Service Hydraulics

Transmission and Hydraulic Oil

NOTE: Greensmower is filled with John Deere HY-GARD® (J20C) Transmission and Hydraulic Oil at the factory. DO NOT mix oils. DO NOT use type "F" automatic transmission fluid or J20D Low Viscosity HY-GARD®.

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

John Deere HY-GARD® Transmission/Hydraulic Oil is recommended.

Other oils may be used if they are QUATROL® oils or if they meet John Deere Standard JDM J20C.

Checking Hydraulic Oil Level

1. Park the machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the SAFETY section.)

2. Open rear engine cowling.

NOTE: Check hydraulic oil level when oil is cold.

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3. Check oil level on sight glass (A). Oil should be maintained to a mid-level range (B) on the sight glass.

4. If oil level is low:

· Carefully clean area around oil reservoir fill cap (C).

· Remove reservoir cap. Add oil at reservoir fill cap location until oil level reaches mid-level range on the sight glass.

5. Install and tighten reservoir cap.

6. Close rear engine cowling.

Checking Hydraulic Oil Filter Status Indicator

1. Park the machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the SAFETY section.)

2. Secure operator seat in the raised position.

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3. Locate and check hydraulic oil filter status indicator (A) just above oil filter.

· When plunger (B) inside indicator moves in direction shown by arrow on indicator and is visible inside the indicator red zone, hydraulic oil filter requires immediate service.

4. Lower operator seat.

Changing Hydraulic Oil

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Escaping fluid under high pressure can penetrate the skin and cause serious injury: · Wear gloves and proper clothing to protect hands and body from high pressure fluids. · Relieve pressure before disconnecting hydraulic and other lines. · Tighten all connections before pressurizing the system. · Search for leaks with a piece of cardboard.

1. Park the machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the SAFETY section.)

2. Allow engine and hydraulic oil reservoirs to cool.

3. Open rear engine cowling.

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4. Locate drain plug (A) under left side of main oil reservoir. Locate drain plug (B) under left side of auxiliary oil reservoir.

5. Remove main drain plug and auxiliary tank drain plug.

6. Drain oil into a drain pan with at least a 21 L (6 gal) capacity.

7. Clean hydraulic oil reservoir strainer before adding oil to hydraulic system.

8. Apply thread sealant to drain plug threads.

9. Install and tighten drain plug (A) and drain plug (B).

NOTE: Total oil capacity of hydrostatic and reel drive system is 28.8 L (7.6 gal). Capacity of hydraulic oil reservoir only is 20.4 L (5.4 gal).

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10. Fill main oil reservoir.

· Clean area around reservoir fill plug (C).

· Remove fill plug (C).

· Fill reservoir with oil. Do not overfill.

· Apply thread sealant to main fill plug threads.

· Install and tighten fill plug.

11. Fill auxiliary oil reservoir.

· Clean area around auxiliary oil reservoir fill cap (D). Remove cap.

· Add oil at reservoir fill cap location until oil level reaches mid-level range (E) on the sight glass (F).

· Install fill cap.

12. Start engine.

13. Cycle hydraulic controls for one or two minutes. Check for leaks.

14. Stop engine.

15. Check oil level. Add oil as necessary.

16. Close rear engine cowling.

Changing Hydraulic Oil Filter

1. Park the machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the SAFETY section.)

2. Allow engine and hydraulic oil filter to cool.

3. Secure operator seat in the raised position.

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4. Locate hydraulic oil filter (A) under right side of greensmower.

5. Turn filter counterclockwise to remove.

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

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

8. Start engine.

9. Cycle hydraulic controls for one or two minutes. Check for leaks.

10. Stop engine.

11. Check oil level. Add oil as necessary.

12. Lower operator seat.

Cleaning Hydraulic Oil Reservoir Strainer

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Touching hot surfaces can burn skin. The engine, components, and fluids will be hot if the engine has been running. Allow the engine to cool before servicing or working near the engine and components.

NOTE: Clean hydraulic oil reservoir strainer when changing the hydraulic oil and filter. Service strainer when the hydraulic oil reservoir is empty.

1. Change hydraulic oil and filter.

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2. Locate hydraulic oil reservoir strainer (A) under left side of greensmower.

3. Loosen adjustable hose clamp (B).

NOTE: Use drain pan to catch dripping oil.

4. Remove rubber hose (C) from strainer.

5. Loosen and remove strainer from reservoir housing.

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6. Clean strainer (A) with solvent or mineral spirits.

7. Allow strainer to dry.

8. Apply thread sealant to strainer threads.

9. Install strainer into reservoir housing and tighten.

10. Install rubber hose (C) onto strainer.

11. Install and tighten adjustable hose clamp (B).

Cleaning Backlap/Mower Valve Screen

1. Park the machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the SAFETY section.)

2. Allow hydraulic oil to cool.

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3. Locate backlap/mow valve under left side of greensmower.

NOTE: Use drain pan to catch dripping oil.

4. Remove hose and fitting from "P" port (A).

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Picture Note: Valve shown removed for illustration purposes only.

5. Remove screen (B).

6. Clean screen with solvent or mineral spirits.

7. Install screen in "P" port and tighten securely.

8. Install fitting and hose.

9. Check oil level. Add oil as necessary.