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John Deere 5300, 5400, 5500 Engine and Drivetrain

JD 5300, 5400, 5500 Engine

Starting the Engine

- Set selective control valve levers to neutral position.
- Move hand throttle lever to a medium speed setting (first third of lever travel).
- Move reverse drive lever to neutral.
- The engine will not start if PTO clutch lever is in engaged position.
- Turn key in main switch clockwise to end position. Release key as soon as engine starts.

Coolant Temperature Gauge - The needle on the temperature gauge rises as engine warms up. If needle reaches red zone, stop engine and determine the cause. Check coolant level in coolant expansion tank and radiator when engine cools. Also check grille, radiator and radiator screen for plugging. Check fan belt tension.

Warming Up the Engine - Do not place tractor under full load until engine is properly warmed up. Run engine at about 1500 rpm for several minutes. Run engine at about 1900 rpm and under light load until engine reaches normal operating temperature.

Observe Engine Work and Idle Speeds

Slow idle speed should be 750 to 800 rpm (JD 5300, 5400 tractors) or 800 to 850 rpm (JD 5500 tractors). At light or no load, full throttle speed will increase to 2600 rpm. Normal operating speed is 1400 to 2400 rpm (JD 5300 tractors), 1600 to 2400 rpm (JD 5400 tractors) and 1500 to 2400 rpm (JD 5500 tractors). Within these limits engine can be put under full load.

Tachometer shows engine rpm, read in hundreds. On the 40 km/h (25 mph) version, the tachometer also shows the approximate value of the tractor's four ground speeds (fast range; road travel) in relation to the engine revolutions.

For standard 540 rpm PTO speed, increase engine speed until tachometer needle is aligned with 2100 rpm mark. For 540E PTO operation, increase engine speed until tachometer needle is aligned with 1500 rpm mark. Hour meter shows hours of operation in full hours and tenths.

Cold Weather Starting Procedure Using Intake Air Heater System

- The John Deere 5300, 5400, 5500 tractors are equipped with an intake air heater system. An electric heating element warms up the intake air.
- Activate the intake air heater system by pushing in the main switch with the key.
- Hold the key in for 10 to 15 seconds with temperatures down to -18C (0F), for 30 seconds with temperatures down to -23C (-10F) and up to 45 seconds with temperatures below -23C (-10F).
- Turn main switch clockwise and start engine.
- If engine runs rough, activate the intake air heater system by pressing in the main switch until engine runs smoothly.

Check Engine Oil Level

- Park tractor on level ground and pull out dipstick. Oil level should be between two marks on dipstick.
- Dont operate engine when oil level is below low mark on dipstick.
- If level is low, add oil through oil filler hole until even with upper mark. Dont over fill.
- Use seasonal viscosity grade oil.

Change Engine Oil and Filter

Change oil and filter a minimum of once a year.

- Run engine to heat oil. Stop engine. Remove oil drain plug and drain oil.
- Replace engine oil filter while changing oil.
- Apply a film of oil on the new oil filter gasket and install new filter. Hand tighten plus 1 / 2 turn. Install drain plug.
- Add seasonal viscosity grade oil. (JD 5300 Engine Crankcase Capacity - 6 L / JD 5500, 5400 Engine Crankcase Capacity - 8.5 L).
- Change engine oil every 125 hours if diesel fuel has a sulfur content greater than 0.7 percent.

Replace Fuel Filter

Replace fuel filter element at least once a year.

- Remove right-hand engine side shield. Close fuel shut-off valve.
- Remove retaining ring and filter. Install new filter with retaining ring, hand tight.
- Open fuel shut-off valve. Open bleed screw.
- Operate priming pump until fuel flows. Close bleed screw.

Check Hoses and Hose Clamps for Tightness. Check the following systems hose clamps for tightness: Air Cleaner to engine intake or turbocharger, Cooling, Hydraulics, Fuel. Check all hoses for cracks which could cause leaks or possible failure. Replace as necessary.

Clean Engine Crankcase Vent Tube - Remove crankcase vent tube from engine. Wash in solvent or blow clean with compressed air. Reassemble vent tube breather cap to engine. Be sure vent tube is not kinked or pinched.

Check Engine Idle Speeds - Slow idle speed is 750 to 800 rpm on 5300, 5400 John Deere tractors and 800 to 850 rpm on JD 5500 tractors. With no load, fast idle speed should be a maximum of 2590 - 2620 rpm on all tractors.

Change Coolant

- Attach a hose to the drain fitting prior to opening the drain fitting and collect the coolant and flush fluid in a container for proper disposal.
- Open drain fitting and drain the coolant.
- Removing radiator cap after the expansion tank has become empty will speed the draining of the system.
- Remove drain plug from engine block. Flush cooling system.
- Close the drain fitting, reinstall the drain plug and remove drain hose. Fill the cooling system with specified coolant at radiator filler neck.

