Tractor Service Schedule: Engine Oil, Filters and Intervals
HandyMax compact tractors follow one simple service schedule. The first service is due at 30 hours or 3 months. After that: the air filters every 100 hours or 3 months; the engine oil and the oil and fuel filters every 300 hours or 3 months; the gear oil and coolant every 500 hours or 6 months; and the hydraulic oil every 500 hours or 12 months. Whichever comes first, hours or months. This is the schedule on the red Maintenance Guide decal on your tractor. It covers the HT45, HT45C, HT60, HT65 and HT65C.
The service schedule
| Item | What to use | Every (whichever comes first) |
|---|---|---|
| First service | — | 30 h / 3 months |
| Air filters | Replace. Clean them more often in dust | 100 h / 3 months |
| Engine oil | 15W-40 | 300 h / 3 months |
| Engine oil filter | Replace | 300 h / 3 months |
| Fuel filter | Replace | 300 h / 3 months |
| Gear / diff oil | 80W-90 | 500 h / 6 months |
| Coolant | Hybrid (HOAT) | 500 h / 6 months |
| Hydraulic oil | ISO 46 | 500 h / 12 months |
| Grease | NLGI 2 | Daily, all pivot points |
All intervals are hours or months, whichever comes first. Read the hours off the hour meter. If your machine only does a few hours a year, the months still apply.
The first service at 30 hours
The first service is due at 30 hours or 3 months, whichever comes first, while new parts are still bedding in. Don't skip it. After that, follow the regular intervals in the table above.
Daily checks before you start
Run through these before the first start of each day:
- Engine oil level
- Hydraulic oil level
- Coolant level
- Air filter and intake screens
- Tyres and wheel nuts
- Steering and tie rods
- Clutch and brake pedals
- PTO shaft and guard
- 3-point linkage and lift arms
- Attachment couplers
- Grease all pivot points
- Lights, horn and reverse beeper
- Safety guards and labels
- Oil, fuel and coolant leaks
- Report any faults
Check the PTO guard is fitted before every use.
Which oils and fluids to use
| Fluid | Specification | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Engine oil | SAE 15W-40 | 15W-40 engine oil |
| Gear / diff oil | SAE 80W-90 | Gearbox and axles. HT tractors don't use ATF. 80W-90 gear oil |
| Hydraulic oil | ISO 46 | The same grade across the HandyMax range. ISO 46 hydraulic oil |
| Coolant | Hybrid (HOAT) | Don't mix coolant types: mixing can leave deposits that block the radiator. coolant concentrate |
| Grease | NLGI 2 |
Working in dust
Dust is hard on engines. Check the air filter and intake screens every day, clean the filter more often on dusty or dry paddocks, and replace it every 100 hours or 3 months.
Before you start any service
Park on level ground, lower the loader and any implement to the ground, apply the parking brake and stop the engine.
Parts for your service
Each model's page lists the part numbers of its filters in the specifications table, with links to order them. Filters: air filters, engine oil filters and fuel filters. Oils: 15W-40 engine oil, ISO 46 hydraulic oil, 80W-90 gear oil and coolant concentrate. Not sure which filter fits? Call us with your model.
Keep your service records
Servicing is the owner's responsibility, as the decal says. Keep a record of each service (the date and the hour-meter reading) and keep the invoices for the oils and filters you use: they are your warranty evidence. Use only genuine HandyMax parts. Improper servicing, or damage from dust, may affect your warranty.
Refill capacities
Capacities differ from model to model. They are listed in the specifications table on each model's page. If yours isn't there, call us.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I service my HandyMax tractor?
First service at 30 hours or 3 months. Then the air filters every 100 hours or 3 months; the engine oil and the oil and fuel filters every 300 hours or 3 months; the gear oil and coolant every 500 hours or 6 months; and the hydraulic oil every 500 hours or 12 months, whichever comes first.
What oil goes in the gearbox?
80W-90 gear oil. HT tractors don't use ATF.
What hydraulic oil should I use?
ISO 46 hydraulic oil, the same grade across the HandyMax range.
Do I need to grease it every day?
Yes. Greasing all pivot points with NLGI 2 grease is part of the daily check.
Can I do the servicing myself?
Yes. Routine servicing is the owner's responsibility. Use genuine HandyMax filters and the oils listed above, and keep your records and invoices.
Talk to us
Not sure which filters fit your machine? Call us on 03 9769 2888 or 1300 077 999, or visit us at 2/22 Park Drive, Dandenong South VIC 3175.
