John Deere 317 Hydraulic Oil Change

1. Is draining hydraulic oil the same as draining gearbox oil?

In many skid steers, the hydraulic system and the gearbox share the same oil reservoir. This means that when you drain the hydraulic oil, you’re likely also draining the gearbox oil. To confirm, refer to the specific model’s service manual for clarity on whether the systems are connected. If the manual states they share oil, both will need to be refilled after draining.

John Deere 317 Hydrostatic Tractor Service Repair Manual

2. Does oil degrade over time?

Yes, hydraulic oil can degrade over time, even if it’s not heavily used. Factors like:

• Moisture contamination (from condensation)
• Oxidation
• Dirt or debris (even from minimal operation)

can reduce its effectiveness. Given that the oil is 6 years old, it’s a good idea to replace it regardless of the low hours. Fresh oil ensures optimal system performance and protects against potential wear.

3. Should you change the oil?

Since it has been 6 years, it’s best to change the hydraulic oil to avoid any risk of degradation affecting your skid steer. This is especially important for farm work, where reliability is key.

Steps to Change Hydraulic Oil Properly:

1. Prepare Tools & Supplies:
   • The correct hydraulic oil (refer to your manual for the specification).
   • A clean container for draining old oil.
   • New filters (if recommended by your manual).
2. Drain the System:
   • Locate the drain plug for the hydraulic system. If it shares oil with the gearbox, draining will empty both systems.
   • Ensure the container is large enough to hold all the old oil.
3. Replace the Hydraulic Filter:
   • Remove the old hydraulic filter.
   • Install a new one to ensure the system stays clean.
4. Refill with Fresh Oil:
   • Add the recommended oil to the correct reservoir.
   • Fill to the specified level in the manual.
5. Bleed the System (if needed):
   • Some systems may require bleeding to remove air. Operate the hydraulic functions to circulate oil and check for smooth operation.
6. Check Oil Level:
   • After running the system, recheck the oil level and top up if necessary.

Final Thoughts:

Even with only 50 hours added in 6 years, changing the oil is a smart preventative measure. It ensures your skid steer operates reliably when you need it most. If you’re unsure about any steps, consult the service manual or a professional mechanic to avoid potential mistakes.

John Deere 317 Hydrostatic Tractor Service Repair Manual 👍