Yanmar Ke Series: which engine oil and fluids (and how much)?
Which engine oil should go into a Yanmar Ke-1, Ke-1D, Ke-2D, or Ke-3D — and how much? In this article you'll find all the fluids, quantities, and specifications for the Yanmar Ke series, exactly as prescribed by the factory.
Applicable to the entire series: Yanmar Ke-1, Ke-1D, Ke-2D, and Ke-3D — the quantities are the same for all four models (only the front axle oil naturally applies to the 4WD models only).
Yanmar Ke Series: all fluids in one table
| System | Quantity | Specification |
|---|---|---|
| Engine oil | 2.2 l | Diesel engine oil API CC or higher (CD recommended), e.g. 15W-40 |
| Transmission + hydraulics (combined) | 11 l | Transmission fluid type TF-500 (UTF/UDT transmission oil) |
| Front axle (4WD only) | 2.4 l | Gear oil EP #90 (GL-4 80W-90) |
| Cooling system | 3.0 l + 0.4 l sub-tank | Coolant (LLC/antifreeze) mixed with clean water |
| Fuel | 13 l | Diesel; use winter diesel below −10 °C |
| Grease nipples | — | Multipurpose grease (EP2) |
Yanmar Ke Series: changing the engine oil
Change the engine oil for the first time after 50 operating hours and every 100 hours thereafter. Replace the engine oil filter at the first service and every 300 hours after that. Use a diesel engine oil of at least API CC quality — a modern 15W-40 CI-4/CH-4 is more than sufficient and works well for these indirect-injection 3TN engines. Check the level with the dipstick before every workday, on level ground.
Transmission and hydraulic oil: one system
Please note: on the Ke series, the transmission, the hydraulic lift, and the power-steering-free hydraulics share one 11-litre oil system. Therefore, never use regular engine oil or pure gear oil, but a TF-500 type transmission fluid (universal UTF/UDT oil). Too little or the wrong oil will immediately show up as poor lift performance. Change: at 50 hours and then every 300 hours, check level every 50 hours.
Front axle oil (Ke-1D, Ke-2D, Ke-3D)
The driven front axle on the 4WD models holds 2.4 litres of EP #90 gear oil. Same schedule as the transmission: change at 50 hours, then every 300 hours. This point is often overlooked on imported machines — yet this is exactly where a well-known wear point of the series is located (the front axle gears), so fresh oil is cheap insurance.
Coolant
The cooling system holds 3.0 litres plus 0.4 litres in the sub-tank. Check the level in the sub-tank before every workday and change the coolant annually; when doing so, also clean the inside of the radiator. Always use an LLC mixture (antifreeze) — never just water — to prevent corrosion and frost damage to the block.
Fuel
The tank is modest at 13 litres; fill it up at the end of the workday to limit condensation. Yanmar prescribes winter diesel for temperatures below −10 °C. Water and air in the fuel system are the most common cause of irregular running on this series — so keep the fuel filter clean (see the maintenance schedule).
🔧 Parts tip from Shop4trac
- We're happy to find the right filters for your oil service (oil, fuel, and air filter) — just send us a photo of the type plate showing the engine code (3TN63, 3TN66, or 3TNE68).
- Glow plug Yanmar 3TN63 / 3TN66 / 3TNE68 (SKU-551216) — handy to replace together with the oil service in case of slow cold starting.
