Changing hyd fluid in 4720 or not?

[qstott]

My 4720 has about 850 hrs, and I was thinking it would be time to change the hyd fluid. After a trip to the John Deere place, and finding out just the fluid is going to cost me about $175, not counting filters, I'm still thinking about it, instead of doing it. The only problem I've had, is an occasional stall, more like a stumble. I suspect it might just be bouncing on the seat. I wanted to take a look at the suction screen and see if there was any debris in it. Now I'm thinking I might just change the filter, clean the screen, and add enough fluid to top it off. The parts guy at the dealership told me very few farmers change the fluid unless they are having trouble. While I certainly trust the owners manual, real world experience is worth a lot. The fluid looks fine. If I remove the filter, wil I get just a little "blurp" of fluid or will it just come running out? How about for the suction screen? Will I loose a lot or just a little?

Any advice or suggestions? Thanks!

 

[ugo4it]

I was at the JD dealer last week and asked the same question about changing hyd fluid on my TLB 110 with 700hrs and was told no need also. They also said that most never change the hyd unless they have problems or suspect something in the hyd system. I thing I am going to change the oil and filter anyways, it can do no harm and it's nice to know its good. If nothing else it's good preventive maintenance.

 

[GreatWhitehunter]

Have you ever changed the fluid? Your manual has specific hour intervals that direct you when it should be changed. If your at 850 hr on the original I'd definatly change it. The suction screen can be cleaned off. I opted to change mine after about 200 hr. But I perform yearly hydro oil and engine oil changes since I rarely put many hrs on per year.

Matt

 

[greg_g]

Hydraulic fluid can get somewhat hygroscopic with age, (has a tendency to absorb water). No way to tell by lookin' at the dipstick. As such, I'd say$175 is a small price to protect the lifespan of what must still be at least a $30k machine. That said, you really only have to buy the filter at JD. You might be able to save a few bucks elsewhere on the fluid. But the savings might not even cover the fuel to get to the cheaper fluid.

//greg//

 

[qstott]

I bought it used at 760 hrs, and was told the maintenance had been done. What that means, I'm not sure.

 

[greg_g]

I bought it used at 760 hrs, and was told the maintenance had been done. What that means, I'm not sure.

When I buy a machine with an unknown pedigree, I never blindly accept the sellers word. I perform all maintenance relative to the hours on the tractor, regardless if it's been previously performed or not. That way I have my own maintenance baseline from which to continue.

//greg//

 

[AKfish]

If I remove the filter, wil I get just a little "blurp" of fluid or will it just come running out? How about for the suction screen? Will I loose a lot or just a little?

Any advice or suggestions? Thanks!

You'll get a "gush"! The suction screen filter is behind a plate on the lower transaxle housing. Remove 2 bolts... and you've got a 2 1/2" hole!

Of course, you're only supposed to access the suction screen filter AFTER you drain the transaxle housing via the drain plugs.

FYI - I've changed the hydraulic oil and filters on all my tractors based upon the manufacturer's recommendations. Cheap insurance for a many thousand dollar investment!

AKfish

 

[whitedogone]

I just did my 2005 4120 with a little over 400 hours on it this weekend. It was the first major it's had. I've never changed Hydro in the large tractors (just filters). The large tractors get a lot more use/hours on them. I think the fluid burns off water in the larger machines because they are run more/longer. I also think it's more critical in Hydro machines to change them.

 

[megaboz]

Fluid is a lot cheaper than repairs. Also the guide lines in the owners manual are recommendations. If you are hard on the tractor, I would change more often.

You can always send in a sample for analysis if you'd like.

They're alternatives ( some better and cheaper) to john deere fluids.

 

[kld tractor]

So how do I get the elbow off the tube.