Service Transmission

These tractors are equipped with a internal wet disc brake transmission. Use only Low Viscosity HY-GARD® (J20D) transmission oil. DO NOT use type "F" automatic transmission fluid.


IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Use John Deere Low Viscosity HY-GARD® (J20D) transmission oil to reduce transmission noise and to increase response time for the hydraulics and power steering.

John Deere Low Viscosity HY-GARD® (J20D) transmission oil is specially formulated to provide maximum protection against mechanical wear, corrosion, and foaming.

Checking Transmission Oil Level

1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the Safety Section.)


IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Hot hydraulic oil will expand and show incorrect oil level. Check reservoir tank: · When oil is cold. · Engine not running.

2. Let engine cool.

3. Move hydraulic control lever back and forth a few times to relieve pressure.

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4. Remove dip stick (A). Wipe dip stick with a clean rag.

5. Install dip stick until it rests on top of fill tube. DO NOT tighten it.

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6. Remove dip stick. Oil level should be between ADD and FULL marks on dip stick.


IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Dirt and debris in hydraulic oil may cause damage to the hydraulic system. · Do not open oil reservoir cap unless absolutely necessary. · Clean area around oil reservoir cap before removing.

7. If oil is low, add John Deere Low Viscosity HY-GARD or an equivalent J20D transmission oil.

8. Install dip stick.

9. Run engine for a few minutes. Stop engine and check transmission oil level. Add oil as necessary.

10. Install and tighten dip stick.

Changing Transmission Oil and Filter

1. Stop engine and engage park brake.

2. Remove mower from tractor.

NOTE: NOTE: Bottom half is shown for clarity only - DO NOT disassemble transmission.

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3. Place drain pan so it is under drain plug (A) located on the bottom of the front right hand corner of transmission case. Remove drain plug to drain oil.


IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Be sure all the oil is drained before removing the internal filter access cap.

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4. Remove transmission internal filter access cap (B).

NOTE: On later models, spring (B) and spacer (C) have been eliminated and a new design filter is in it's place. See your John Deere Dealer for specific part substitutions.

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5. Remove spring (B) and spacer (C), if equipped. Discard spring and spacer.

6. Remove filter (D).

NOTE: New design filter has a spring attached to one end.

7. Install new filter with spring side toward access cap. Install and tighten access cap.

8. Install drain plug in bottom of transmission case.

9. Replace green in-line filter located in front of the transmission on the left hand side of the tractor:

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· Loosen nut (E) and disconnect line from filter (F).

· Unscrew filter from line (G).

· Install new filter and o-rings (H).

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10. Remove dip stick (I). Add oil. DO NOT overfill.

Approximate Transmission Capacity With Filter:

· 4.3 L (4.7 qt.)

11. Install and tighten dip stick.

12. Start engine and check for oil leaks around drain plug, green filter, and internal filter access cap.

13. Unlock park brake and drive tractor forward and backward a few times.

14. Stop engine. Wait a minimum of 3 minutes, engine should be cold.

15. Check oil level.

16. Add oil if required.

17. Install mower.