Case IH DX23, DX26 Operator Manual

Stop work immediately and let the engine idle for two minutes before shutdown. Check coolant level — the system holds 3.5 liters (3.7 U.S. qts.) total; top up to the MAX mark on the reservoir if low. Inspect the radiator screen and fins for packed debris from field work; clean with compressed air from the inside out. Check the fan belt for slippage or cracking as outlined on page 73.

Check the hydraulic oil level in the rear axle and transmission housing — capacity is 16 liters (4.23 U.S. gals.); low fluid is the first cause of weak lift. Verify the hydraulic filter has been serviced: replace after the first 50 hours, then every 300 hours (page 70). If fluid and filter are good, check the system relief valve setting — it should read 130 bar (1849 PSI) per page 96. Contaminated fluid will accelerate wear; drain and refill with the correct grade if the oil looks dark or smells burnt.

Check the battery terminals first — clean corrosion with a wire brush and ensure connections are tight. Verify battery voltage is adequate; a weak battery can't drive the glow plugs and starter together. Allow full glow plug preheat before cranking: watch the instrument panel indicator on page 27 and wait for it to cycle off before turning the key. If the engine still won't fire after two attempts, bleed the fuel system following the procedure on pages 63-64, especially if the tractor recently ran dry or had the fuel filter changed.

Inspect the air cleaner immediately — a clogged primary element is the most common cause of black smoke and power loss on these tractors. Clean the primary element every 100 hours of service (page 66); replace it after six cleanings or once per year. Replace the inner safety element every third primary element change or every 1000 hours, whichever comes first (page 67). Do not clean the inner safety element — it is a discard-only part. Refer to page 67 for the correct removal sequence so you don't push debris into the intake.

Check brake pedal free play on both pedals — correct free travel is 19-30 mm (3/4 to 1-3/16 in.) on each side (page 85). Unequal free play between left and right pedals causes the pulling you feel. Adjust the lagging pedal to match, then lock the pedals together for road transport and test braking in a straight line at low speed. If one brake drags after adjustment, inspect the linkage for bent or binding components before operating on public roads.

Shut the engine off within 30 seconds — running on low oil pressure causes rapid bearing damage. Check the engine oil level on the dipstick; on the DX23 the crankcase holds 2.7 liters (3.0 U.S. qts.) with a filter change, and the DX26 holds 3.3 liters (3.5 U.S. qts.). Top up to the FULL mark if low. If oil level is correct, check the oil filter — replace every 100 hours under normal conditions (page 61) or every 70 hours in severe dusty or hot conditions. Do not restart until the cause is identified; consult the warning light guide on page 27.