I don't have a manual for this mower yet and need to get some grass mowed. How often should the filter and fluid be changed on the hydro unit?
I haven't looked real close yet, but can anyone tell me were the drain plug is on one of these?
There is a section of clear hose that I assume is the level indicator for the fluid, but any markings next to the hose are long gone. So how high up should the fluid be?
Thanks for the help,
Kent
Full Version: John Deere 300 Mower
Kent, I don't have a book for a 300, but am confident you can go with the info for my 317.
Trans. filter change monthly or every 100 hrs. Fluid change every 2 years or 500 hrs. of operation.
There is probably no drain plug on the hydro, have to take the lower cooling tube loose to drain the fluid. Might be a good idea to get a new seal ring for that tube before you start, save you a trip, and maybe a leak.
The fluid should be 1/4"-1 1/4" above the bottom of the slot where you see the sight tube. No markings, I try to keep it at about the middle of the slot, which is probably 1 1/4". Engine should not be running when making the check.
When you add fluid, bring it to this level, start and run the engine for a few minutes, shut it off, and check again. Add as necessary. Takes about 5 quarts, depending on how much you can get drained. As always, don't over fill.
When these were new, JD recommended JD All-Weather Hydrostatic Fluid or Type "F" automotive trans. fluid. Probably need to check with the dealer to get todays equivalent JD fluid. Type "F" is long gone, for sure!
Take a patience pill before you start refilling, it's kinda slow.
tommyhawk
Trans. filter change monthly or every 100 hrs. Fluid change every 2 years or 500 hrs. of operation.
There is probably no drain plug on the hydro, have to take the lower cooling tube loose to drain the fluid. Might be a good idea to get a new seal ring for that tube before you start, save you a trip, and maybe a leak.
The fluid should be 1/4"-1 1/4" above the bottom of the slot where you see the sight tube. No markings, I try to keep it at about the middle of the slot, which is probably 1 1/4". Engine should not be running when making the check.
When you add fluid, bring it to this level, start and run the engine for a few minutes, shut it off, and check again. Add as necessary. Takes about 5 quarts, depending on how much you can get drained. As always, don't over fill.
When these were new, JD recommended JD All-Weather Hydrostatic Fluid or Type "F" automotive trans. fluid. Probably need to check with the dealer to get todays equivalent JD fluid. Type "F" is long gone, for sure!
Take a patience pill before you start refilling, it's kinda slow.
tommyhawk
Are you sure that the filter is to be changed monthly? Yearly should be good enough on average. Most folks are likely not going to exceed 100 hrs per year unless they are covering more than 3 or 4 acres.Type F can still be found. I don't know of any newer vehicles using it, but stores still stock it at least around here.
Yeah, the book says monthly, but that doesn't sound right, does it? Once a year would seem more right with 100 hours. It seems to be based on 5 hrs. usage per day, 25 hrs. per week. (100 hrs./mo.)
I sure don't change mine every month and not likely to put a hundred hours on in a year.
tommyhawk
I sure don't change mine every month and not likely to put a hundred hours on in a year.
tommyhawk
I don't even change ENGINE oil once a month!
The Deere Mach. told me to use only The Deere oil in the Hrdro for better life of the Hydro. And change the filter and oil 200 hours in my 332 
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