4310 50hr Service

Anonymous Poster · Jun 16, 2003

Howdy All. We did our 50hr service this weekend, and had a couple of observations/questions/comments. First, we did all the (JD) noted service EXCEPT we did not replace the suction side filter. We spoke with our dealer (Barnett in Western WA.), and they said they never replace this at 50hrs (indeed, they claim they don't even replace the tranny fluid!). All of the other filters looked clean (including suction screen filter, which has been an issue with a number of other posts). Second, we found a very small amount of metal filings in the tranny fluid -- these presumably are residual from manufacturing. Third, at the suggestion of the service deparment at Barnett, we used the Hygard low viscosity hydraulic fluid rather than standard hygard. We noted an interesting phenomona after the new fluid was added: the hydraulics on the loader appear to cycle slightly faster at low RPM than with the previous hydraulic fluid (which appeared to be a higher viscosity when we were removing the original fluid). I'm assuming this is because the hydralic pump is able to pump a low viscosity fluid a little faster? We also noted that the usual whine from the HST was slightly decreased. Finally, the JD manual states that the tranny capacity on the 4310 is 6.8 (I think I'm remembering correctly?) gallons -- we added approximately 8.5 gallons to get back up to the correct level in the sight glass. I'm assuming the discrepancy is due to the added capacity of the (1) loader hydraulics and 3rd SCV, and (2) Power Beyond. When your purchasing fluid and filters for the service you may want to plan on needing a bit more fluid than the manual states if you've got added hydraulics. All in all, the machine is very easy to work on and a piece of cake to service.

Regards,

JEA

rockyridgefarm · Jun 16, 2003

thanks! My 50 is coming fast, i am taking notes!

Bob_S · Jun 16, 2003

Ditto on ease of working on the tractor. At first I added just about 6.8 gallons and I was able to get the correct level in the sight glass. I than ran the tractor for a few minutes and then let it set for 10-15. At that point the level was low. Today a purchased one more gallon of low viscosity hydro. I havent been out yet to add any but I would be supprised if it took much more than what may be needed to fill the filters. I dont know much oil if any would drain from the FEL via the control valve etc when draining the system. Does any one know if this can happen and if so would there then be a chance of getting air in the system and causeing a false reading in the sight glass for a period of time?

mako652 · Jun 18, 2003

<font color="blue"> </font> we added approximately 8.5 gallons to get back up to the correct level in the sight glass
<font color="black"> </font>
Greetings jea
Thanks for the post, my 50hr is almost on me. That sounds like a significant amount of extra hyd. fluid. Guess I better get back down to the dealer for a couple more gallons. Did you clean the ceramic filter on the power beyond kit? Just wondering if I should have a spare O-ring on hand.
Thanks
Mark

Anonymous Poster · Jun 18, 2003

We did clean out the ceramic filter -- I'm not sure it is specific to the Power Beyond kit, but rather is general for the rockshaft. The O-rings looked fine, and it doesn't seem likely that they would compress to the point they should need to be replaced (there's not that much force exerted by the threaded fittings). Both this and the (metal) suction screen were cleaned with a mild solvent (paint thinnger) per JD instructions. Again, compared to previous posts on the 50 hr. service we found very little gunk on either screens. One other observation is that the threads on the plastic cap to the tranny fluid reservoir (immediately forward of the top link) were stripped such that it was difficult to remove the cap. Looks like it was misthreaded either at the factory or dealership. I've heard at least one other complaint about this cap being stripped.

JEA

Anonymous Poster · Jun 18, 2003

Almost forgot -- in case anyone is interested, the part number for the cap on the tranny fluid reservoir is LVA 12936 ("Rockshaft Coltrol Valve Linkage, Plug") -- this might be useful if you're ordering online as this was a PAIN in the _____ to find on JD parts.

JEA

Chief · Jun 18, 2003

I just finished up my 50 hour break-in service yesterday. I found small amounts of nonmetalic debry as well as very small metal debry. I changed ALL the filters and used the standard viscosity HyGuard as Low viscosity HyGuard is not authorized for use in my tractor above 80 degrees F. Filters are VERY cheap insurance and failure to change the filter or use other than authorized or recommend fluids can cause a warranty void issue should a lubrication or filter related failure occur. My fluid looked VERY clean but a little darker. I saved it for you use in my log splitter. I put 9 gallons of HyGuard back in but I had a half gallon worth of spill mishaps. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif I immediately noticed the ehydro worked smoother and engaged smoother. The sight glass guage was DEFINITELY much clearer. I also noticed much less pump noise and ehydro hiss. Hydraulics seemed a little less jerky but about the same. I found a fair amount of debry and metal debry in the 3 pt. hitch filter which is a RPITA to get at with a wrench. (I hate to use pliers!) The engine oil definitely was read to go. I replaced with 15W-40 Plus 50 and a John Deere filter. All the parts/filters/oil/etc. were John Deere. I also used a Pela Suction Oil Changer to suck out about 14 ounces of oil from the MMM gearbox and replace with Amsoil 2000 Series 75W-90. Made a HUGE difference is operation temp. Only thing I am pissed about is the cheap chincy steering wheel Deere center piece that keeps popping out all the time. /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif I also found the wheel lugs were a bit loose and got about 1/4 to 1/2 turn. Loader hardware torque checked OK. I strongly recommend doing the FULL service by the book and you can't go wrong. I also found that Hercules and the Hulk tag teamed installing the suction filter at the factory. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

mako652 · Jun 19, 2003

jea and CHIEF
Thanks for the info. Good stuff to know BEFORE you do the service.

Mark

ChrisNJ · Jun 24, 2003

I did my 50 last fall, if I had to do again (another tractor) I would not change the fluid, just new spin on filters and clean the suction side and rock shaft filter. my old fluid seemed cleaner looking than the new?????

monkeybreath · Jun 24, 2003

In one of my many treks to tractor dealers, I was looking at tractors with low hours at a JD dealer. Regarding one particular tractor which had about 119 hours and was a rental return, I asked if it had had its 50 hour service and the dealer said JD doesn't do 50 hour services - he said they do their first service at 100 hours. He went on to extol the JD products, filters, oil etc. Any issue here ?