3320 Oil Leak

[arlen4720]

Most, if not all of the new JD machines use Low vis hy-gard or regular hy-gard in the front axles. The 3x20's and the 4x20's definately call for it. I put regular hy-gard in my axle. I've pondered on it quite a bit, talked to my dealer about it, and even started a thread here on why not gear oil. The answer the dealer gave me was that gear oil would be OK, if you got the other oil flushed out good. But, he said that the rear final drives are running in hydraulic oil, so if its good enough for the rear drives, it's good enough for the front axle. I would think that gear oil would be less likely to leak, and that's why I went with regular instead of low vis hy-gard.
I think rear ballast is pretty important to front axle health also, I run 1000 pounds of steel on my 3 point.

 

[RG1]

Most, if not all of the new JD machines use Low vis hy-gard or regular hy-gard in the front axles. The 3x20's and the 4x20's definately call for it. I put regular hy-gard in my axle. I've pondered on it quite a bit, talked to my dealer about it, and even started a thread here on why not gear oil. The answer the dealer gave me was that gear oil would be OK, if you got the other oil flushed out good. But, he said that the rear final drives are running in hydraulic oil, so if its good enough for the rear drives, it's good enough for the front axle. I would think that gear oil would be less likely to leak, and that's why I went with regular instead of low vis hy-gard.
I think rear ballast is pretty important to front axle health also, I run 1000 pounds of steel on my 3 point.

That's really interesting to read. Thanks for posting.

They also make hi vis Hygard in case you didn't know. That's what the commercial ZTR's like mine use in their hydros. Might be a bit better yet for you. I would think the front gears all have to turn faster and thus have more wear in the same amount of time than the rears, so the added viscosity should be a plus.

 

[arlen4720]

That's really interesting to read. Thanks for posting.

They also make hi vis Hygard in case you didn't know. That's what the commercial ZTR's like mine use in their hydros. Might be a bit better yet for you. I would think the front gears all have to turn faster and thus have more wear in the same amount of time than the rears, so the added viscosity should be a plus.

I thought there was just Low Vis Hy-Gard (J20-D), and what I call just Hy-Gard (J20-C). I didn't know there was another one. What is it called? I use the J20-C in my front axle and in my commercial zero turn (997)

 

[RG1]

I thought there was just Low Vis Hy-Gard (J20-D), and what I call just Hy-Gard (J20-C). I didn't know there was another one. What is it called? I use the J20-C in my front axle and in my commercial zero turn (997)

The manual for my Z950A specifies it hi vis Hygard by that exact name. I've never seen it on my dealers shelves like I have the low vis and std Hygard. The only Deere application that I know of that calls for it are the transmissions in commercial ZTR's like mine. There may be others, but I am unaware of them.

 

[arlen4720]

The manual for my Z950A specifies it hi vis Hygard by that exact name. I've never seen it on my dealers shelves like I have the low vis and std Hygard. The only Deere application that I know of that calls for it are the transmissions in commercial ZTR's like mine. There may be others, but I am unaware of them.

They are talking about regular Hygard.

 

[RG1]

Maybe, but it's the only place I have ever seen them specifically say hi viscosity Hygard .

 

[arlen4720]

Maybe, but it's the only place I have ever seen them specifically say hi viscosity Hygard .

The electronic manual on the Deere Website for the Z950A just says "HY-Gard". Even if your manual says "HIi Vis", JD doesn't appear to have such a product. What did you put in your Z950A when you changed the hydraulic oil?

 

[RG1]

The electronic manual on the Deere Website for the Z950A just says "HY-Gard". Even if your manual says "HIi Vis", JD doesn't appear to have such a product. What did you put in your Z950A when you changed the hydraulic oil?

I haven't had to change this most recent one just yet, as I also use other mowers in my business.

On page 49 of my manual it says-

"Tractor is filled with John Deere High Viscosity Hy-Gard (J20C) transmission oil at the factory".

Do not mix oils.

Do not use type F automatic transmission fluid, JD20D Low Viscosity Hy-Gard, or Bio Hy-Gard."

So apparently, they are calling the J20C the Hi Vis Hy Gard.