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Service - Hydraulics


Hydraulic Oil

Use oil viscosity based on the expected air temperature range during the period between oil changes.

The following John Deere transmission and hydraulic oil is preferred:

ˇ HY-GARDŽ (JDM J20C)



IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Only use a quality oil in this auxiliary oil cooler reservoir. DO NOT mix any other oils in this oil reservoir. DO NOT use
BIO-HYGARDŽ in this oil reservoir. DO NOT use engine oil or "Type F" (Red) Automatic Transmission Fluid in this reservoir.


Check Hydraulic Oil Level

IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Check oil level in reservoir tank when oil is cold.

DO NOT overfill oil reservoir tank. Oil will expand during operation and could overflow.


NOTE: This service procedure should be performed on vehicles equipped with the auxiliary hydraulic kit.

1. Raise attachment to service position. (See Using the Lift Cylinder Safety Support in the Service Safety section.)

2. Park vehicle safely. (See Park Safely in the Operating section.)


MX1728

3. Locate auxiliary oil reservoir (A) on left side of vehicle.

4. Thoroughly clean area around dipstick cap (B).

5. Remove dipstick cap (B) from the oil reservoir tank. Visually check level of oil.


M93955

ˇ Oil must be between the "ADD" and "FULL COLD" marks on the dipstick.

6. Add oil, if necessary.

7. Install and tighten dipstick cap.

8. Lower attachment.

Changing the Hydraulic Oil and Filter

NOTE: This service procedure should be performed on vehicles equipped with the auxiliary hydraulic kit.

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Escaping fluid under pressure can penetrate the skin causing serious injury. Avoid the hazard by relieving pressure before disconnecting hydraulic or other lines. Tighten all connections before applying pressure. Search for leaks with a piece of cardboard. Protect hands and body from high pressure fluids.

Use caution when filling and draining hydraulic oil. During periods of machine operation the hydraulic oil reservoir can get hot. Allow engine and oil reservoir to cool before servicing.

IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Prevent contamination of hydraulic oil. DO NOT open the oil reservoir cap unless absolutely necessary.

DO NOT overfill the hydraulic oil reservoir. Oil expands during operation and could overflow.

Severe or unusual conditions may require a more frequent service interval.


1. Raise attachment to service position. (See Using the Lift Cylinder Safety Support in the Service Safety section.)

2. Park vehicle safely. (See Park Safely in the Operating section.)

ˇ Allow the engine and the oil reservoir to cool.

3. Locate drain plug (A) under the oil reservoir on the LEFT side of the vehicle.

4. Place container under the oil drain location.


MX1729

5. Remove drain plug. Allow oil to drain into a container with at least a 13.2 L (3.5 gal) capacity.

6. Remove hydraulic oil filter (B).


MX1654, MX2938

ˇ Locate filter under LEFT side of vehicle.

7. Turn filter counterclockwise to remove. Use a drain pan to catch dripping oil.

8. Apply a film of clean oil on gasket of new filter.

9. Install new filter.

ˇ Turn filter clockwise until gasket makes contact with the mounting surface. Tighten 1/2 to 3/4 turn after gasket contact.

10. Install drain plug. DO NOT overtighten.

11. Thoroughly clean area around dipstick cap (C).


MX1728

12. Remove dipstick cap from the oil reservoir tank.

13. Fill oil reservoir with approximately 13.2 L (3.5 gal) of oil.

14. Start engine.

15. Cycle the hydraulic PTO lever (D) for approximately one or two minutes. Check for leaks.


MX1730

16. Stop engine.

17. Check oil level. Add oil as necessary.

18. Lower attachment or cargo box.

Clean Hydraulic Oil Reservoir Strainer

NOTE: This service procedure should be performed on vehicles equipped with auxiliary hydraulic kit.

Routinely clean strainer when changing the hydraulic oil and filter. Strainer should be serviced when the hydraulic oil tank is empty.

1. Change hydraulic oil and filter.

2. Loosen adjustable hose clamp (A).


MX1799

3. Remove rubber hose (B) from strainer (C).

4. Remove strainer from the hydraulic oil tank.

5. Clean strainer with solvent or mineral spirits and allow to dry.

6. Install strainer into the hydraulic oil tank.

7. Install rubber hose onto strainer.

8. Tighten adjustable hose clamp.

Cleaning Oil Cooling Coils

NOTE: This service procedure should be performed on vehicles equipped with auxiliary hydraulic kit.

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Avoid injury. Wear personal eye protection when using compressed air for cleaning purposes.

IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Avoid engine damage. Keep cooling coils clean to prevent engine overheating.


1. Raise attachment to service position.(See Using the Lift Cylinder Safety Support in the Service Safety section.)

2. Park vehicle safely. (See Park Safely in the Operating section.)

3. Lift air intake screen (A) from position in front of the engine radiator.


MX1726

4. Remove dirt and debris from the oil cooling coils (B) using compressed air or water. Check coils for damage.

5. Install air intake screen.

6. Lower attachment.