50 Hour Maintenance

EdC · Jun 11, 2007

Reading this over it does sound like a big whine but I'd be interested in knowing if everybody's service manuals were this bad. There are several threads here that talk about how inaccurate JD specifications are, how about NH, Kubota, Case and all the others?

Well it was time to do the 50 hour maintenance on my JD 2320 today. I gotta tell everybody that as much as I like this tractor the directions are really, really poor. Are other brands this bad?

Pressure washed the tractor to make minimize the chance of dust getting where it shouldn't. Then gave it an hour or so to dry.

Oil change went fine, now it time to move to the HST filter and fluid change and there are several steps missing from the directions. These are not minor steps either. For instance no directions on how to remove the cover plate over the transmission oil strainer. No problem, figured that out after awhile even though the picture sure does not match the parts I have in my tractor.

Also figured out I probably needed to change the tranny filter even though that minor detail was entirely left out of the directions.

Now it is time to add fluid so I can get back to playing...err work.

The directions say add 3.4 gallons of fluid. Trouble is when I bought the fluid last week at the JD dealer his spec sheet and for that matter the specification sheet in my manual says the capacity is 2.6 gallons. So I bought three gallons. No idea which one is right but since I poured all three gallons that I had into the tractor and it is still low there is a better chance that the 3.4 gallon figure may be the right one. Now I have to wait until next weekend to get to the dealer and buy some more fluid, until then the tractor stays parked.

Are the manufacturers trying to encourage the tractor owners to take their tractors to the dealer for service?

VABlue · Jun 11, 2007

Sure sounds like it... I haven't looked through my 2305 manual for this yet, since I'm only around 8 hrs. But I don't have the truck/trailer to take it back to the dealer, either. Looks like I need to start figuring this out. Thanks for the heads up!

dtd24 · Jun 11, 2007

Wow, that is surprising. My manual is very detailed. I copy the service part from my manual and go step by step and it works out every time. I would contact John Deere tech on the fluid levels. Not good to have fluid levels low, really not good to have too much fluid

Eric_Phillips · Jun 11, 2007

I changed the oil in my FarmTrac this spring and had the same issue with the amount needed. I added what they recommended and it came to just over the bottom mark on the dip stick but still way below the top. I added another quart and thet brought it to just under the top line.

RalphVa · Jun 13, 2007

The manual on my 4010 is equally bad. It has NOTHING in it on how to make the glow plugs work (e.g. put PTO switch on or HST in gear and go to "start" and hold for 1 to 4 seconds (1 in summer and 4 in very cold winter) put PTO switch or HST in N to start).

The owner's manual left out the fact that one of the rear wheels has to be removed to slide the 3 ph rod out of the way of the cover on the HST filter. Figured it out and did it. No big deal, but should have been in the manual. IT IS in the service CD.

I changed fluids in steps: 1) engine oil, 2) FWD oil, 3) HST oil. This was to keep from overfilling my used oil catcher, which has about 12-13 quart capacity.

Oh, the owner's manual also is not very good on directions for getting at the fuel filter with FEL in place. Best way on my 4010 is to remove the 12 mm bolt holding the filter assembly to the frame. Then rotate the assembly up on the flexible fuel lines to where you can easily get a wrench on that ring that holds the fuel filter in place.

Haven't had to get to the battery yet. I air blow it or wash it with water every once in a while, to keep it clean. Be interesting to see if the directions for getting the FEL guard and front screen out of the way will be accurate. The new 2320/2520 are one better on this. From pictures, it appears that the hood lifts up with the front screen in place, exposing the battery.

Ralph

Z-Michigan · Jun 13, 2007

I've found the manual for my 5105 pretty good, with pictures and all. I must have longer service intervals because my 50 hour service consisted basically of greasing six fittings. Fluid changes come at 100 hours.

marcus402 · Jun 13, 2007

I can sympathise with you. My JD4310 HST manual tells me to change the Rockshaft Control Valve Filter during a transmission service. Funny thing is, I checked my machine and it does not have that filter (At least where they show it in the manual, directly above the rear PTO shaft). Anyone know where it might be?

Mark

lopezian · Jun 13, 2007

Sorry to hear of your experience. I know how frustrating it can be to deal with a junky manual when you are tryint to do your own maintenance.

The manual for my Kubota 3400 is sufficiently detailed and accurate for me to do my own 50 hour service without any trouble. That not to say it couldn't be improved, but it was suffucient. It helped that I ask the dealer to supply everything I would need for the 50 hour service so I had everything in one box, ready to go. Next time I'll probably start buying less expensive supplies now that I know what is needed.

Botabill · Jun 15, 2007

For my Kubota BX 1800 the manual has been very good for all routine work up past the 800 hour service. On the other hand for my Kubota mini excavator, a machine I paid twice as much for, the manual sucks. I still can't figure out at 100 hours how to drain water out of the fuel trap. I suspected the BX manual is more homeowner friendly but since the excavator is generally bought by people more accustomed to machinery they don't include the details a less mechanically inclined person needs. I actually have enjoyed working on the BX. Make me feel like I know what I'm doing.