My first John Deere

CorporateOffRoader · Feb 3, 2009

I picked up a used 3320 yesterday with 654 hours on it for $18,000 with the loader. I had the dealer install a 300CX FEL on it as it was without one on the lot.

Seems they didn't top off the Hydraulic fluid after installing the loader. The level is about 1/4" up the dipstick, any suggestions on how much fluid to purchase?

WH401 · Feb 3, 2009

It definitely isn't going to take more than a gallon, but I'm sure you can get smaller increment's then that. Though it doesn't hurt to have extra on hand either. Just make sure it actually is low though before you spend any money. Only check the machine when the trans is cold so you get an accurate reading. Also the hydro fluid can sometimes be hard to see, after you pull the stick out lay it on a paper towel so you can be sure of the measurement.

Just in case you need the info, the hydro fluid needs to be in between the "XXX" region on the dipstick, but ideally you should want it at the upper spectrum of the X's.

BTW, nice tractor.

cbturf · Feb 3, 2009

CorporateOffRoader said:
I picked up a used 3320 yesterday with 654 hours on it for $18,000 with the loader. I had the dealer install a 300CX FEL on it as it was without one on the lot.

Seems they didn't top off the Hydraulic fluid after installing the loader. The level is about 1/4" up the dipstick, any suggestions on how much fluid to purchase?

If I picked it up that way I would not be buying ANY fluid if you know what I mean.

kennyd · Feb 4, 2009

Welcome

to TBN

When checking the fluid...be sure the loader and 3PH are fully lowered so as not to overfill your sump.

The JD HY-Guard is available is 1 gallon containers.

Spudland_Dave · Feb 4, 2009

CorporateOffRoader said:
Seems they didn't top off the Hydraulic fluid after installing the loader. The level is about 1/4" up the dipstick, any suggestions on how much fluid to purchase?

I'd buy a gallon at least (its available in quarts too)...I always keep a minimum of 1 full new gallon on hand, comes in handy when you bust a hose and dont realize it for a while...

My Dealer gave me a gallon of Low-Vis HyGard and a quart of break in oil at delivery...

CorporateOffRoader · Feb 4, 2009

Thanks for the quick responses, the tractor was cold and it is under the "acceptable" level. I will lower the 3PT and recheck.

Are the fuel gauges usually pretty accurate? When I stopped at the fuel station the gauge read 1/4 but it only took 6.5 gallons of fuel. I thought I read they have a 13 gallon tank?

DanD78 · Feb 4, 2009

Watch the pricing on the Low-Vis HyGuard. I had my wife pick up a 5 gallon pail because I was going to purge out cylinder on a log splitter and keep some on hand. I thought the larger container would be cheeper. I went to the same dealer a few days later and saw they had gallon jugs at almost $2.00 a gallon cheeper. I asked the parts guy why he didn't offer her the gallons instead of the 5 gal. pail. He said he sold her what she wanted.

By the way, You'r goinig to love that tractor.

Dan

swines · Feb 4, 2009

If the fluid is that low on the dipstick - buy 2 gallons. You'll probably use about 1.5 gallons to fill it to full indicator of the dipstick.

WH401 · Feb 4, 2009

CorporateOffRoader said:
Thanks for the quick responses, the tractor was cold and it is under the "acceptable" level. I will lower the 3PT and recheck.

Are the fuel gauges usually pretty accurate? When I stopped at the fuel station the gauge read 1/4 but it only took 6.5 gallons of fuel. I thought I read they have a 13 gallon tank?

The fuel gauges are hit or miss on these tractors, some work accurately but most don't. Mine will hit below a 1/4 tank and it will only take 5 gallons.

Karl2 · Feb 4, 2009

CorporateOffRoader said:
Are the fuel gauges usually pretty accurate?

Absolutely not

Fuel gauge appears to be a problem with late-model JD CUT's. But you'll get used to it and gauge it by the number of hours of usage between fill-ups. At full rpm and heavy loader/snowblower work my tank lasts about 6-7 hours so I fill up every 4-5 hours. Ran out of fuel twice before I became aware of the gauge problem and when this happens it's kind of a PITA to get the tractor to start again (requires vigorous manual priming) so better try to avoid running it dry.

You may see a "LoFuel" warning on the display, don't pay any attention to it if you know you have fuel. First time I got that I raced to the gas station where it took a whole $3 worth of fuel to top it, made me look like a ******. Now I usually get the warning right after I fill up...

BTW my gauge needle has been stuck on Empty for at least 10 days but that doesn't change anything since the readings were meaningless regardless of its position before.

CorporateOffRoader · Feb 5, 2009

I thought I read they were self-priming?

Karl2 · Feb 5, 2009

CorporateOffRoader said:
I thought I read they were self-priming?

After you run out of gas you need to pump the manual primer located on top of the fuel separator for a while -after refueling obviously- to get the air out of the fuel line. In cold weather it takes a little while. However as long as you don't run it dry you'll never have to do that.

CorporateOffRoader · Feb 8, 2009

Finally got a chance to fill the Hydraulic fluid, took nearly 2 gallons to top it off. I welded up a 2" receiver hitch to mount to my drawbar. Here are some pics.

WH401 · Feb 8, 2009

CorporateOffRoader said:
Finally got a chance to fill the Hydraulic fluid, took nearly 2 gallons to top it off. I welded up a 2" receiver hitch to mount to my drawbar. Here are some pics.

Wow, that's a lot to be short, glad you got that fixed.

Slatecreek · Feb 8, 2009

Nice tractor and congratulations on your purchase. Two gallons is a lot to be short. Good thing you noticed that early enough, can't be good to run it that low for too long. I'm sure you have already got a long list of projects on the board for the new addition. Enjoy your seat time while you can, looks like you have some upcoming competition knocking on your door.