What's the real story on Sherman Lubrication?

Anyway, The Sherman literature made it very clear that while the unit is shipped dry and must be filled up prior to operation, the unit is kept full by the regular transmission, and there is no requirement for regularly scheduled changes, or any provisions for the unnecessary topping up.

The oil does indeed walk forward and slobber its way into (and out of) the sherman gearbox. I chose to verify this myself by operating my tractor with the transmission cover off. Messy, but quite fun to watch.

Which does raise the interesting question of what does the Sherman gearbox think of 134...

I have the original installation instructions and parts price list for the Sherman step-up tranny when first purchased by my grandfather. Interesting to note the prices on these parts. :-)

Tyler

I do recall that there was no seal at the output shaft of the Sherman (where it attached to the tractor transmission), so theoretically oil could flow from the transmission though the output bearing in the Sherman into the Sherman. I don't believe the tractor transmission was to directly supply oil to the Sherman, maybe just keep it topped off.

There is no way to drain the oil from the Sherman or check the oil without splitting the tractor at the rear of the engine and removing the Sherman. Remember, it was an aftermarket and dealer installed item, not designed into the N-Series tractor by Ford.

The Shermans are indeed self-contained. The Sherman installation instructions say before installing the input shaft (to the Sherman), install 2 pints of 80-90WT gear oil (if memory serves). The units do not have a fill hole, as such, but do have a pipe plug drain in the bottom. I would not say it is permanently lubed, or sealed, however, it is not meant to be routinely serviced and is obviously designed to live where it won't get serviced.

David

Last night, I was looking at a friend's N and we were commenting on the hole in his bell housing where a Sherman shift lever used to be mounted. You can see inside. No liquids. My only qualifications are that I just tore mine down and replaced the clutch and seals, including the transmission seal whose purpose is to keep that fluid out of the space where the Sherman lives.