John Deere 445

[bear4020]

new to the forum. I have a john deere 445. has about 886 hrs. goes forward and backwards just fine. But all the sudden I lost power steering and deck lift. Have not done anything new to it. Just need to know where to start. Any help would be apprecited.

 

[beenthere]

:welcome: to TBN

For starters, what is the history of the transmission fluid changes and the tranny filter change? Fluid level check out ok?

 

[bear4020]

That is a good question. Really just come acrossed this mower and only owned it a short while. Now, the fluid level is right at the full mark. No discoloration or anything of that nature. Looking down in the unit itself looks pretty clean as far as I can see. I do plan on changing fluid and filter this weekend. That way I have a fresh start with it so to speak.

 

[Gary Fowler]

I think these mowers have a separate hydraulic pump to operate the steering and deck lift. Check out your pump. I assume they have shared reservoir with the transmission. I had the predecessor to the 445 which was the 332 and it had separate hydraulics including dual front quick connects.

 

[beenthere]

Here is the "theory of operation" from the service tech manual.

 

[beenthere]

Here is the hyd. flow chart. You may also find it very worthwhile to get a copy of the service technical manual and have a ton of information at your fingertips.

 

[narampa]

No they don't have a separate pump. The Hydraulics work of the same pump as the transmission charge pump.
Just finished assembling my trans axlel and I would have to say that the problem is a hydraulic problem only.
I am a mechanic and when I get a chance I will look into the problem if you have not solved it by then.
If it moves back and forth it is not an oil problem. Same pump same oil.
It sounds like it could be a circuit relief but that is only a guess. I don't have the manual in front of me.
Just don't panic and start ripping and tearing!

 

[narampa]

Just thought of what it is I believe it is a priory valve but again till I look at the manual I won't know for sure.
The steering has priory over hydraulics because of safety. I would have to say something is sticking and I bet it is in the hydraulic control valve where the hose couplings are on the left front.
Just hang in there and we will get you fixed up

 

[bear4020]

Thank you all very much. I try not to tear into things till I'm sure I know whats wrong. Cant afford that. Lol. Single father with custody of my kids. If I have to push mow till Its solved then so be it. I'm truly blessed that it happened before mowing season started.

 

[narampa]

The hydraulic control valve where you hook up hoses,has two relief valves one on the top and one on the bottom. They look like a big plug. Remove one and clean it up. Be careful as they are spring loaded and have a seal,spring,and plunger. Make sure you remove the plunger and that it is free and clean. All it takes is a hair to hang them up.
Clean one and try it. If that doesn't work try the other.
I wish I could send the page from the parts book,but I am not great with computers.
Perhaps somebody else could post a picture?
Try that first and let us know how it went.
That would be the first step to trouble shooting your problem.
.