Service Transmission
Transmission and Hydraulic Oil
IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Use recommended oil only. Do not use engine oil or "Type F" automatic transmission fluid. |
Use oil viscosity based on the expected air temperature range during the period between oil changes.
John Deere Low Viscosity HY-GARDŽ Transmission/Hydraulic Oil is recommended. Standard John Deere HY-GARD Transmission/Hydraulic Oil may also be used.
Other oils may be used if they meet John Deere standard JDM J20D or J20C.
Checking Front Axle Oil Level (MFWD Only)
IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Allow oil one hour to settle before checking level to ensure accurate dipstick reading. Repeat oil level check after several hours of operation. |
1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the SAFETY section.) Allow machine to cool down for at least one hour.
IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Dirt and debris in oil may cause damage to the transaxle. Clean area around opening before removing dipstick. |
2. Loosen and remove dipstick (A) located on right side of front axle.
3. Wipe dipstick clean with a rag. Install and tighten dipstick.
4. Remove dipstick again. Oil level should be indicated on the dipstick, but not above the full line (B). If oil level is low:
a. Add John Deere HY-GARD J20D or J20C oil or equivalent through dipstick fill opening until oil level is correct.
b. Install and tighten dipstick.
5. Check front axle oil level again after the first several hours of operation.
Changing Front Axle Oil (MFWD Only)
1. Operate machine to warm front axle oil.
2. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the SAFETY section.)
3. Position drain pan under differential drain plug (A).
NOTE: For draining purposes, front axle contains approximately 5.0L (1.3 gal) of oil.
4. Remove differential drain plug and allow oil to drain.
5. Position drain pan under axle drain plug (B) on both sides of front axle.
6. Remove axle drain plugs and allow oil drain.
7. Install and tighten drain plugs (A) and (B) after all oil has drained.
8. Remove dipstick (C) located on right side of front axle.
9. Add approximately 5.0L (1.3 gal) of John Deere Low Viscosity HY-GARD (J20D) or HY-GARD (J20C) or equivalent into dipstick filler opening.
10. Install and tighten dipstick.
IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Allow oil one hour to settle before checking level to ensure accurate dipstick reading. Repeat oil level check after several hours of operation. |
11. Check front axle oil level.
Checking Transmission Oil Level
IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Allow oil one hour to settle before checking level to ensure accurate dipstick reading. Check oil level after several hours of operation. |
1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the SAFETY section.) Allow machine to cool down for at least one hour.
2. Remove dipstick (A) located behind operator's seat. Wipe dipstick with a clean rag.
4. Remove dipstick and check oil level. Oil level should be between the minimum (B) and maximum (C) lines.
ˇ Remove oil fill cap (D). Add John Deere Low Viscosity HY-GARD (JDM J20D) or equivalent oil at fill cap location.
6. Install and tighten fill cap.
Changing Transmission Oil, Oil Filter, Suction Screen and Suction Side Filter
IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Contamination of hydraulic fluid could cause transmission damage or failure. Severe or unusual conditions may require a more frequent service interval. |
1. Run engine a few minutes to warm the transmission oil.
2. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the SAFETY section.)
NOTE: For draining purposes, the gear transmission contains approximately 36.9 L (9.7 gal) of oil and the hydrostatic transmission contains approximately 35 L (9.2 gal) of oil.
3. Position drain pan under transmission drain plug (A). Remove plug and allow oil to drain.
4. Position drain pan under suction screen cover drain plug (B) on right side of transmission. Remove plug and allow oil to drain.
5. After oil is drained, remove two cap screws (C) and lock washers (D) to remove suction screen cover (E).
6. Remove suction screen (F) from transmission housing.
7. Clean suction screen, O-ring (G) and suction screen cover (E) with a mild solvent. Allow to dry.
8. Assemble and install suction screen assembly.
9. Install drain plugs (A) and (B).
Picture Note: Top photo shows location on SyncShift model. Bottom photo shows location on other models.
10. Locate hydraulic oil filter (H):
ˇ SyncShift model: on machine right side under operator's platform
ˇ Other models: on machine left side, behind step, under operator's platform
11. Position a drain pan under the hydraulic oil filter. Remove and discard filter. Allow residual oil to drain completely.
12. Put a film of clean transmission oil on seal of new filter.
13. Fill the filter 1/3 to 1/2 full with specified hydraulic oil.
14. Install filter. Turn filter clockwise until gasket makes contact with the mounting surface. Tighten 1/2-3/4 turn after gasket contact.
Picture Note: PowrReverser model shown.
15. Locate suction side filter (I) on machine left side, behind step, under operator's platform.
16. Position a drain pan under the suction side filter. Remove and discard filter. Allow residual oil to drain completely.
17. Put a film of clean transmission oil on seal of new filter.
18. Install filter. Turn filter clockwise until gasket makes contact with the mounting surface. Tighten 1/2-3/4 turn after gasket contact.
20. Add preferred transmission oil or equivalent into filler opening.
ˇ Gear Models: Approximately 35 L (9.2 gal).
ˇ Hydrostatic Models: Approximately 37 L (9.8 gal).
21. Start engine. Check for oil leaks around filter base and drain plugs.