Service Transmission
Transmission Oil
NOTE: Machine is filled with John Deere Low Viscosity HY-GARD® (J20D) transmission oil at the factory. DO NOT mix oils.
These machines 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 Transaxle Oil Level (All Models)
NOTE: On models with Full Time 4-Wheel Drive (HFWD) front axle, make sure that machine is parked on level ground for accurate reading. Hydraulic fluid should be checked and added (if necessary) at the transaxle dipstick like other models, but fluid is shared between the HFWD axle and transaxle.
1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the SAFETY Section.)
IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Contamination of oil could cause transmission damage or failure. Clean area around dipstick before removing. |
3. Remove dipstick (A) and wipe it with a clean rag.
4. Install dipstick until it rests on top of fill tube. Do not tighten dipstick.
6. Check oil level on dipstick. Oil level should be between crosshatch marks on dipstick.
7. If oil is low, add John Deere Low Viscosity HY-GARD (J20D) transmission oil through dipstick fill opening to proper level.
8. Install and tighten dipstick.
9. Start and run engine a few minutes.
10. Stop engine and check oil level. Add oil as needed.
11. Return seat to operating position.
Changing Transaxle Oil and Filter (Except Full Time 4-Wheel Drive (HFWD) System)
1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the SAFETY Section.)
2. Place drain pan under drain plug (A). Remove drain plug and drain oil.
3. Install and tighten drain plug.
4. Put drain pan under transaxle filter (B).
5. Turn filter counterclockwise with a filter wrench to remove it.
6. Put a film of clean transmission oil on gasket of new filter.
7. Install filter. Turn filter clockwise until gasket contacts the mounting surface. Tighten 2/3 to 1 turn more.
IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Contamination of oil could cause transmission damage or failure. Clean area around dipstick before removing. |
9. Remove dipstick. Add John Deere Low Viscosity HY-GARD (J20D) transmission oil through dipstick fill opening:
10. Install and tighten dipstick.
11. Start engine and check for oil leaks around filter base and drain plug.
12. Return seat to operating position, and drive machine forward and backward a few times.
13. Stop engine. Wait a minimum of three minutes for transaxle to get cold.
14. Check oil level. Add oil as needed.
Changing HFWD System Hydraulic Oil and Filter (Transaxle and HFWD Front Axle)
NOTE: On HFWD equipped models, hydraulic fluid is shared between the transaxle and HFWD front axle. Hydraulic fluid should always be changed in both axles when filter is replaced.
1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the SAFETY Section.)
c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Remove wheels safely.
• Use a safe lifting device and support machine securely on jack stands. • Block front and rear of wheel not raised to prevent machine movement. |
2. Remove front wheels and tires.
3. Place drain pans under the transaxle drain plug, the center front axle drain plug, and the drain plug at the bottom of each front axle drive unit (left and right). The system should be drained completely, make sure that containers are of adequate size.
4. Remove transaxle drain plug (A) and drain oil.
5. Remove center front axle drain plug (B), and drive unit drain plugs (C) and drain oil.
6. Install and tighten all drain plugs when fluid has completely drained.
7. Put drain pan under transaxle filter (D).
8. Turn filter counterclockwise with a filter wrench to remove it.
9. Put a film of clean transmission oil on gasket of new filter.
10. Install filter. Turn filter clockwise until gasket contacts the mounting surface. Tighten 2/3 to 1 turn more.
IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Contamination of oil could cause transmission damage or failure. Clean area around vent plugs and filler plug before removing. |
NOTE: Follow the correct sequence when filling the HFWD system with hydraulic fluid. Fill the front axle first, fill the transaxle last.
13. Remove the filler plug (E) at the right side of the axle, and the vent plugs (F) at the top of each drive unit.
14. Slowly fill the front axle until the hydraulic oil level reaches the vent plug holes at each side. The axle should accept approx. 5.0L (5.3 qt) of hydraulic fluid.
15. Install the vent plugs and filler plug.
IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Contamination of oil could cause transmission damage or failure. Clean area around dipstick before removing. |
16. Remove transaxle dipstick (G). Add John Deere Low Viscosity HY-GARD (J20D) transmission oil through dipstick fill opening:
• Approx. 6.8L (7.2 qt) or until fluid is at full level on dipstick.
17. Install and tighten dipstick.
18. Start engine and check for oil leaks around filter base and drain plug.
19. Return seat to operating position, apply brake, and cycle transmission forward and reverse three times to ensure proper circulation.
20. Stop engine. Wait a minimum of three minutes for transaxle to get cold.