Hydraulic Fluid Overfill--What to Expect on TO-30?

Stubbyie · Oct 30, 2013

Old owner of older TO-30 recently returned to the fold after being out of Fergusons for a few years.

When I picked up this machine the Previous Owner had 'helped' by filling the transmission case almost to the brim.

I've read on this forum about overfilling the gearbox and as a result seeing fluid run out the rear axle, down the tire sidewalls. And it is.

We ran the machine up on a trailer and going down the road fluid was being sucked out of the weep-hole by the slipstream. I think I need to wash the windshield of the guy that got behind me.

Next question: will overfilling also cause fluid to exit the machine out the cotter-key weep-hole in front of the bell-housing?

Or do I have a split-and-replace-seal job looking at me?

Yes, I will drain the excess fluid, but I'd appreciate additional insight as I learn more about this 'lil pup.

Thanks in advance for your thoughtful responses.

Del Huebner · Oct 30, 2013

You might get lucky like I did. About a year ago I brought a TO-30 home and after we loaded it on the trailer oil started running out the weep hole in the clutch housing. When I got it home I found the gear case had been way overfilled and it was milky. I thought for sure I would have to replace the seal (split the tractor). I drained all the old milky oil and replaced with new and filled it to the bottom bolt hole on the dip-stick cover. I knew the clutch had to have oil on it but it never was a problem and the weep hole only had an occasional drip which is not abnormal. Like I said I think I got lucky, Maybe you will too.

Stubbyie · Oct 31, 2013

Dear Mr. Huebner:

Thank you for responding. I appreciate knowing of your experiences with overfilling the gearbox.

A question, please: what do you mean by, "...bottom bolt hole on the dipstick cover."? Is this a (or 'the') drain plug?

Please pardon my ignorance, but I'm trying to get up to speed. Obviously I've got things to learn.

Thanks in advance for your explanation.

gears · Oct 31, 2013

Stubb, on the side of the transmission (just ahead of the seat) there is a 7" or so diameter cover on either side held on with 6 bolts - there should be a dipstick sticking out of the RH cover (as you sit on the tractor) - the correct level should be where is just weeps out of the bottom bolt hole from that cover.

Del Huebner · Oct 31, 2013

The previous post by gears gave you a very good description of where the center housing oil level should be. The 3 drain plugs are on the bottom.
One on the Center Housing.
One on the Transmission Case.
One on the Hydraulic Pump.
These will drain the entire Housing. No need to do this unless you were going to change it anyway, other wise just maintain the proper level.

Hydraulic Fluid Overfill--What to Expect on TO-30?

Stubbyie

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Del Huebner

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Stubbyie

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gears

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Del Huebner

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