Is your John Deere tractor loader slow? Isn’t sensitive enough? It could be that there is not enough hydraulic fluid. Hydraulic fluid is the source of power for key components such as loaders, steering and three-point suspension. A low fluid level will affect performance and may also cause major repair trouble. Here’s a simple guide on how to check your hydraulic fluid to keep your tractor in top condition.
4 Steps to Check the Hydraulic Fluid Level
Checking hydraulic fluid follows the correct steps for accurate readings. John Deere tractors may vary slightly from one series to another. Some use a dipstick and some use a level gauge. But the core principle is the same. Maintain the health of your hydraulic system with durable John Deere parts.
Park the Tractor and Lower the Attachments
Park the tractor on level ground and apply the parking brake. Lower hydraulic accessories, such as a three-point suspension, are attached to the ground. Allow the oil to flow back into the oil tank so that the measured liquid level is accurate.
Preheating Hydraulic Fluid
Start the engine and idle at low speed for a few minutes (about 1000–1200 rpm) to allow the hydraulic fluid to circulate. Turn off the engine and wait 3–5 minutes for the oil to return and the bubbles to disappear.
Pro tip: Never check the fluid level while the engine’s running.
Find the Liquid Level Checkpoint
- Level observation window: usually at the rear of the variable speed drive axle housing. The oil level should be between “added” and “full”, close to the upper limit.
- Dipstick: Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean with a cloth, plug it back in and pull it out to read the liquid level. There will also be markings on the dipstick to show the safety range.
Add Hydraulic Fluid (If Needed)
- Clean around the filler neck first to prevent dust from falling into the tank.
- Refuel slowly with a clean funnel, a small amount at a time, and check the fluid level.
- After adding the appropriate liquid level, cover the filling port.
When to Replace Hydraulic Fluid?
Once the tractor’s hydraulic fluid is found to be black, have a burning odor, or be milky white (indicating water infiltration), simply filling it with hydraulic fluid is not enough. The hydraulic fluid and filter cartridge need to be completely replaced. In general, hydraulic fluid and filter cartridges should be replaced as recommended in the manual, usually every 1200 hours or annually.
Pollution is the enemy of hydraulic systems. Even a small amount of impurities mixed in during refueling may cause the pump and valves to wear out prematurely. There is actually a fixed process for replacing hydraulic fluid:
- Start the tractor and allow the hydraulic fluid to warm up and the contaminants to suspend.
- Carefully drain the old oil into the drain pan.
- Clean the filter on the drain screw plug.
- Replace the hydraulic filter element.
- Install the playback oil screw plug and add an appropriate amount of new hydraulic fluid.
Don’t forget to check the manual to confirm the location of the oil drain screw plug, filter type and oil level to ensure safe and accurate operation.
Why Hydraulic Maintenance Matters?
Regularly checking and maintaining your hydraulic fluid level ensures:
- The action is fast and powerful: the liquid level is sufficient, and the cylinder and steering action are smooth; when there is little oil, bubbles will easily form, and the action is slow and heavy objects cannot be lifted.
- Protection of parts, heat dissipation: Hydraulic fluid can also lubricate pumps and valves, take away heat, and old oil will accelerate wear.
- Save money: A hydraulic pump or cylinder breaks for thousands of dollars, and replacing a few gallons of oil and filter can save you a major hassle.
Conclusion
Checking hydraulic fluid is a skill every John Deere tractor user should know. Just 10 minutes. Put it on your daily checklist. Do this to avoid costly repairs and make your machine continue to work for many years.