Cleaning Grille Screens, Radiator and Oil Cooler

- Whenever trash builds up on front grille screens or side panels, stop engine and brush clean.
- Remove side panels, and see if trash has built up on radiator. If so, remove it using a brush or compressed air.
- If a more thorough cleaning is necessary, clean radiator from behind with compressed air or water. Straighten any bent fins.

Flush Cooling System and Replace Thermostat

For efficient operation, drain old coolant, flush the entire system, replace thermostat, and fill with clean antifreeze solution at least once every 2 years.

- Drain coolant - Remove radiator cap. Open drain valve on radiator and drain coolant from radiator. Open drain plug on left side of engine block and drain coolant. Thermostat must be removed to insure a thorough flush.
- Remove thermostat - Remove thermostat cover, remove thermostat, and re-install cover (without thermostat). Tighten cap screws to 47 Nm (35 lb-ft).
- Flush system with water - Close all drain valves/plugs and fill system with clean water. Run engine about 10 minutes to stir up possible rust or sediment. Stop engine and drain water from system before rust and sediment settle.
- Flush system with Radiator Cleaner - Close all drain valve/plugs and fill the cooling system with a good commercial radiator cleaner and water. Follow instructions provided with cleaner. Run engine until it reaches operating temperature. Stop engine and immediately drain system.
- Flush system with water - Close all drain valves/plugs and fill with clean water to flush the system. Run the engine about 10 minutes, then drain out flushing water.
- Replace thermostat - Remove thermostat cover and clean off the gasket material. Apply gasket sealant to new gasket and install along with new thermostat. Tighten cap screws to 47 Nm (35 lb-ft).
- Fill with fresh coolant - Close all drain valves/plugs and fill with specified coolant.
- Re-check coolant level - Fill radiator to the top of the filler neck and fill the recovery tank to the "LOW" mark. Run the engine until operating temperature is reached. Let the engine cool (preferably overnight) and recheck the coolant level. Coolant level with a cold engine should be at the "LOW" mark. An engine at operating temperature should have a coolant level at the "FULL" mark. When refilling the cooling system it may require several operating/cooling periods to stabilize the coolant level in the system. Add make-up coolant to the recovery tank as needed to bring the coolant level to the correct mark.

John Deere 5300, 5400, 5500 Shifting Transmission

Range, Gear and High/Low Shifts

- Depress clutch pedal and stop tractor before shifting the range shift lever, direction shift (forward/reverse) lever and, if equipped, the high-low shift lever.
- Depress clutch pedal before shifting the gear shift lever. Gear shifts (1, 2, 3, 4) can be made on-the-go.
- Release clutch pedal gradually to take up load smoothly.

Forward/Reverse Shifts

The shift lever has three positions: forward, neutral and reverse.
With clutch pedal depressed, push lever forward from neutral to select forward travel or pull back from neutral to select reverse travel.

Operating Transmission Control Levers

The transmission gear shift lever operates in an H-pattern.

- Center position is neutral.
- Move the lever to the left and forward from neutral to select the first gear.
- Move the lever to the left and rearward from neutral to select the second gear.
- Move the lever to the right and forward from neutral to select the third gear.
- Move the lever to the right and rearward from neutral to select the fourth gear.

12+12 Speed Transmission (all models) - The transmission range lever has three positions: Forward is low range. Rearward is high range. To the right and forward is creeper.

24+24 Speed Transmission (40 km/h; 25 mph version of JD 5300, 5400 tractors) - The high-low transmission lever (C) provides a two-speed additional range (optional): Forward is low range. Rearward is high range.

24+24 Speed Transmission (40 km/h; 25 mph version of 5500 John Deere tractors) - The high-low transmission lever (C) provides a two-speed additional range (optional): Forward is high range. Rearward is low range.

Selecting a Gear

To extend drive train life and avoid excessive soil compaction and rolling resistance, avoid ballasting for CONTINUOUS full power operations in gears slower than B-2 gear. When using front-wheel drive, ballasting to one gear slower is appropriate. The tractor may be operated in any gear with engine speeds between 1600 rpm and 2400 rated engine rpm. Within these limits the engine can be put under full load. For light load operation, use a higher gear and lower engine speed. This saves fuel and reduces wear.

Using Brakes

- Use individual brakes to assist in making sharp turns. Disengage brake pedal bar and depress only one brake pedal.
- To stop tractor, depress both brake pedals.
- To prevent unnecessary wear, never "ride" the brakes by resting a foot on the pedals.
- Reduce speed if towed load weighs more than the tractor and is not equipped with brakes.
- Avoid hard braking applications. Consult implement operator's manual for recommended transport speeds.
- Use additional caution when transporting towed loads under adverse conditions, when turning or stopping on inclines.

