By "crank like", are you referring to "B"? That is the diff lock pedal. On My 2000D, the dipstick is located on top of the trans case. In the OP's pic, it is the filler located between "C" and "D". In the OP's pic, it has had a fitting and hose attached for what I assume is a Hydraulic return to tank hose, probably for a FEL valve return. The cap on top of that fitting looks like the factory dip stick cap, but that model may have simply used a cap w/o dipstick. "E" should be the suction filter, unscrew it and a removable cartridge type screen filter should be inside. I clean mine with a soft wire brush and use either hot water and dish soap or solvent ( starting fluid or brake cleaned are cheap and work great)Would that crank like device not be an adjustment for a 3-point lift arm?