How to Change the Transmission Hydraulic Oil in Your YT3 Tractor

Keep your YT3 tractor performing at its best by changing the transmission hydraulic oil and filter according to your owner’s manual recommendation. For this series, that means performing transmission hydraulic oil change after the first 50 hours of operation, then again at 300 hours, and every 300 hours after that.

Here’s how to do it.

What You Need to Perform a Transmission Hydraulic Oil Change

Here’s everything you need to perform the transmission hydraulic oil change on your YT3 tractor.

12 mm and 17 mm Socket, Extension, and Ratchet or Wrench. These tools will help you access your oil filter.
Oil Filter Wrench or Strap Wrench. You will use these tools to remove the oil filter.
Clean Shop Rags and Absorbent Pads. You’ll need to clean several components, so be sure to keep clean rags handy, as well as absorbent pads for any spills.
Nitrile Gloves and Safety Glasses. Protect your eyes and skin from hydraulic oil, which can be a harmful irritant. Equip all safety gear before starting.
Wheel Chocks. Keep your tractor steady throughout the transmission oil change by securing your wheel chocks.
7.7 Gallons of T500A Hydraulic Fluid. Ensure you have about 8 gallons of the right, fresh oil ready to replace the old.
Line Filter. The part number for the line filter is 1A7180-48210.
Hydraulic filter. The part number on the right hydraulic filter is 198535-48080.
Oil Drain Pan. Get an oil drain pan with enough capacity for at least 8 gallons of oil.
Funnel. Keep oil spillage to a minimum by using a funnel.

How to Perform a Transmission Hydraulic Oil Change

Start by moving your tractor onto a level surface, such as a concrete pad or drive. Position the wheel chocks behind the tires to prevent the tractor from rolling or moving during the hydraulic oil change.

1. Warm Up the Oil

Run the engine long enough to warm up the transmission hydraulic oil and filter. Once warm, lower all tractor attachments and shut off the engine.

2. Position Oil Pan and Drain Oil

Place the oil pan underneath the transmission drain plug. Using a 17-millimeter socket and ratchet, or wrench, remove the plug. Removing the filler cap will speed up the draining process. Clean around the filler cap to prevent debris from entering the hydraulic system. Allow oil to drain completely.

When oil has drained, replace the transmission drain plug and wipe the area around the plug to remove residual oil. Use rags and absorbent pads to clean up any spilled oil.

3. Drain Rear Axle Drain Plugs

Now move the oil pan under the rear axle drain plugs. There is one drain on each side, and you will need to drain both. Using a 17-millimeter socket and ratchet or wrench, remove the plug. Note that it may be necessary to use a funnel to divert the flow of the hydraulic oil into the pan. Once complete, replace the drain plugs and clean up any residual oil.

4. Remove the Hydraulic Filter

To remove the hydraulic filter, the brush guard must be lowered. To do this, remove the two support bolts using a 12-millimeter socket and ratchet. You can now carefully lower the guard and the filter will be accessible. Divert oil from the brush guard into the pan. Remove the filter using a filter or strap wrench. Make sure the gasket is removed along with the filter.

5. Install the New Hydraulic Filter

To install a new filter, apply a small amount of clean transmission hydraulic oil onto the filter gasket. Then fill the filter with hydraulic oil to between one-third and one-half full. Wipe the base, and then install the filter by turning clockwise until the gasket is seated. Use a filter or strap wrench to turn the filter an additional half turn.

6. Remove the Line Filter

The line filter may be removed in two different ways. From under the tractor (though this is more difficult), or through the floor from above. In order to access the line filter from above, first pull up the floor matting. Next, remove the access plate from the operator station using a 12-millimeter socket. With the access plate removed, you can now view and take out the line filter. Make certain the filter gasket is removed as well.

7. Install New Line Filter

To install a new line filter, apply a small amount of clean transmission hydraulic oil onto the gasket. Now fill the filter to between one-third and one-half full of hydraulic oil. Wipe the base and install the new filter by turning clockwise until the gasket is seated. Use the filter or strap wrench to turn the filter an additional half turn.

8. Refill Your Engine Transmission Oil Tanks

Using a funnel, add approximately 7.7 gallons of TF500A hydraulic oil into the fill port. Monitor the sight glass to avoid overfilling. Once full, wipe any residual oil from the port.

9. Check for Leaks

To ensure there aren't any leaks, start the tractor and visually inspect the transmission and area beneath for leaks. Begin with the drain plugs. Turn the tractor off and check the filter bases for leaks. If there are no leaks, replace the access plate, floor matting, and brush guard.

10. Cycle Your Oil

Restart the tractor and exercise 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. Next, check the oil level and adjust as necessary.

11. Reset Service Indicator

When the service has been completed, reset the service indicator in the maintenance settings of your tractor’s display. To do this, the key must be in the on position without the tractor running.

Press the display button and release until the maintenance settings screen appears. Then press and hold the display button until the screen changes and the service intervals appear.

Press and release the display button to advance the selection until transmission oil is highlighted. Press and hold the display button to select. The display now prompts you to confirm the service interval reset. Select yes to complete the reset.

Repeat this process once more to reset your hydraulic filters, and you're done! Remember that changing the transmission hydraulic oil in the tractor does more than just maintain your warranty, it protects the vital components used to operate the transmission, loader, three-point hitch, and PTO clutch.

For more information, be sure to check your operator’s manual, or ask your dealer.

Connect With Yanmar

Make the most of your Yanmar tractor investment by performing regular maintenance services according to the schedule in your operator’s manual. You can also get more maintenance tips from our Customer Experience Team, or check out 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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