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4044, 4052, 4066 John Deere Transmission

Operating JD Hydrostatic Transmission

Select the proper speed range and gear for the job: Never overload engine by lugging machine at low idle speeds. Raise engine speed to match expected loads. If a slight increase in engine rpm occurs simultaneously with moving hand throttle forward, engine is not overloaded. The transmission range shift lever provides three speed ranges and is used in conjunction with the forward travel pedal and reverse travel pedal.

Stop 4044M, 4044R, 4052M, 4052R, 4066M, 4066R John Deere Tractor to change speed range. Choose a speed range to match work application. A - Low speed operations such as tilling hard soil, mowing long grass, and heavy hauling. Machine speed is decreased, but machine power is increased. N - Neutral position. B - Operations including moderate tilling, hauling, and grass mowing. C - High speed operations such as transport and light mowing.

Operating PowrReverser Transmission

The transmission range shift lever provides three speed ranges. The transmission gear shift lever provides four gear positions. The reverser lever controls travel direction. Use all three levers in different combinations to achieve 12 forward and 12 reverse speeds. Machine motion must stop and the clutch pedal must be depressed before changing ranges. Gears may be changed while machine is in motion if clutch pedal is depressed.

Select the proper speed range and gear for the job.

Choose a speed range to match work application: A - Low speed operations such as tilling hard soil, mowing long grass, and heavy hauling. Machine speed is decreased, but machine power is increased. B - Operations including moderate tilling, hauling, and grass mowing. C - High speed operations such as transport and light mowing.

Choose a gear that matches the immediate power/speed requirements:

- 1st Gear - High power, low speed operations.
- 2nd Gear - Medium power, moderate speed operations.
- 3rd Gear - Low power, moderate speed operations.
- 4th Gear - Low power, high speed operations.

Mechanical Front Wheel Drive (MFWD)

JD 4044, 4052, 4066 Tractors mechanical front wheel drive (MFWD) enables the powertrain to drive both front and rear axles for improved traction on difficult ground conditions and provides four-wheel braking. MFWD can be engaged and disengaged on-the-go with light loads and on low traction surfaces.

Use extra caution when driving on slopes. To increase traction and provide four-wheel braking, engage mechanical front wheel drive (MFWD) when driving on slopes. Be aware that MFWD can improve access to dangerously sloped terrain, thereby increasing the possibility of rollover. To improve braking on sloped, icy, wet, or graveled surfaces, engage the MFWD. Add ballast to the tractor and travel at a reduced speed to avoid skidding and loss of steering control.

Always disengage MFWD when driving on a paved surface. Put the transmission levers in neutral to move the machine when the engine is not running.

It may be necessary to reduce engine load to disengage front wheel drive

- OOS - Pull up on MFWD lever to engage. Push down MFWD lever to disengage.
- Cab - Push up on MFWD lever to engage. Pull down MFWD lever to disengage.

Tips for Operating MFWD

- Maintain front tire pressure at maximum allowable level to ensure proper tire performance in all field conditions.
- Engage MFWD to provide four-wheel braking.
- Disengage MFWD when driving machine to or from work site to increase front tire life.

4044M, 4044R, 4052M, 4052R, 4066M, 4066R John Deere Tractors Service Transmission

Transmission and Hydraulic Oil

Transaxle is filled with John Deere HY-Gard (J20D) transmission oil at the factory. Dont mix oils. Do not use type “F” automatic transmission fluid. Use Low Viscosity Hy-Gard (J20D) transmission oil. John Deere Low Viscosity Hy-Gard transmission oil is specially formulated for operation below -18C (0)F to provide maximum protection for the hydraulic system.

Use oil viscosity based on the expected air temperature range during the period between oil changes. Use recommended oil only. Do not use engine oil or “Type F” automatic transmission fluid. Other oils may be used if they meet John Deere standard JDM J20D or J20C.

Checking Front Axle Oil Level

Allow oil 1 hour to settle before checking level to ensure accurate dipstick reading. Repeat oil level check after several hours of operation.

- Park machine safely. Allow machine to cool down for at least 1 hour.
- Dirt and debris in oil damages the transaxle. Clean area around opening before removing dipstick.
- Wipe dipstick clean with a rag. Install dipstick but do not tighten. Allow dipstick to rest on top of threads.
- Remove dipstick. Correct oil level is between high oil level and low oil level on dipstick. If oil level is low: Add recommended oil through dipstick fill opening until oil level is correct. Install and tighten dipstick.
- Check front axle oil level again after the first several hours of operation.

