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Service Transmission


Transaxle Oil

Use the appropriate oil viscosity based on these air temperature ranges. Operating outside of these recommended oil air temperature ranges may cause premature hydrostatic transmission or hydraulic system failures.

IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Mixing of LOW VISCOSITY HY - GARD™ and HY - GARD™ oils is permitted. DO NOT mix any other oils in this transmission. DO NOT use engine oil or “Type F” (Red) Automatic Transmission Fluid in this transmission.


John Deere J20C HY-GARD™ transmission and hydraulic oil is recommended. John Deere J20D Low Viscosity HY-GARD™ transmission and hydraulic oil may be used, if within the specified temperature range.

Other oils may be used if above recommended John Deere oils are not available, provided they meet one of the following specifications:

• John Deere Standard JDM J20C;

• John Deere Standard JDM J20D.



Cleaning Hydraulic Oil Cooler

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Compressed air can cause debris to fly a long distance.

• Clear work area of bystanders.

• Wear eye protection when using compressed air for cleaning purposes.

• Reduce compressed air pressure to 210 kPa (30 psi).

IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! To ensure proper cooling, keep the cooling fins clean at all times. Operating the machine with obstructed cooling fins could cause damage due to overheating.


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

2. Open hood.


DM2153

3. Clean hydraulic cooler(A) with a rag, brush, or compressed air.

4. Close hood.

Checking Hydraulic Oil Level

IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Hot hydraulic oil will expand and show incorrect oil level. Check reservoir tank:

• When oil is cold.

• Engine not running.


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

2. Open hood.


DM2710

3. Unscrew tank cap (A).

4. Check oil at dipstick (B).


DM2711

5. Oil level should be between minimum (C) and maximum indicators (D).

6. If necessary, add oil.

7. Fit tank cap. Lower hood.

Changing Hydraulic Oil and Filter

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! Contamination of hydraulic fluid could cause transmission damage or failure. Do not open oil reservoir cap unless absolutely necessary.

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


1. Park machine safely. (Refer to Parking Safely in the Safety section.)

2. Allow engine and hydraulic oil reservoir to cool.

3. Open hood.


DM2052

Picture Note: Parts have been removed for photo clarity.

4. Put a container under hydraulic oil filter (A).

5. Turn hydraulic oil filter four turns counterclockwise to drain oil from tank.


DM2116

Picture Note: Bottom of hydraulic pump shown

6. Put a container under drain plug (B).

7. Remove drain plug.

8. Remove old filter.

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

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

11. Install drain plug.


DM2710

12. Clean area around reservoir fill cap (C).

13. Remove cap.

14. Fill oil reservoir with approximately 22.8L (6 gal) of oil.

15. Install cap.

16. Start engine.

17. Move throttle lever to the slow position.

18. Run machine in idle position for 3 minutes.

19. Unlock park brake.

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Help prevent serious bodily injury. Remain alert to other people and the surroundings when operating the machine.

20. Cycle motion control levers forward and rearward several times. Check for leaks around filter.

21. Stop the engine. Check oil level. Add oil if necessary.

22. Close hood.

Checking and Adjusting Motion Control Linkages

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Do not attempt this adjustment unless you are a qualified and properly trained technician. Improper adjustment can result in an unsafe machine.

Checking Motion Control Linkages

NOTE: Check and adjust motion control linkages with the machine parked on a hard, level surface.

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Engine exhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide and can cause serious illness or death.

• Move the machine to an outside area before running the engine.

• Do not run an engine in an enclosed area without adequate ventilation.

• Connect a pipe extension to the engine exhaust pipe to direct the exhaust fumes out of the area.

• Allow fresh outside air into the work area to clear the exhaust fumes out.

1. Sit on operator’s seat and place both motion control levers in the neutral lock position.

2. Start engine.

3. Set throttle lever to the fast position.

4. Unlock park brake.

5. If the drive wheels begin to creep, an adjustment is required.

Adjusting Motion Control Linkages

1. Stop engine and lock park brake.

2. Lift drive wheels off the ground using a safe lifting device and use jackstands to support machine.


MX44480

3. Move both motion control levers (A) to the neutral lock position.

4. Adjust seat fully rearward.


MX45233

5. Remove tethered lock bolt and nut (B) from front of seat frame.

6. Lift and secure operator seat in the raised position.


MX18076

7. Remove cotter pin and washer (C) from support rod (D) and remove seat rod from side of seat frame.

8. Tilt seat forward to rest on front frame.

9. Raise rear of machine with a safe lifting device.

• Support rear of machine with wood blocks or jackstands.

• Rear drive wheels must have the ability to rotate freely.

10. Activate operator seat safety switch:

NOTE: To avoid damaging the seat cushion, cover end of wood block with a rag.


MX18077

• Place a wooden block (E) approximately 33-38 cm (13-14 in.) long between the foot plate and the center of the seat.

11. Start engine.

12. Set throttle to the fast position.

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Prevent entanglement when performing this service procedure by keeping hands, feet and clothing away from rotating tires.

13. Unlock park brake.


MX44482

14. Locate right (F) and left (G) and motion control linkages.

15. Be sure the right motion control lever is in the neutral lock position.

• The right drive wheel must not turn. If it does turn, adjust the right motion control linkage (F):

a. Loosen the hex nuts (H) on each end of the right link.

b. Adjust the link until the right wheel stops rotating completely.

c. Tighten the hex nuts (H).

16. Move the right motion control lever completely forward and rearward in the slot and then back to the neutral lock position.

• The right drive wheel must stop completely. If the drive wheel does not completely stop rotating, repeat step 14 and 15.

17. Repeat procedure to adjust the left motion control linkage (G).

18. Stop engine.

19. Move both motion control levers to the neutral lock position.

20. Remove wood block (E) from between foot plate and the operator seat.

21. Lower machine.

22. Install support rod (D) to side of seat frame and secure with washer and cotter pin (C).

23. Lower seat.

24. Install tethered lock bolt and nut (B) from front of seat frame.