New to me JD301 with no history...what should I check, change, etc

[lostih]

Bought my first tractor today! Woohoo! I picked up a John Deere 301 gas Industrial tractor with a loader and 3 pt PTO. Was listed as a non-runner in a local auction but got it started with some starting fluid and found the choke cable was missing. Seemed to run pretty darn good once it was running. I checked the engine oil and coolant before turning it over. I've only run it enough to move it on/off the trailer and cycle the loader a few times. I'd love to know what preventative maintenance items I should do on a new to me tractor with no records. I bought it from the state parks and rec department and wasn't able to talk to anyone familiar with the tractor when I got it. Should I automatically change the Hydraulic fluid? Reading some posts it sounds like cleaning the sump screen might be a good idea. The tractor has 2500ish hours on it and has had a new or rebuilt hydraulic pump put on it (its green instead of yellow).


Also I have a few things I'm worried about:

1. When the tractor is running and the loader is stationary there is a noise like high pressure fluid being forced through a small orifice coming from the loader controls. As soon as you engage something on the loader (up/down or roll) the noise goes away. Is there a bypass valve or something in the loader control that might be the source of this noise? Is it a problem?

2. After cycling the loader a few times the hydraulics began to chatter. I haven't checked the hydraulic fluid level yet...need to get the manual to find out how...its on the to-do list. Is this a likely culprit?

3. The tractor has the hydraulic shuttle which is super nice, but seems to have a longer lag than I would expect between forward and reverse. Could this also be due to low fluid?

 

[Wagtail]

G'day Mate and welcome to TBN from Downunder.

I've gone to TractorData.com (very handy site) to see about your fluid capacities... they list a 301 and a 301A variant:

TractorData.com John Deere 301 industrial tractor information

TractorData.com John Deere 301A industrial tractor information

This should help... enjoy the site.

 

[whizdbiz2]

My basic advise is to get a manual for it. When you don't know what maintenance has been done, change all fluids and filters, clean and service everything else. Check the ignition parts (point clearance, distributor wear, etc.) clean the plugs and check the gap, check the ignition timing. Make all the electrical connections "bright and tight". Might as well replace any bad gauges so you know what's going on in the engine. This gives you a starting point to work from. Good luck with it.

 

[Zebrafive]

Dip stick for transmission/hydraulic fluid is at the back of the right foot rest. Check with tractor running. Do not screw dipstick in to check, just set in place.
If shift boots are torn; replace. Torn boots let water in to the transmission.
I would change ALL fluids and filters. The transmission has an internal screen that should be cleaned with the fluid drained.
Loader valve may be aftermarket with a relief valve that is set wrong and relieving.

 

[Tx Jim]

Here's the location of sump screen Z5 referred to. I'd also advise to check filter relief valve(also in parts photo) to be sure it's not stuck partually open

 

[lostih]

Thanks everyone! I am picking up hygard fluid, filters and new shift boots today to get it up and running. I found the dipstick earlier for the hydraulics and checked it not running...it was over full. Is this as expected? I assumed it was due to the bad shift boots and lots of water.

Assuming there was water in the fluid...what's the best procedure for making sure I get all the old out? I assume drain sump, refill and then open a connection some place until clean fluid comes out? Where's the best connection to do this at?

Thanks again!

 

[lostih]

Just for posterity...

I changed the hydraulic fluid and filter last night. Pulling the pickup screen was difficult as the plug was way tight and then the screen didn't want to come out. Finally got it out and it was coated in gelled fluid and a small amount of brake debris. Hydraulics run much smoother now. Still need to run down the squeal noise from the loader valves, but we'll get there eventually.