John Deere has been a well-known brand in the manufacturing domain for high-quality products. The hydrostatic transmission is one on the list.
Do you know how much oil does a John Deere hydrostatic transmission take? Well! If you know, you would also know how costly it can get.
John Deere’s popular hydraulic oil, Hy-Gard is good but can get expensive. That’s why many people also search for alternatives to keep expenses in control.
And here, we will discuss the oil that you can use with a John Deere hydrostatic transmission.
John Deere Hydraulic Oil
What’s the first thing that comes to your mind on hearing about John Deere? Tractors and that green-yellow paint job.
For several years, the brand has been in the limelight for diesel engines, lawn care, drivetrains, etc. It was in 1973 when Hy-Gard was developed.
Since the oil was made specifically for John Deere, it carries the perfect viscosity for the brand’s machines.
Hy-Gard’s physical properties include a 10w30 viscosity rating, 59 cSt viscosity at 40-degree Celsius, and 9.4 cSt viscosity at 100-degree Celsius.
It also carries a viscosity index of 140, 227-degree Celsius flash point, and -40 degrees Celsius pour point.
Advantages of Using John Deere Hydrostatic Transmission Fluid
Hydraulic oil can be good. But how much is a decent good? Let’s see how good a Hy-Gard becomes when it goes into John Deere equipment.
- Protects high torque-heavy gears and bearings from harm
- Restricts metal-to-metal contact
- Reduces slippage and offers great friction to clutches and brakes
- Preserves the lifespan of machines by lubricating them with anti-wear additives
- Surpasses the minimum specifications needed by the JDM J20
- Prevents hydraulic pumps from corrosion
- Removes dirt and sludge from the machines
These are some of the many positives you can consider for using the John Deere Hy-Gard. And the price is the only reason some people would be looking for an alternative.
What Makes John Deere Hydraulic Oil Expensive?
Did you know? Hy-Gard has been one of the most competitive and highest-ranked formulas since its launch.
It even competed very well with newer hydraulic oils created by manufacturers with improvements in the current versions.
In short, it is expensive because it’s one of the best. Moreover, the oil carries a proprietary blend of components that makes it expensive.
What is an API Rating?
When it’s about fuels and oils, API ratings are important. So, let’s go through a brief about what they are and why they are significant.
The API (or American Petroleum Institute) rates motor oils based on a particular criterion. For example, they observe the OEM needs and then evaluate the oil against them.
The API value is a verification of the suitability of oil’s viscosity grade for an engine.
So, if you are looking for a substitute, find something that carries the same API rating. It makes sure the freshness of the bottle’s contents and compatibility with your machine.
But don’t rely on API rating only. Some oils with the same API ratings might be unsafe for your John Deere mower or another machine.
You should also check the properties of the substitute and compare them against those of Hy-Gard with the same API rating.
How do Hydraulics Work?
A hydraulic system follows the basic physics of transferring force by using liquid. When the plunger pushes down, the liquid should take another space.
That creates a force that is responsible for movements within the system. This concept adds effectiveness to a tractor’s functionality even if it operates on a higher level.
Your tractor achieves remarkable work with fewer efforts due to the hydraulic system. The mechanical system is used to do the heavy lifting job.
Different parts of a hydraulic system include a pump, reservoir, cylinder, filter, valves, hose, and fluid. A motor is the power source that makes the pump work.
The hydraulic pump utilizes fluid as a carrier of force from 1 point to another. And, the fluid gives energy as pressure to generate the desired work through mechanical force.
Today’s sophisticated hydraulic systems control multiple devices simultaneously for easy work output.
And with more components to control, the need to maintain the tractor’s peak situation gets more crucial.
Electronics control most parts while the hydraulic fluid maintains the system’s internal control. Despite advantages, fluid dynamic principles still stay at the core.
How to Check Hydraulic Fluid Level on John Deere Tractor?
The lifeblood of a hydraulic system, this fluid should be there in the right quality and quantity. This ensures proper system functioning from cylinders to steering.
So, if you own a John Deere, do you know how much oil does a John Deere hydrostatic transmission take?
Check the product description to know how much is good to prevent the system’s components from being damaged.
Following are some instructions to check the level on a John Deere tractor
- Get the tractor parked with implements down on the ground level
- Let the engine run for a minimum of 1 minute at roughly 1000rpm, stop it, and wait for 3 minutes for the oil to settle. Oil should be at 45-degree Celsius temperature.
- Check the sight glass for oil level. Ideally, it should be just below the top mark and otherwise between glass marks.
- You need a refill if the level dips below the lower mark on the glass.
How to add hydraulic fluid to a John Deere tractor?
- Wipe away debris from the reservoir section
- Remove the reservoir cap
- Add the oil, preferably Hy-Gard with a clean funnel
- Keep adding in small amounts until full while preventing overfilling
However, instructions may differ depending on the model. Do check the manual for model-specific instructions.
Wrap Up – How Much Oil Does a John Deere Hydrostatic Transmission Take?
This article pretty much covers all the basics of hydrostatic transmission and hydraulic fluids.
Before adding the fuel, know “how much oil does a John Deere hydrostatic transmission take?” from the machine’s manual.
Besides, regular maintenance of the machine and using the best oil help extend its lifespan and performance.
FAQs
How much hydraulic oil does a John Deere 5210 hold?
John Deere 5210 holds the 9 quarts of hydraulic oil.
What viscosity is John Deere Hy-Gard oil?
The viscosity lies within 46 to 68 grades of ISO. Hy-Gard fluids feature a high-viscosity index. And those with lower viscosity are marked ISO 32 grade.
How much hydraulic fluid does a John Deere 6400 hold?
John Deere 6400 holds 3.2 gallons of hydraulic fluid.