How to Change the Transmission Hydraulic Oil in Your YM3 Series Tractor

Every component of your tractor is vital to the success of its daily operation. Regularly changing the transmission hydraulic oil does more than just maintain your warranty—it protects the vital components used to operate the transmission, loader, three-point hitch, and PTO clutch.

Here’s how to properly change the transmission hydraulic oil (as well as the filter) in your YM3 series tractor to keep it operating at its peak. For additional information and safety precautions, be sure to reference your owners manual.

When to Perform a Transmission Hydraulic Oil Change

How often should you perform a transmission hydraulic oil change on your tractor? Hydraulic oil change recommendations are specific to the model of your tractor, and will be listed in your owner’s manual. Maintenance recommendations are made in hours operated as opposed to miles traveled.

For the YM3 Series, it’s recommended that you perform a transmission hydraulic oil change after the first 50 miles of operation, then again at 300 hours, and every 300 hours after that.

Equipment Needed to Complete a Transmission Hydraulic Oil Change

Gather everything you need to perform the transmission hydraulic oil change before you begin. Being prepared can shave time off the process and result in fewer frustrations once you get started.

9 Gallons of T5500A Hydraulic Fluid. Your transmission is a hungry beast. Ensure you have 9 gallons of the appropriate fluid ready to replace the old.
Oil Drain Pan. There will be a large amount of oil to drain from your transmission (about 9 gallons). Have a large oil drain pan ready.
Clean rags and absorbent pads. You’ll be wiping clean several tractor components, and will also want absorbent pads at hand to quickly sop up any spills.
Funnel. Using a funnel will keep spillage to a minimum.
Filter Wrench of Strap Wrench. A filter wrench has a metal ring that can fit around your transmission hydraulic oil filter, giving you more leverage for a secure grip.
17 mm Socket and Ratchet, or Wrench. To access your filter, you’ll need a ratchet and 17 mm socket or wrench of appropriate size.
Safety Goggles and Nitrile Gloves. The transmission oil can harm your skin over long periods, and irritate your eyes. Always equip your safety gear.
Wheel Chocks. Keep your tractor from rolling or moving during the transmission hydraulic oil change using wheel chocks.

How to Perform a Transmission Hydraulic Oil Change

First, move your tractor onto a level surface like a concrete pad or leveled drive. Put the wheel chocks behind the tires to help keep the tractor from rolling or moving while you perform this task.

Warm Up the Engine. Start and run your engine long enough to warm up the transmission hydraulic oil. Move all levers to neutral position and lower all attachments. Engage the parking brake securely.
Turn Off the Engine. Once the oil has warmed up, turn off the engine and allow the oil to cool until it’s safe to handle. Hydraulic oil should be warm, but not hot enough to cause burns.
Position the Oil Pan. Place the oil pan underneath the transmission drain plug.
Remove the Transmission Oil Drain Plug. Using your ratchet and 17mm socket (or wrench), remove the transmission drain plug by turning counter-clockwise.
Remove Filler Cap. Removing the filler cap will also speed up the draining process. Be sure to clean around the filler cap with one of your shop rags to prevent debris from entering the hydraulic system.
Allow the Oil to Drain. Once the plug is open, the transmission oil will drain into the oil pan. Allow it to drain completely before continuing. Use rags and absorbent pads to catch any spillage.
Replace the Transmission Oil Drain Plug. When the oil has drained, replace the transmission oil drain plug and wipe clean the area around the plug to remove any residual oil.
Remove the Hydraulic Filter. Locate the hydraulic filter, which is located on the left side of the transmission under the tractor. Using a shop rag, clean away any dirt around the filter. Remove the filter using your filter wrench or strap wrench. Check the base of the hydraulic filter and the filter housing to ensure the gasket from the previous filter has been removed and the area is clean.
Install the New Hydraulic Filter. To install a new hydraulic filter, start by applying a small amount of clean transmission hydraulic oil onto the filter gasket. Now fill the filter with hydraulic oil to between one third and one half full. Wipe the base, and then install the new filter by turning clockwise until the gasket is seated. Use a filter or strap wrench to turn the filter an additional one half turn.
Refill Your Engine Transmission Oil Tanks. Using an oil funnel, add approximately 9 gallons of Yanmar TF500a hydraulic oil into the fill port. Monitor the sight glass to avoid any overfilling. Once full, wipe away any residual oil from the port.
Perform a Leak Check. Remove the oil pan and dispose of the used transmission hydraulic oil properly. Replace the transmission oil filler cap. To ensure there are no leaks, start and run the tractor and then check underneath the transmission. Also check the drain plugs. Turn the tractor off and check the filter base for any leaks as well.
Cycle Your Oil. Restart the tractor and cycle the hydraulic controls to distribute oil throughout the system. After the transmission hydraulic oil is changed, operate your tractor at medium speed for a few minutes to prevent damage to the transmission. Once complete, lower all controls to the down position and turn the tractor off to allow the oil to settle. Check the oil level in the sight glass and adjust oil levels as necessary.
Update Your Records. Finally, update your records indicating when the service was completed. And remember: changing the transmission hydraulic oil in your Yanmar tractor does more than just maintain your warranty. It protects your tractor’s operational lifespan for years to come.

Connect With Yanmar

Maintenance is critical to making the most of your Yanmar tractor investment. Get more maintenance tips from our Customer Experience Team. We can also help connect you with exclusive offers in your area. Contact us online using the button below, or give us a call at 678-551-7369.

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