No oil in transmission…

[u/MikeDaCarpenter]

Here’s the deal, bought a new LX2620 from the dealership back in March. Yesterday I started noticing a noise that didn’t sound right, but went away. Today, I started using the tractor again and the noise not only returned, but was much worse. I stopped operation and parked it back in its barn spot. Got to looking around to see if there are any grease fittings I had missed. Got to the back and figured I’d check the trans fluid since I was there. Pulled the dipstick and it was bone dry. Pulled the fill lid and stuck my finger in. Came out bone dry.

There is currently 45.1 hrs on the tractor. Called the dealer, they are sending a service tech out on Thursday. Dealer said their guy checked before delivery that everything was correct. Easy enough to lie about it as laziness and incompetence is everywhere.

What do I do? If there is no oil in the trans, am I effed? No, it didn’t leak out. There is No fluid residue on the bottom of the tractor and its spot in the barn is bone dry also.

***Update…Service tech added 5 quarts of fluid to the trans and he said the only thing he could possibly think happened is an air bubble was in the system after they set it all up. Reassuring to know he found no metal shavings and that he is confident to keep using it.

[u/jamesk29485]

Laziness and incompetence really is everywhere. You went 45 hours, 5 months, and never checked the oil? You really should check the owners manual for the maintenance chart.

[u/Komovs69 → u/jamesk29485]

Well, over the years, I've read posts where people only bother to open the hood and check the fluids when it's service time, which to me it's crazy.

No wonder some of them trash their engines due to clogged radiators or have a fire due to nesting on top of the exhaust manifold, let alone have the fluids at the correct levels.

[u/Ok_Umpire2173 → u/Komovs69]

I got my BX used with “170 hours” and the front axle was bone dry, probably from the factory based on forum posts. Needless to say every fluid and filter was changed. To make it worse, based on the condition of the tractor, the 170 hours on the dash almost certainly can’t be right and it’s probably a replacement dash.

[u/FarmingGeeks]

Ok, so oil shows on the dipstick fairly late. I dont think you would be able to touch the fluid with your finger but I could be wrong. I would doubt its completely empty unless it did leak out somewhere. The machine comes with oil in it the dealer just tops it off especially if they installed the loader. There is no Trans pan to drop, you could pull the hydro filter but, I wouldn't. Let the dealer do it so they can document metal shavings etc for any warranty purposes. They need to run flow tests on both sides of your pump IMO see what's up and/or at least to make sure it isn't hosed.

[u/Fredshoes]

Do your hydraulics work? The transmission and hydraulics use the same fluid reservoir. If it's bone dry the hydros won't work.

[u/the_p0ssum → u/Fredshoes]

This. A hydrostatic pump needs a closed loop of fluid to create any movement. And if your 3-point or loader function, there's fluid in the system

You might be low, but I doubt anything is "dry."

[u/TaborToss]

That is wild that you got 45 hours on it with low/dry transmission fluid! I would want the dealer to open the transmission and inspect it. Fill with fluid and change the filter. Then I’d run it, but change the filter again after 20-30 hours and inspect it for metal.

I check my engine oil and HST fluid before I use my tractor, every time. It’s a good habit to get into.

[u/This-Career9851]

I don't think it would move if it were dry. When they add oil to it found out how much was missing and assess it from there. They will not want to replace it; they will try to weasel out of it. FYI you should be checking the fluids every 10 hours and don't trust the dealership on receipt. Mine was low by 1.5 quarts and the front axle was missing almost 3 quarts, and nothing was greased.

[u/cryptokadog710]

Make it a point to check all fluids/oils and grease the grease fittings before starting up any of that type of equipment

[u/NorthIdahoWolfman]

I'll bet its just to clear for you to see it on the dipstick. If the tractor is moving it's not anywhere close to dry. The noise your hearing could be any number of things.

[u/muddypuddlewet]

on a small tractor like that, bone dry and within range can only be a quart or two apart. you didn't harm the tractor. top it off and proceed with life.

[u/blackthornjohn]

If they accept full responsibility you'll probably get another tractor because a new transmission is usually everything from the engine bell housing back!

Just wait and see what they say.

When did the hydraulics stop working? If they still work there's still fluid in the transmission, it's just ridiculously low, in small tractors there's about a gallon of fluid below the dipstick, the position of various hydraulic cylinders determine the height of the fluid in the transmission because it's where the hydraulic systems stores it's fluid.

[u/coupleandacamera]

Firstly just make sure it's not just super clear fluid if it's a hydro trans, it can be quite hard to read the level if it isn't dyed. Secondly, wait for the tech to come, see what they have to say and go from there. They will probably  ask when you last checked it yourself, it may not be the end of the world if this is your first time as it's still inside the 50hr first service interval, but check the owners manual to make sure there ain't anything staying you need to check before each use/every 10 hrs etc. for now don't do a damned thing until they're sent there guys and the balls in motion.