Hydraulic oil leak

Uniblab · Apr 29, 2018

I have a 2011 Deere 2320. I noticed last year it is leaking hydraulic oil from somewhere underneath. I had it home for the winter and tried to see where it was coming from. I checked all the bolts and drain plugs all were tight. It seems to lose it when the mmm is running. I cleaned the oil up but after mowing it is slung all over so I still can't pinpoint the source. I don't think it's the mower pto seal, it looks dry. Looks to be oily on the left side of xmission. Thought maybe someone here had a similar problem. Thanx!

beenthere · Apr 29, 2018

Just read another thread that may be a clue to consider. See post #10 for info about oil leak.
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/john-deere-owning-operating/395088-new-jd-2038r.html#post5075007

Uniblab · Apr 30, 2018

Well I cleaned underneath and didn't see anything like that. I keep the mower pto hooked up all the time anyways. After I cleaned it this winter and filled it it didn't leak until I mowed for the first time Friday. It's so messy under there I'll have great time trying to find where it's leaking. Dealer is my absolute last choice. They're pretty proud of their labor rates.

beenthere · Apr 30, 2018

Not sure from what you said about cleaning it underneath, but sounds like time to clean again.. then keep a close eye on where that oil is coming from to pinpoint what is leaking. You can earn that money that the dealer will charge.

By chance did you over-fill it?

Uniblab · May 1, 2018

No I didn't overfill. It drops in the sight glass when I use it. By cleaning I meant washed the oil off with solvent and blew it off with air. It only appears to lose oil when mmm is running so it's hard to tell where it's coming from as it slings it all over and I don't see a dripping from anywhere when I look. The shaft and seal for the mid mower appear dry so that's even more of a mystery. Might have to disconnect mower shaft and run pto by itself and see if I can spot anything.

Uniblab · Aug 9, 2018

Well after taking the leaking tractor to the Deere dealer and $1,300 and 3 weeks later they found the leak. Gasket was cracked between hydro pump and xmission and leaked like a sieve when oil got hot. Had to disassemble half the tractor to access it. They said they'd never seen that before. I said if it's gonna happen to someone first it's gonna be me!