I need help,,,, with John Deere 350 dozer

Rat Rod Mac · Jun 30, 2017

After reading some posts I'm confused as to what engine oil to run in my 350 JD dozer, it was made in the mid 60's. One source says don't run Shell Rotella T "Triple Protection" it's for highway use semi trucks. That you should run straight 30 weight for off road equipment.
The other question,, what weight oil should be run in the transmission? Would hydraulic fluid be ok? Or should it be something heavier? It is not run in the winter time. I believe Hy-Guard hydraulic fluid is recommended in the reverser. Thanks for all of your help, it's appreciated. RRM

Rat Rod Mac · Jun 30, 2017

Ok, here's a quick update,,, the reason the guy gave on the multi-viscosity oil is that the multi-viscosity has a tendency to cause rings to stick. Is this true,,, don't know, that's why I'm asking here. I have three, one gallon jugs of Rotella T-4 triple protection 15W-40 oil that I was going to use in the 350 dozer. Now I'm not so sure that I should. What do you guys think about all of this. RRM

Sawyer Rob · Jun 30, 2017

I use 15-40 Rotella in ALL of my equipment, including my older dozer.

IF I had your 350, that's what it would get!

As for the tranny, you never said what tranny it has, power reverser?? I have no idea if deere even put a power reverser in that old dozer? The one and only one that I ever ran, didn't have it.

SR

Rat Rod Mac · Jun 30, 2017

Sawyer Rob, thank you so much. You have put my mind at ease. 15W-40 it is.
Not sure what you mean by a power reverser. All I know is that when I want to go backwards I just pull the lever on the dash down and back I go. I'm thinking hydraulic oil will work, but I've seen it mentioned that some guys run 80-90 weight oil in the transmission. Seems awful thick to me from running hydraulic fluid to 90- weight. Once again that's why I'm asking. Thanks. RRM

jenkinsph · Jul 1, 2017

You can proboably get away with hydraulic oil in the transmission since the brakes and steering clutches are dry band type. But since you will want to change the filters I would ask the dealer parts counter which transmission fluid should be used and go with that. In some cases using the wrong oil can destroy the clutch discs.

For the engine oil I used Rotella 30 wt. in my 450 dozer because my uncle gave me all I needed for my tractors. Nothing wrong with the oil you have, I would use it and change it regularly.

Tx Jim · Jul 1, 2017

I've used 15W-40 in my farm tractors since '87. My '91 JD 4255 tractor has over 11,400 hrs on original engine parts.

Rat Rod Mac · Jul 1, 2017

Thanks fell'as. Sure is appreciated. RRM

Kentuckyfarmer · Jul 1, 2017

I had a 350 JD Hylift for a few years back in the day. I believe it's call a directional reverser. Regular hydro oil is what I used. As far as oil if there was synthetic oil back when I had it I would have use it. Would have made starting it lots easier in the winter. The machine is really easy to work on and yes it has dry clutches. When mine started slipping after lots of hours of use I would just buy a single clutch disk and stack it in the pack and would get several more hours out of the pack before having to buy a complete clutch pack for it. Doesn't hurt a thing just would get all I could out of the pack. Handy little machines for tight places and that little three cylinder diesel wasn't hard on the wallet keeping it feed.