Changing Front Axle Oil

- Operate machine to warm front axle oil.
- Position drain pan under differential drain plug.
- Remove differential drain plug and allow oil to drain.
- Position drain pan under each front axle drain plug.
- Remove both drain plugs and allow oil to drain.
- Install and tighten both drain plugs after all oil has drained.
- Remove dipstick located on right side of front axle.
- Add recommended oil through dipstick fill opening until oil level is correct.
- Install and tighten dipstick. Drive JD tractor for 1 minute at low speed, in both forward and reverse, to help fill wheel ends with oil. Allow oil 1 hour to settle before checking level to ensure accurate dipstick reading. Repeat oil level check after several hours of operation.
- Check front axle oil level.

Checking Transmission Oil Level

- Park JD 4044, 4052, 4066 Tractor on level ground. Allow machine to cool down for at least 1 hour.
- Dirt and contamination can enter transmission when checking oil level. Clean area around dipstick before removing. Pull to remove dipstick located at left side of transaxle. Wipe with a clean cloth.
- Install dipstick.
- Remove dipstick.
- Check oil level on dipstick. Correct oil level is between marks (B and C) on dipstick.
- Help prevent dirt and other contaminants from entering the transmission. Clean area around fill cap before removing. Do not overfill transmission. Oil expands during operation and could overflow.
- If oil level is low: Remove filler cap. Add recommended oil through fill opening until oil level is correct.
- If oil exceeds top mark on the dipstick, drain to proper level.
- Install dipstick.
- Install and tighten filler cap.

Changing Transmission Oil and Hydraulic Suction Oil Filter

If there is evidence of severe oil contamination, it may be necessary to change the oil several times. Contamination of hydraulic fluid could cause transmission damage or failure. Severe or unusual conditions require a more frequent service interval.

A - Transmission Drain Plug, B - Hydraulic Suction Filter, C - Transmission Filter

- Drive JD tractor a few minutes to warm and mix transmission oil.
- Position drain pan under transmission drain plug (A) and hydraulic suction filter (B). Remove plug and allow oil to drain.
- Wipe away dirt and debris from seal area of hydraulic suction filter (B) and transmission filter (C) to prevent oil contamination.
- Remove hydraulic suction filter (B) and allow oil to drain.
- Remove transmission filter (C) and allow oil to drain.
- Install transmission drain plug.
- Replace filters.
- Remove oil fill cap.
- Add recommended oil through filler opening.
- Start engine. Check for oil leaks around filter cover and drain plugs.
- Stop engine.
- Check transmission oil level. Add oil if necessary.

Transmission oil can be changed every 1200 hours or 3 years if the following requirements are met:

- Use Original Hy-Gard or Lo-Vis Hy-Gard oil.
- Suction and transmission filter are both changed every 400 hours.
- Perform oil-scan of transmission oil every 400 hours or once per year.

To change filters without changing oil, position a shop vacuum on transmission oil filler opening and seal with a rag if needed.

Removing and Installing Wheels

- Use a safe lifting device and support 4044M, 4044R, 4052M, 4052R, 4066M, 4066R John Deere securely on jackstands.
- Block front and rear of wheel not raised to prevent machine movement.
- Wheel can be heavy or difficult to handle when removing.

Front Wheel Removal

- Loosen lug bolts slightly before raising front axle.
- Raise front of machine and lower onto support stands, so that front axle supports machine.
- If the front wheels are being removed to perform work on the front axles, lower machine onto suitable stands that support the machine by the frame.
- Remove lug bolts and wheel.

Front Wheel Installation

- Install wheels onto axle, insert lug bolts, and lightly tighten bolts.
- Raise front of machine, remove support stands and lower machine to floor.
- Tighten wheel bolts in a star pattern to 140 Nm (103 lb.ft.).

Rear Wheel Removal

- Loosen lug bolts slightly before raising machine rear axle.
- Raise rear of machine and lower onto support stands so that rear axle supports machine.
- Remove lug bolts and wheel.

Rear Wheel Installation

- Install wheels onto axle, insert lug bolts, and partially tighten bolts.
- Raise rear of JD 4044M, 4044R, 4052M, 4052R, 4066M, 4066R Tractor, remove support stands, and lower machine to floor.
- Tighten wheel bolts in a star pattern to 140 N·m (103 lb.-ft.).

Changing Wheel Spacing and Tread Width

- In special cases, front tires can be set to wide position; however, wide position cannot be used with a loader.
- Using wide position during loader operation reduces front axle life.
- Rear tires can be mounted in one position only.
- Use a safe lifting device and support machine securely on jackstands.
- Block front and rear of wheel not raised to prevent machine movement
- Wheel can be heavy or difficult to handle when removing.

Rear Wheel Positions

- For eight position wheels, the mounting flanges on the rear rims are closer to one edge of the rim than the other, allowing the inner wheels to be mounted in different positions.
- By changing this position of the wheel on the rim, up to eight different tread widths can be achieved on some machines.
- Various positions cannot be used because the tires would strike the fenders. Certain other positions may result in equal tread widths.
- Tread width is measured from centerline-to-centerline of each tire.