TM 10-3930-671-24 7.1. Transaxle Maintenance Fluid and Filter Change Access To Transaxle Service Points ............................................. F-319 TA18 Service Points ...................................................................... F-320 Transaxle Fluid Level Check ......................................................... F-320 Correct Oil Level ............................................................................ F-320 Transaxle Fluid and Filter Change ................................. ............... F-320 Refer to Section 1.0, General Information, for information on identifying truck and transaxle models. NOTE To  perform  this  service  procedure,  it is recommended that you: • Park the truck in a level position. • Return all controls to neutral. • Apply   the   parking   brake   and   block   the wheels. Access To Transaxle Service Points The   best   service   method   for   reaching   the   transaxle check   points   (dipstick,   oil   level/filler   plug,   drain   and inspection plugs) is dependent upon the style of upright, carriage and attachments on your truck.  One method is to  raise  and  block  up  the  upright  carriage  to  provide easier access to the drive axle. Be   sure   to   put   blocking   under   the   carriage   and upright rails for safety. Do not walk  or stand under raised forks.  The  forks  can fall and cause injury or death. NOTE Frequent changes of transmission fluid and filters is an  inexpensive  way  to  protect  and  prolong  the  safe operating   life   of   an   essential   and   relatively   more valuable   major   component   such   as   the   transaxle. Extending    the    recommended    intervals    at    which transaxle   fluid   and   filters   are   changed   should   be considered   only    after    careful    evaluation    of    your operating conditions and/or analysis of the condition of  the  oil.    Because  the  oil  is  heated  to  very  high temperatures when a torque converter and transmission are operated under heavy or sustained working  conditions,  it  will  "wear  out"  (break  down) and   lose   its   lubricating   ability   due   to   oxidation. When   this   happens,   it   will   cause   rapid   wear   and damage     to     seals,     bearings     and     clutch     plates, resulting    in    the    need    for    a    much    more    costly transmission rebuild. NOTE When suitable equipment is available, the truck may be raised or hoisted up and   placed   in   a   level   position   on wheel  cradles  to  allow  access  under the   axle   and   transmission   section. Otherwise,    raise    the    fork    carriage only  high  enough  to  provide  access to the axle. F-319