Service Transmission
Gear Case Oil
Use the following oil viscosity based on the air temperature range. Operating outside of the recommended oil air temperature range may cause premature gear case failure.
IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! ONLY use a quality oil in this gear case. DO NOT mix any other oils in this gear case. DO NOT use BIO-HY-GARD® in this gear case. |
The following John Deere gear case oil is preferred:
· GL-5 GEAR LUBRICANT®-SAE 80W-90
Other gear case oils may be used if recommended John Deere gear case oil is not available, provided they meet the following specification:
· API Service Classification GL-5.
Checking Front Axle Oil Level
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. Oil level should be between high and low levels on dipstick. If oil level is low:
a. Add GL-5 Gear Lubricant®-SAE 80W-90 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
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 2.5 L (2.6 qt) 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 located on right side of front axle.
9. Add approximately 2.5 L (2.6 qt) GL-5 Gear Lubricant®-SAE 80W-90 or equivalent through dipstick fill opening until oil level is correct.
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.
Transmission and Hydraulic Oil
IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Transaxle is filled with John Deere HY-Gard® (J20C) transmission oil at the factory. DO NOT mix oils. |
Do not use type "F" automatic transmission fluid.
Use Hy-Gard® (J20C) or Low Viscosity Hy-Gard (J20D) transmission oil.
John Deere Low Viscosity Hy-Gard transmission oil is specially formulated for operation below -18provide maximum protection for the hydraulic system.
Use oil viscosity based on the expected air temperature range during the period between oil changes.
IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Use recommended oil only. Do not use engine oil or "Type F" automatic transmission fluid. |
Other oils may be used if they meet John Deere standard JDM J20D or J20C.
Checking Transmission Oil Level
1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the SAFETY section.) Allow machine to cool down for at least one hour.
2. Check oil level in sight glass (A) at rear of transaxle case. Oil level should be at 1/2-3/4 of sight glass.
· Add recommended oil through fill opening until oil level is correct.
4. Install and tighten filler cap.
Changing Transmission Oil and Filter
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 transmission contains approximately 13.0 L (3.4 gal) of oil.
3. Position drain pan under transmission drain plug (A). Remove plug and allow oil to drain completely.
4. Locate transaxle oil filter (B).
5. Position drain pan under filter. Remove and discard filter. Allow residual oil to drain completely.
6. Put a film of clean transmission oil on seal of new filter.
7. Fill the filter 1/3 - 1/2 full of oil.
8. Install filter and turn clockwise until gasket makes contact with the mounting surface. Tighten 1/2 - 3/4 turn after gasket contact.
9. Position drain pan under the transmission suction screen cover (C), located on the left side of the transaxle housing.
10. Loosen hose clamp (D) and remove suction hose (E) from suction screen cover.
11. Remove retaining bolt (F) and clamp (G), then remove suction screen cover and suction screen. Pressure from two large O-rings is all that retains the cover once the clamp is removed.
12. Remove and clean the four magnets (H) inside suction screen (I).
13. Clean screen and cover (C) with a mild solvent. Allow to dry.
14. Inspect O-rings (J) for damage or cracking. Replace if necessary.
15. Install four magnets (H) back into screen (I).
16. Install screen into transmission housing.
NOTE: Apply hydraulic oil to O-rings to ease assembly and prevent damage to sealing surfaces.
17. Install cover (C) with two O-rings (J) into transmission housing and secure with clamp and retaining bolt.
18. Install and tighten drain plug.
20. Add approximately 13 L (3.4 gal) of preferred transmission oil or equivalent into fill opening until oil level is between 1/2 - 3/4 of the sight glass.