Transmission Hydraulic Oil Change for SA Series Tractors

How Often Should I Change SA Series Transmission Hydraulic Oil and Filters?

Changing the transmission hydraulic oil and filters helps to maintain and extend the life of your SA Series tractor. This maintenance should be completed after the first 50 hours of operation, at 300 hours, and every 300 hours after. Changing the transmission hydraulic oil protects the vital components used to operate the transmission, loader, three-point hitch, and PTO clutch.

Tools and Materials Needed for a Transmission Hydraulic Oil Change

Before you get started on your transmission hydraulic oil change, you’ll need to gather this list of tools and materials.

17-mm socket with ratchet
Oil filter wrench or strap wrench
Clean rags
Safety glasses
Nitrile gloves
Wheel chocks
4.1 gallons of TF500A hydraulic fluid
Hydrostatic transmission filter (part #198167-24900)
Hydraulic filter (part #198119-48310)
Oil pan with capacity for 4.1 gallons of oil
Funnel
Absorbent pads or shop rags

How to Change Your SA Series Transmission Hydraulic Oil

Once you’ve collected your tools and materials, you’re ready to get started with the hydraulic oil change. Here are the steps to follow to complete this maintenance successfully.

Park the tractor on a flat, level surface in a safe area. Start the engine and run it long enough to warm up the transmission hydraulic oil. Once warm, set the parking brake, lower all attachments, and shut off the engine. Then, chock the wheels to keep them secure. Before beginning the oil change, allow the tractor to cool for a few minutes. The hydraulic oil should be warm, but not hot enough that it could cause burns.
When the oil has reached an appropriate temperature, place an oil pan under the transmission drain plug. Using your 17 mm socket and ratchet, remove the plug. To speed up the draining process, you can also remove the filler cap. Before doing so, clean around the cap to prevent debris from entering the hydraulic system.
Allow the oil to drain completely and use rags or absorbent pads to clean any spills. Replace the transmission drain plug and wipe away any residual oil.
Place an oil pan below and remove the hydraulic filter using the filter wrench. You can find the filter at the front of the right-rear wheel under the tractor. Allow all oil to drain completely. Check the base of the hydraulic filter to ensure the gasket from the previous filter has been removed.
To install a new hydraulic filter, fill the filter between 1/3 and 1/2 full with fresh hydraulic oil. Then, apply a small amount of clean oil to the gasket with your finger. Wipe the base, and install the filter by turning clockwise until the gasket is seated. After hand tightening, use the filter wrench to tighten the filter an additional half turn.
Next, you’ll need to remove the hydrostatic transmission filter using your filter wrench. This is located at the front of the left-rear wheel under the tractor. Before removing, place an oil pan below. To install the new hydrostatic filter, fill the filter between 1/3 and 1/2 full with fresh hydraulic oil. Then, apply a small amount of clean oil to the gasket with your finger. Wipe the base, and install the filter by turning clockwise until the gasket is seated. After hand tightening, use the filter wrench to tighten the filter an additional half turn.
Using a funnel, add approximately 4.1 gallons of Yanmar TF500A hydraulic oil into the fill port. Monitor the sight glass to avoid overfilling. Once full, wipe any residual oil from the port and replace the filler cap.
To ensure there are no leaks, start the tractor and visually inspect the transmission and area underneath. Begin with the drain plugs, then turn the tractor off and check the filter bases for leaks. Restart the tractor and cycle the hydraulic controls to distribute oil throughout the system. Once complete, lower all controls to the down position and turn the tractor off to allow the oil to settle. Check your hydraulic oil levels again and adjust as needed.

With these steps complete, you’ve finished the essential maintenance of changing your transmission hydraulic oil. Don’t forget to update your records to indicate when the service was completed. If you have any questions, consult your operation manual or your local Yanmar dealer.

Connect With Yanmar

At Yanmar, we want to help you maximize the potential of your tractor, attachments, and UTV. From video walkthroughs like this to a vast library of Tractor Tips articles, you can count on our expert Customer Experience Team to have the resources you need. Please don’t hesitate to connect with us online or give us a call at 678-551-7369.

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