Hydro adjustment

317140 · Nov 16, 2011

I am trying to figure out how to adjust the hydro in my 317. It is a a little bit sloppy and reverse is very slow. Sometimes reverse is normal, so I feel like it is an adjustment problem. Since I have rebuilt the engine and replaced many worn parts, I would like to address the hydro issue as well. I bought new fluid and a filter today to change the fluid. I was wondering whether to change the fluid first and then adjust the hydro or to adjust first and then change it. Is it better to run the tractor until it is warm or just change as is.

beenthere · Nov 18, 2011

Try to determine if there is an adjustment and how to adjust it first, before changing oil.

Do you have a tech manual for the 317?
Have you looked at jdparts to see the breakdown of parts for a possible adjustment point?

Wichman · Nov 19, 2011

On my 316 there I a turnbuckle between the shift lever and the transmission. To get to it you either have to take the fender assembly off or the bottom screen. I just know how I get to it don't know what the adjustment does. I am bringing mine back to life after ten years in the shed. I cannot get it into reverse. Forward works but no reverse.

beenthere · Nov 19, 2011

Right Wichman. Jdparts shows that turnbuckle on the 317, but no indication what to do with it.

jd3020u · Nov 19, 2011

Check for excessive slop at the pin where the hydro lever comes out of the axle. I worked on two 430's that were missing the 1/2'' bushing that goes over the 1/4'' bolt here. The bolt was half gone too. Speeds were sometimes slower and erratic.

glc24 · Nov 19, 2011

Jdparts shows that turnbuckle on the 317, but no indication what to do with it.

I'm sure you adjust them all the same way.
Rear has to be up off the ground,tractor running,then you adjust the turnbuckle. It is kind of scary because the driveshaft is turning,and you have to be very careful,but this is the only way to get a completely accurate adjustment.

I definitely would check the linkage hardware first though There should not be any play whatsoever. If anything is worn,you will not be able to adjust the creep out of it. I thought mine was OK,until I disassembled the rods. Boy was I surprised!

Greg

317140 · Nov 20, 2011

Thanks for the good information. Are these adjustments on the hydro or in the linkage behind the battery box. I am going to try to pull the fender pan one day this week. I had minor surgery on my left hand last and everything takes twice as long. I'm not complaining just anxious to catch up on my chores. I had a shop manual somewhere but I can't for the life of me seem to remember where I put it. It will probably turn up after I get finished with my 317. One good thing about it, it should be like a new mower after all this work.

glc24 · Nov 20, 2011

Are these adjustments on the hydro or in the linkage behind the battery box.

The front rod is behind the battery box persay,and the other half is connected to the transmission.
Not sure,but if the 317 is like the 316 in this respect,you will probably have to take your dash apart also.

If you do have a manual for your series,it sure would be nice to have it right about now.

Hope you get everything sorted out.

Greg

jd3020u · Nov 20, 2011

I find getting that rear bolt and bushing back in is difficult with two good hands! Good luck:thumbsup:

317140 · Nov 26, 2011

I finally got the time to tear my 317 down and find out the problem. It seems that I have wear on the pivot arm of the hydro shaft. It was loose on the shaft and the roll pin was also loose. I ordered replacement parts and while I had it apart I removed all the hydro linkage. I found that I had some significant wear on the fiber bushings at the pivot points on the control arms. I ordered all new bushings. I hope to receive the parts by Mon. or Tues. of next week. I feel like this will fix the problem. More to come.