When to change transmission oil?

So, do you think it would be a good idea to go ahead and change out the transmission oil? Where's the best place to buy 13 gallons of 90 weight oil? Lastly, what kind of tool do I need to open up the filler cap on the transmission. It is just a big square indention and I know I don't have a tool like that and don't know where I would get one and what size.

So what's the verdict? Just check for water and top off the transmission oil or go ahead and change it out regardless?

Thanks in advance. Nathan

I still haven't found the zerks to grease the clutch release bearing and clutch pilot bearing. The manual just gives a number and points to a general direction on a stick drawing of the tractor from above.

I'm still keeping my fingers crossed that I was just working it in an unusual manner and it didn't like it.

Thanks, Nathan

Hope this helps…

Take samples in 2 spots. 1 - The fill level plug on the left side: Remove the plug and use a turkey baster (don’t ask your wife first…) and short length of hose to suck out a sample. 2 – Under the PTO: Carefully loosen the drain plug and let a bit of the oil go into a suitable catch pan.

If the oil is cream colored or black, shows evidence metal fines, or water comes out when you take the bottom drain sample, change the oil. Otherwise leave it as it, topping it off of course if necessary.

I buy 85W-90 gear oil wherever it happens to be cheapest…. Sam’s Club/Walmart, Advance Auto, TISCO, etc.

To remove the fill plug in the tranny deck a ¾” drive extension fits loosely into the hole on mine and works OK. I also have a short scrap of 7/8”(?) square keystock that fits perfectly into the fill plug indentation. I then grab and turn the keystock with a cresent wrench.

I would have never thought to use a socket extension. I was thinking of some ancient crowbar looking thing that would have come with the tractor's original toolkit.

It does look a bit bigger than 1/2" so I will look for a 3/4" extension or pick up some 7/8" scrap tubular steel.

I'll check the oil this weekend but I'm about 99% sure it will need to be changed.

Thanks, Nathan

Thanks, Nathan