Ever wondered by manufacturers suggest using a specific fuel for their engines? Will using the other one cause any harm?
John Deere mower users usually ask this. What kind of hydraulic fluid does a John Deere zero turn mower use?
Can you use any hydraulic fluid with John Deere? While that won’t restrict any function, a performance drop would likely happen with more wear and tear.
Thus, to avoid the negative impact of wear or performance, using the right fluid is recommended.
Here, we will explore how to identify the right fluid for your John Deere, options, and important factors.
Checking the Fluid Level on John Deere Machines
We always ensure our John Deere machine has the required fuel so that it can perform drive, steering, and full lift cylinder actions effectively.
It also helps prevent the hydro-static pumps, control valve, charge pump, and hydraulic pump motors from damaging.
However, you need to time it right. Check the fluid level when the boom is down and hydraulic oil is cool.
Moreover, the boom and bucket cylinders should be fully retracted. This makes the machine attain the ideal position for checking the fluid level.
Other things you need to be careful about include avoiding dirt in the oil or the reservoir and avoiding overfilling the reservoir.
Fluid Level Checking Steps
- Safely park the machine: Retract boom and bucket cylinders, and wait for some time so that the machine cools down.
- Open the cover of the engine: Remove the panel after opening the cover.
- Evaluate the level of oil: See how much oil is present in the reservoir through the dipstick.
- Add oil if required: The dipstick should mark the fluid level to the maximum mark. If it’s less, you can add fluid to make it reach that level.
- Check the seals: After filling, put the side panel back in position, close the engine cover, and then the front service door.
What Kind of Hydraulic Fluid Does a John Deere Zero Turn Mower Use?
Check what your machine is before exploring “what kind of hydraulic fluid does a John Deere zero turn mower use? Doing this will ensure long-term performance and maintenance.
Understanding your tractor will help find the right kind of fluid to use. That helps because some older tractors have different reservoirs for hydraulic and transmission fluids.
So, to keep your older tractor running, you might need 2 distinct types of fluids.
If you are looking for a hydraulic fluid to lower and raise the bucket, get the universal tractor hydraulic fluid (probably the one with an ISO specification).
For a better understanding of the correct fluid type, check with the machine’s manual. Or you can contact the seller or manufacturer for recommendations.
Alternatively, you can also check for the model online to see available information. You can find details on the manufacturer’s website or a related forum.
So, when you know what weight of the oil you need, the next step is choosing between AW oil or ISO oil.
Although both share the same weight, AW oil packs some components that add anti-wear capabilities making it a superior pick.
Some cases might need you to look further and opt for extensive options like a hydraulic cylinder repair.
What’s John Deere’s Recommended Hydraulic Fluid?
Engineers at John Deere came up with specific hydraulic oils for imparting optimal functioning to their mowers. Hy-Gard is one of their popular products.
This fluid features multi-viscosity and high viscosity index. The Hy-Gard option with lower viscosity has the viscosity grade of ISO 32 while others have ISO 68 and 46 grades.
All the variants of this hydraulic oil were built for machines by the manufacturer. Even then, people use this fluid for machines from other manufacturers as well.
This fluid has successfully passed both laboratory and field tests. Moreover, it also meets standards for the protection and performance of transmissions and hydraulic oils.
Keep in mind that the viscosity level of every oil has been made specific to different equipment. This helps avoid increased wear and discourages sluggishness.
Seasonal Considerations
Did you know the external environment impacts how machines and fluids perform? The transmission should be lubricated properly during hot seasons.
Here J20 C can help. It gets thinner when the transmission heats up, thus making a preventive film within the transmission.
The other one, J20D with low viscosity, is appropriate for winters. It doesn’t get thickened when the temperature falls. Hence, prevents blockage of gear movement.
It can be used in places where the temperature falls up to the level of -40 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the Hy-Gard J20C is appropriate for temperatures up to 122-degree Fahrenheit.
Transmission Precautions
John Deere gives a warning in machine’s manuals for the use of type F transmission fluid in the hydrostatic transmission of L130.
Besides, you should also not mix distinct viscosity and brands of transmission oil in a John Deere tractor.
Using the incorrect type of oil for hydrostatic transmission can be harmful to the gears or the whole transmission.
So, if you aren’t confident in correctly servicing the transmission, take it to a reputed service center.
Wrap Up
Do you now know how to find what kind of hydraulic fluid does a John Deere Zero Turn Mower use?
If you ask for a top-notch recommendation, Hy-Gard it is. The fluid from John Deere is a brilliant pick even for machines from other brands.
Don’t forget to keep a check on fluid level, transmission precautions, and seasonal considerations before making a choice.
FAQs
What grade is John Deere hydraulic oil?
Hy-Gard is a high-quality hydraulic oil from John Deere. Prepared specifically for the brand’s machines, it comes in multiple viscosity variants.
The low viscosity oil falls under the ISO 32 viscosity grade. However, the higher viscosity variant comes with ISO 46 and 68 grades.
What kind of hydraulic fluid does a John Deere z425 take?
For John Deere z425, use low viscosity Hy-Gard transmission oil to minimize transmission noise and enhance the response time for power steering and hydraulics.
How do you change the hydraulic fluid on a John Deere Zero Turn mower?
Park the mower straight, open the engine cover, check the oil level, add fluid if required, and then close.
However, the exact steps for your specific John Deere machine may vary. Check its manual for details.