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Read articles →An owner-produced how-to focused on two specific Massey Ferguson GC1723E hydraulic maintenance issues: how to reliably read the notoriously hard-to-see rear hydraulic sight glass (including a level/incline workaround), and how to locate and clear the painted-over front axle vent plug. The creator explains the moisture-ingestion reason behind the annual fluid-change spec. Best for GC-series owners doing their own maintenance who've hit these exact frustrations.
Posted by the Redneck Ed channel, which appears to be an owner sharing personal experience with their own GC1723E tractor.
Park on an incline with the front end down, check the sight window, then back the tractor off the incline and look again to see the level clearly while the tractor runs.
The system is vented, so it draws in moisture over time. Even with low annual hours, the moisture ingestion is the reason behind the change interval, not just time or usage.
It is on the front axle fill plug and can be painted over during manufacturing. The owner scraped paint off and used a razor blade to clear the vent ring opening.
A Facebook commenter suggested plugged vents may contribute to blown front axle seals. The creator says it makes sense but admits he is not knowledgeable enough to confirm it.
