BDU 10 Hydrostatic
 

Would someone who has one of these transmission in a Cub please take a photo of the dipstick beside a tape measure please
Reason for request is that I have seen varying quotes on the amount of oil required starting at 5 US qts up to a recommended 6 US qts
If I put 6 US qts in my hydro I would be mopping up the garage
Thus the reason for a photo so I can compare my Dipstick to another
I have a Cub GT 2550
Oz

Sorry I can't help much because I don't own one of these but the manual says "Approximately 6 quarts". I read somewhere else that it was 5.5 US quarts.

Jsoluna is the 2k guy. He has some great vids up on YouTube also. Maybe give hime a shout-out.
https://www.onlycubcadets.net/forum/member.php?u=4460

Justin Soluna runs a 2000 series group on Face Book and he is also a member here. He's the go to guy when it comes to the 2000 series stuff.

Thanks lads . but I would really like a photo next to a tape measure so as to accurately compare
Yeah that is one of the problems when you get varying quantities from reliable sources , who is right and who is guessing
On my previous oil change I measured what came out and put the same amount in , the dipstick shows it to be overfull but I put in less than 6 US Qts cannot remember exactly how much
Runs perfectly and I use a full synthetic oil (doubles the change period) that what the manual says
Not on Farcebook , Sam , looked through the members list under J and S but could not find him
Oz

Look here....
https://www.onlycubcadets.net/forum/member.php?u=4460

Check the part number on the dipstick you have to what the parts books list as the one you SHOULD have.

I ran into something similar to this several years ago w/the engine in a GTX2154 that had the wrong (too long) dipstick tube in it. That engine had nearly twice as much oil in it as what it should have and the owner thought she had blown it up by not having enough oil in it!!

There is a 2000 series service bulletin on this dated 1994, too early for your GT2550 though...

Never noticed a part number but will definitely check , "take magnifying glass"
Thanks Sam got your messages but not on Farcebook
Oz

I sent Justin a message to see if he can help you out. I'm sure he'll be along.

Ok dipstick checked for a part number , no luck
It is supposed to be 727-3195
Also sent a pm to Dirty Steve his GT 2544 should have the same Hydro
Thanks again Sam
Oz

Hey all,

I'll grab a pic and tape measure this morning and post back. Apologies for the delay.

The factory service manual states 6 qts, "approximately."

In my experience this is pretty close, and depends on whether or not the tractor is level. Once it starts showing on the dipstick you only have about a half quart or so to go.

Factory Service Manual for early 2000 Series (aluminum rear)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NWT...w?usp=drivesdk

Factory Service Manual for later 2000 Series (cast iron rear)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1frV...w?usp=drivesdk

Two types of dipsticks are used. Longer one is for cast iron units, shorter is for aluminum. Dipstick bases are the same, the bayonets are the difference.

Longer dipstick bayonet is about 5.725"
Shorter disptick bayonet is about 3.050"

Bayonet to sealing surface of disptick base is about .900"

Link to pictures in full-res here:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folde...DzfXo1F7pfJM2o

Huge Thank you to Jason for the photos
Reached out to Dirty Steve and his GT2544 for a photo
Have got what I believe to be the cast-iron version and it is black , the aluminium one would be grey I guess ?
My dipstick is the longer one , but here is the problem/dilemma I face

I put in 5 litres (under 6 US qts) (5.65 L = 6US qts) and the oil level shows at half way up the dipstick or about 3/4 inch above the full mark
Now when I drained it the amount out was the same as I refilled
So my question Jason is do I fill it to the full mark OR do I put in approx 6 US qts/5.65 litres
Your photos and advice are a huge help
Regards
Oz
p.s. I nominate Jason and Dirty Steve for joint members of the year 2023 for their assistance in helping people Downunder or at least me

I would fill up to the proper level on the dipstick. At that point you may be 4.5-5.0 quarts instead of 5.5-6.0. It won't hurt a thing, these transmissions hold plenty of fluid, and filling it past full will only potentially cause external fluid leaks and/or cavitation. Double check that your dipstick tube is seated properly in the transmission grommet and rear hitch plate because the relative position may have changed and that might be why you are seeing a different level than should be indicated.

The 2550 is indeed the cast iron transmission with longer dipstick.

Good luck!

Thanks Jason your photos and advice have been most helpful , when you come to Australia I owe you a beer or three
Regards
Oz

Feel free to reach out and let us know what your final results are. Happy to help.