Yanmar YT3 Tractor Axle Oil Change

How Often Should I Change My Tractor’s Axle Oil?

It might not be the first maintenance item to come to mind, but your tractor’s axle oil should be changed on a regular basis. Doing so prevents premature wear of internal gears within the front axle. For Yanmar YT3 Series tractors, this should be completed as part of the initial 50-hour service, 300-hour service, and every 300-hours thereafter.

Tools and Materials Needed to Change the Axle Oil

The axle oil can be changed with many simple tools you probably already have around. Here’s the list of everything you’ll need:

9.6 quarts Yanmar HD SAE 90 oil
14 mm and 17 mm socket with ratchet and/or wrenches
Adjustable jaw wrench
Drain pan
Clean rags
Absorbent pads
Nitrile gloves
Safety glasses
Funnel
Wheel chocks

How to Change the Front Axle Gear Oil

After you’ve collected your materials, it’s time to start the axle oil change. These are the steps to follow to get the job done on your YT3 Series tractor.

Run the tractor to increase the front axle gear oil to operating temperature. Once the oil is warm, park the tractor on a solid, level surface, set the parking brake, turn off the engine, and chock the tires. Caution: Avoid contact with the exhaust pipe, the engine, and its components as they may still be hot.
Wipe away any debris from around the front axle oil fill cap to prevent any accidental internal contamination. Remove the cap and place the dipstick away from your immediate work area.
Place an oil drain pan below the axle drain plug. Use your 17 mm socket and ratchet, remove the plug. Due to proximity of the drain port, you may need to use a funnel to divert the oil into the drain pan. Note: Removing the axle vents will increase oil drainage for faster removal.
After the oil has completely drained, reinstall the drain plugs. Be sure to clean up any residual oil around the plugs and axle with a clean rag.
Insert the funnel into the axle fill port and add approximately seven quarts of Yanmar HD SAE 90 oil. Then, check the level on the dipstick. Do not tighten the dipstick to check your oil level. The proper level is within the hash marks of the dipstick. Continue to fill with oil until the correct amount has been added. With the correct amount of oil, tighten the dipstick.
Using your 14 mm socket and ratchet, reinstall the vent bolt and tighten.
After completing two hours of operation, check the axle oil level and fill as necessary.
Once this service is completed, reset the service indicator within the maintenance settings of the display. To do this, the ignition must be in the “on” position without the tractor running. Access the maintenance settings screen by pressing the display button until “Maintenance Settings” appears on the dash. Next, press and hold the display button until the screen changes to the service interval screen. Press and release the display button to advance the selection until “front axle oil” is highlighted. Then, press and hold the display button to select “front axle oil.” Now you’ll be asked to confirm the service interval reset. Select “yes” to complete the reset.
Properly dispose of all waste oil, absorbent pads, and rags in accordance with all local, state, and federal regulations.

For more information on the axle oil change, consult your operation manual or contact your local Yanmar dealer.

Connect With Yanmar

At Yanmar, we’re here to help you get the most out of your UTV, tractor, and attachments. From maintenance walkthroughs to informative resources that take your capabilities to the next level, our Customer Experience Team is here to support you with all of your needs. Please don’t hesitate to connect with us online or give us a call at 678-551-7369.

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