Servicing front axle on 3901 HST 4WD

Lancelot

New member

Equipment
L3901HST, backhoe, loader, tiller, mower, snow blower
Jul 25, 2020
8
2
3
Idaho
Just did this one myself for the first time. Looking for hints to make it easier/cleaner? The oil drain plugs let the oil just run down over the tires, very difficult to catch in a pan. Manual specs UDT2 or 80-90 gear oil. Do both really work OK in this application? The UDT2 is lighter and easier to handle, especially in cold weather. Looking for any comments you more experienced guys might have.
 

GrizBota

Well-known member

Equipment
L3830HST/LA724, B2601/LA435/RCK54-32, RCR1872, CDI 66”grapple, pallet forks
Apr 26, 2023
1,153
736
113
Oregon
I hacked up a large butter tub to fit under the drain plug and sit in/on the inside of the rim of the tire. Then I put a hole in the side of it near the bottom to drain the captured oil into an oil pan. It was a pretty clean operation.
 

Mak65

Active member

Equipment
L2501 HST
Apr 25, 2019
122
90
28
TX
I have a L2501 but pretty sure the 3901 is similar In this regard. I got a cheap aluminum pan (the kind you place a turkey in) and put it up against the tire. Then, propped a funnel with long throat (8” or so) under the drain plug and placed the end of the throat against the edge of the pan so it wouldn’t move. Worked like a charm. Nothing spilled. i replaced the fluid with 80W-90 gear oil.
 

Smokeydog

Well-known member

Equipment
M59, B26 grapples, backhoes, tillers, graders, diesel atv
Jun 2, 2020
671
623
93
knoxville, Tennessee
Plastic, aluminum can, cardboard all make quick disposable funnels to drain pan.

Switched to Lucas synthetic 75w90. Surprised how dark the OEM sudt was at 400hours on the B26. Almost time for the next change.
 

Rob18530

New member

Equipment
BX2370
Nov 13, 2023
22
14
3
Cornwall Ontario
Just did this one myself for the first time. Looking for hints to make it easier/cleaner? The oil drain plugs let the oil just run down over the tires, very difficult to catch in a pan. Manual specs UDT2 or 80-90 gear oil. Do both really work OK in this application? The UDT2 is lighter and easier to handle, especially in cold weather. Looking for any comments you more experienced guys might have.
The 80/90 is better, especially if the tractor is not used regularly. I just did a total fluid and filter change - Hydrolic - Front end gear - engine - fuel filters and air filter.
 

Smokeydog

Well-known member

Equipment
M59, B26 grapples, backhoes, tillers, graders, diesel atv
Jun 2, 2020
671
623
93
knoxville, Tennessee
Took hours to refill the B26 front axle. 5 quarts. Oil has to seep thru bearings.
Took days for M59, 11 quarts. Temperature dependent so a good summer time job.
 
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