Hydraulic System (General Information)

Machine hydraulic system is an open center system. In an open center system the pump runs continuously, even when system components are not activated (system is in neutral). When system is in neutral, oil flows through the system and back to the reservoir - “open center” feature.

There are two reservoirs in the hydraulic system; hydraulic/hydrostatic reservoir and steering/engine gearcase reservoir. Hydraulic/hydrostatic reservoir supplies oil for the header lift, hydraulic, reel/belt pickup, residue spreader (optional) and hydrostatic systems. Steering/engine gearcase reservoir supplies oil for the steering, separator engage wet clutch, gearcase lubrication and unloading auger engage systems.

There are two oil coolers; one each for reservoirs. Oil cooler bypass valves provide quick warm up of oil in cold weather.

There are three oil filters providing filtration for the hydrostatic system, steering/engine gearcase system and the combined return oil from the header lift, hydraulic, and reel/belt pickup systems.

A three-pump stack supplies oil to the header lift, hydraulic and steering/engine gearcase systems. A pump powered by the feeder house drive supplies oil to the reel/belt pickup system. When equipped, a pump powered by the chopper drive supplies oil to the residue spreader system. The hydrostatic system uses it’s own charge pump to supply oil to the hydrostatic unit.

CAUTION: It is normal for the system to allow a raised feeder house (with or without a header) to slowly lower to the ground after a long period of time. Always lower safety stop when machine is unattended. If feeder house should lower itself to the ground in less than 12 hours (approximate), see your John Deere dealer.

IMPORTANT: Components in this system are built to very close tolerances and have been adjusted at the factory. Do not attempt to service these components except to maintain proper oil level and to change oil and filter. See your John Deere dealer for all other service.