

 

[J252]

I am working a separate problem with the PTO H/L engage grinding a little too much and have to start the tractor up with the PTO engaged.

That is likely due to clutch adjustment. The L345 has a double clutch (drive + pto) and your pto stage is not releasing properly. Adjusting to take out excessive clutch pedal free play should sort it out.

 

[birddogger]

The grinding of the PTO could be a rusted clutch plate, though not cold there it is humid. Just typed through this with a gent a week-ten days ago. He was able to unstick his by opening the inspection plate on the right side of the tranny, blocking the clutch pedal down and with a pry bar and hammer tapping the disc to pop it free.
found the thread-http://www.orangetractortalks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6166&highlight=clutch

If that is it, be sure to block the clutch pedal down fully while between uses to avoid clutch plates rusting together again.