Common maintenance procedures on a John Deere 35G excavator are not as difficult as you might think. This video covers the basic processes you’ll need to know to properly maintain the critical components of your mini excavator. Click the timecode below to skip to specific maintenance topics:
0:42 Air Filters
2:20 Engine Oil And Filter
6:34 Fuel Filter
9:15 Hydraulic Oil Return Filter
12:12 Draining Water Separator And Changing Screen
16:05 Final Drive Oil
19:43 Proper Disposal Of Engine Fluids And Filters
Completing these routine maintenance tasks by yourself will not only save you money, it will also help ensure your excavator runs smoothly and has a longer lifespan.
Changing Air Filters On A John Deere 35G
On hydraulic excavators of most brands, John Deere, CAT (caterpillar), Komatsu, JCB, Volvo, or Case, you’ll want to change air filters to keep the air in the cab free of contaminants. Before swapping an air filter, check the new OEM or aftermarket filter to make sure that it is the same size as the existing filter. Changing the air filter simple and does not require any specialized tools. Open the hood, undo clips and remove caps. Wiggle the old excavator air filter out and then insert the new air filters and apply a small amount of force to ensure they are tight. On a John Deere 35G, it will require a slight twist as well.
Changing Engine Oil And Engine Oil Filter On A John Deere 35G
Always remember to put a catch basin underneath your machine before removing an oil filter. After you’ve unscrewed the old filter, check the new filter (OEM or aftermarket) to ensure it’s the same length, width, and that the seals and threads match. Apply a small amount of lubrication to the seal and then screw the oil filter on hand tight. Grab a socket wrench and unscrew the drain plug. Sometimes you’ll need to also pull out the dipstick to let air pressure in. After the old oil is drained, you can reinstall the drain plug and then pump new oil into the excavator - just like changing oil in your car.
Changing Fuel Filters On A John Deere 35G
Fuel filters on excavators should be changed per manufacturer’s recommendations - whether John Deere, Cat, Volvo, Komatsu, JCB, or any brand. On a 35G, the fuel filter is located in the engine bay. Screw off the existing fuel filter. Always double check the length, diameter, and seal of the new fuel filter to make sure everything is the same as the existing one. Deere 35G mini excavators have an electric pump, so it’s not necessary to fill the fuel filter before threading it on. Once installed, turn the key on and let the machine prime itself and then fire it up. Only tighten your fuel filter hand tight to avoid damaging the threads and causing a leak.
Changing Hydraulic Oil Return Filter On A John Deere 35G
Always make sure the hydraulic tank is vented before replacing the hydraulic oil return filter on your excavator - just like a radiator cap on a motor vehicle. A 13mm socket is required on a 35G to undo the bolts and access the hydraulic return filter. After the bolts are off, open the hatch to expose the lid. There will be a spring you’ll need to remove next, and then you can pull out the bypass valve to access the oil filter. Make sure you have a drain pan ready and then pull out the old hydraulic return filter. As always, double check the length, diameter, and threads of the new OEM or aftermarket filter to ensure it is the same. Once the new filter is inserted, simply put the bypass valve, spring, lid, and cap back on and then re-bolt the hatch.
Draining Water Separator And Changing The Screen On A John Deere 35G
On 35G excavators, there is a red ring inside the water separator. The ring will float up as water enters the separator showing when it needs to be drained out. To drain the water, open the valve by unscrewing it. When most of the water has drained out, you’ll see clean fuel start to come through your hose and you can shut it. Turn off the fuel tank valve and unscrew the valve. Crack the separator loose and allow air to flow in. Once drained, the screen inside pops off. Install the separator by clipping the two pieces together, then hand tighten the separator.
Changing Final Drive Oil On A John Deere 35G
Line up the plugs vertically by turning the mini excavator tracks. Grab a ratchet to loosen the plugs starting from the top. Allow the oil to drain from the bottom then reinsert that plug. The fill plug is located above the check level hole. Begin pumping final drive oil. Once the level reaches the check plug, you have enough oil in the system. Reinstall the check plug, and then reinstall the fill plug.
Proper Disposal Of Excavator Engine Fluids And Filters
When maintaining excavators, backhoes, skid steers, crawler carriers, dump trucks, and any heavy equipment, proper disposal of engine fluids and filters is critical for the environment. There are lots of recycling facilities in almost every part of the world. Use them!