NH 411 Discbine Fluids

[Iowa Farm Boy]

I bought a NH 411 Discbine with the three point arm attach. It
seems in pretty good used condition, but am thinking about
draining cutter bar and all gear boxes and putting in new gear lube.
Does anyone have any idea how much fluid it would take to do this?
With the three point attach, it has an extra gearbox up at the hitch.

I've never used one of these before, but it has GOT to be better
than the sickle bar mower I've been suffering with the last five
years.

 

[RodinNS]

It will probably hold a bit over 2.5 US qt if it's completly drained.
It would be best to obtain an owners manual and check that for the correct amount because the amount is quite critical. Too much will cause the case to pressurize when the oil gets hot and it will cause seal failures.
That said... I think if you look between the first and second discs on each end of the bar... towards the front of the bar... you will find a fill plug at each end. What I do is set the mower as level as possible, clean the area and remove BOTH plugs. With both removed you can then add oil at each end while slowly turning the discs by hand to move the oil around... and when the oil seems to find an equiblerium at the bottom of those plug wells you will have enough oil in the bar...

Rod

 

[IA DPE]

I bought an Operators Manual on eBay, but it doesn't list actual quantities, just how to check/ drain/ fill.

 

[RodinNS]

I find it VERY odd that the manual doesn't list capacities for a disc mower bar. The Deere I have lists no procedure for checking the oil other than to fully drain and refill with the exact amount of oil.
Personally I don't worry about the actual amount. I just fill in the manner I outlined with 85W140 GL5 gear lube and call it good.

Rod

 

[RickB]

Don't worry, the bar capacity IS published. I'm going to say it is 54 ounces for a 411. DO NOT overfill a Kuhn bar, they will overheat in a matter of minutes. NH specifies 80W-90 GL5 oil.

 

[Iowa Farm Boy]

Im thinking about putting synthetic in it. I"ve been using Amsoil in my engines for over 20 yrs. and had good luck. Any thoughts?

 

[RickB]

I don't use synthetic gear oil, but I have heard good reports from those that do. I can't think of any reason Not to use it if you are inclined to.

 

[Iowa Farm Boy]

I finally found the bar capacity in the Manual. It says around 50 ounces. Drained all the gear boxes- most fluid not too bad but there was some nasty looking stuff in one.

I can't wait to try this thing out!