How to Change the Transmission Fluid for a Kubota Tractor

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Items you will need

  • Clean rags

  • Fluid catch pan

  • 1/2-inch-drive breaker bar

  • 1/2-inch-drive socket set

  • Funnel

  • Kubota Super Universal Dynamic Tractor Fluid (or equivalent)

Kubota tractors have spent the better part of 50 years giving the company a good name in the United States; these days it makes everything from vending machines to air conditioners, and Kubota remains one of the top names in every industry it enters. Given that, you'd think that the company's tractors would run forever, 60 feet underwater, fueled by tree sap and lubricated with sawdust. And that isn't far from the truth. But, sooner or later, you're going to have to show the old mule some love, changing its fluids and doing the basic maintenance it needs to keep running for another 50 years.

    Park the Kubota tractor on a level surface and put the transmission gear shifter in gear so that the tractor does not roll. Locate the transmission dipstick near the seat. Pull the dipstick out and wipe the dipstick with a clean rag. Set the dipstick on the seat.

    Climb under the center of the tractor and locate the front transmission case drain plug. This plug is directly below the front driveshaft. Slide the catch pan under the drain plug and remove the plug with the 1/2-inch-drive breaker bar and a socket. Let all of the hydraulic oil drain out of the front of the transmission. Reinsert the plug and tighten it down tight.

    Carefully slide the catch pan below the rear transmission case drain plug. This plug is located on the lower side of the PTO shaft. Loosen and remove this plug with the 1/2-inch-drive breaker bar and a socket. Wait for all of the fluid to drain out of the rear of the transmission. Insert the plug back in and tighten it.

    Move the catch pan underneath the left-side transmission-case drain plug. This plug is located underneath the left-side axle housing. Remove the plug with the breaker bar and a socket. Once the fluid has drained out, put the plug back in and tighten it.

    Repeat for the right-side transmission-case drain plug.

    Pull the catch pan out from under the tractor. Locate the transmission case fill plug near the transmission case dipstick.

    Slide the funnel into the fill hole. Pour in 3.8 gallons tractor transmission fluid; Kubota recommends KUBOTA Super Universal Dynamic Tractor Fluid. Reinsert the plug and tighten it.

    Stick the dipstick back into the transmission dipstick tube. Crank the engine and let it run for a few minutes. While the engine is running, raise and lower the three-point hitch up and down to get the fluid into all of the necessary areas.

    Shut the engine off and let it cool down for about two minutes. Pull the transmission dipstick back out and recheck the transmission fluid level on the dipstick. The fluid level should be on the full mark of the dipstick.

    Tips

    • For the transmission to be considered fully drained, the fluid will have to be drained from each plug outlined above.

      You can buy the Kubota Super Universal Dynamic Tractor Fluid at Kubota dealerships or tractor repair shops.

    Warnings

    • Wear protective gloves when draining hot hydraulic fluid out of the transmission. Wear protective glasses to keep any fluid from splashing in your eyes.

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