319D Maintenance Questions

[wesgipe]

I'll apologize in advance for what I'm sure are rookie questions. I bought a 2011 319D last fall with 202 original hours on it. An older fella had it and decided he needed a new one. Guess he didn't want to hassle with the 250 hour service... P I put about 100 hours on it this season just cleaning up around the property, which is what I bought it for - clearing the woods paths, spreading gravel, pushing snow, cutting wood, etc. - it will have a pretty easy life. I like to take really good care of my stuff, and I'm wondering what I should be doing every season. The maintenance planner says I only need to change the engine oil and filter at 250 hours and then every 500 thereafter. It also calls for planetary gear case oil change at 50, and then not again until 1,000. My question is this: I change engine oil in everything else I own every winter, even if I've not yet hit the required hours. Should I do the same with the 319D? What about planetary gear oil? I've read all kinds of horror stories about messing those things up - would it be good to change that also, or am I worrying about stuff I shouldn't? Is there anything else preventative I should think about? I don't want to go overboard here, but for no more than a little oil costs, I want to be sure I'm doing everything preventative I can. Thanks in advance for any advice! Wes

 

[flyerdan]

I'm not sure about the Deere, but on the Bobcats they say not to skimp on the final drive oil as there is so little of it and problems can occur fast if it gets low or contaminated. It would be cheap insurance vs. the cost of replacement.
As for the engine oil, I don't follow the calendar timeline (3 months or 3000 miles mantra) that seems to be hawked by those who are in the business of selling oil.

 

[wesgipe]

I'm not sure about the Deere, but on the Bobcats they say not to skimp on the final drive oil as there is so little of it and problems can occur fast if it gets low or contaminated. It would be cheap insurance vs. the cost of replacement.
As for the engine oil, I don't follow the calendar timeline (3 months or 3000 miles mantra) that seems to be hawked by those who are in the business of selling oil.

Thanks for the reply, flyerdan. That was my hunch also on the drive oil. Seems like cheap insurance. I'll probably go ahead and change engine oil once a year also for no more than it costs.