Using Differential Lock

- When one wheel starts to lose traction, engage differential lock by depressing pedal.
- Unequal traction will keep the lock engaged. When traction equalizes, lock will disengage itself by spring action.
- If lock does not disengage, depress one brake pedal and then the other.
- If tires repeatedly slip, then get traction, then slip again, hold pedal in the engaged position.

Operating Front-Wheel Drive

Use front-wheel drive as required for better traction.

- Press the front-wheel drive switch in position to engage and in position to disengage front-wheel drive.
- An internal indicator light will glow when front wheel drive is engaged.
- When the brakes are applied, front-wheel drive cuts in automatically regardless of the position selected at the front-wheel drive switch.
- In this case the indicator light does not come on.

Hydraulic Trailer Brakes

- Remove cap from trailer brake coupler and connect pressure hose, making sure connections are absolutely clean.
- Press down on brake pedals to operate hydraulic trailer brake. The braking effect depends on pressure applied to the brake pedals.
- To prevent undue wear on the brakes, observe the following points:
- Make sure that the pressure hose is connected. When driving downhill, select the same gear you would for driving uphill.
- Check the hydraulic trailer brake regularly to make sure that it is functioning correctly.

Front and Rear Wheel Treads for Trelleborg Tires

Trelleborg tires must only be used with special rims and installed only in the positions shown opposite (front wheels; rear wheels).
The following tread widths result from the rim positions shown: 550/45-22.5 404TL front tires 1500 mm (59 in.) / 23.1-26 409TL rear tires 1524 mm (60 in.).

Adjusting Front Wheel Tread (Modelrs with Two-Wheel Drive)

On John Deere 5300, 5400, 5500 tractors without front wheel drive with front tire size 7.50-16 the front wheel tread width can be adjusted from:

- 1435 mm (56.5 in.) to 1935 mm (76.2 in.), dish in.
- 1435 mm (56.5 in.) to 1935 mm (76.2 in.), dish in.
- 1568 mm (61.7 in.) to 2068 mm (81.4 in.), dish out.

Adjust Front Axle Tread Width (Tractors with Two-Wheel Drive)

- Jack up front end of tractor.
- When making large tread adjustments it may be necessary to change the tie rod length before or during axle adjustments.
- Remove four bolts and tapered pins from front axle (2 on each side).
- Slide axle knees to desired position. Both sides should be adjusted to same spacing.
- Pins and bolts may have to be moved to the companion holes (D) in some settings.
- Reinstall axle bolts and pins on each side. Tighten bolts to 480 Nm (350 lb-ft). Set toe-in.

Check Toe-In (Models with Two-Wheel Drive)

- Steer front wheels straight ahead.
- Measure distance between tires at hub level in front of axle. Mark the point at which you measured.
- Move tractor back about 1 m (3 ft) so mark is at hub level behind the axle. Again measure distance between tires at the marked points.
- Measurement at front of tires should be 3 to 6 mm (1/8 to 1/4 in.) less than measurement at rear of tires.

Adjust Toe-In-2 Wheel Drive

- Loosen lock nuts and back out the bolts on tie rod tubes several turns.
- Adjust tie rods on both sides of the tractor equally by rotating the inner tube to lengthen or shorten tie rod. Adjust toe-in to 3 to 6 mm (1/8 to 1/4 in.)
- Tie Rod Rotation / Approximate Change in Toe-in - 1/2 turn / 8 mm (5/16 in.). 1 turn / 16 mm (5/8 in.).
- Tighten bolts to 85 Nm (62 lb-ft). Do not over tighten as damage to the tube may occur.
- Tighten the lock nuts to 90 Nm (66 lb-ft).

Check Toe-In-MFWD

- Disengage MFWD and park John Deere 5300, 5400, 5500 tractor on smooth, level surface. Steer front wheels straight ahead. Stop engine.
- Measure distance between centerline of tires at hub level in front of axle, using an outside bar of each tire.
- Move tractor back about 1 m (3 ft) so mark is at hub level behind the axle. Again measure distance between tires at same point on tire.
- Determine the difference between front and rear measurements.
- If the front measurement is smaller, toe is "in". If the rear is smaller, toe is "out". Toe-in should be less than 3 mm (1/8 in.).

Set MFWD Steering Stops Turning Radius

- Raise and support the front of the tractor so the MFWD axle can be oscillated to its stops.
- Slowly turn the steering wheel to the left until the steering cylinder travel has reached its limit, the steering stops, or the tires are within 25 mm (1 in.) of the grill screen or the side panels.
- Raise the left side of the axle against its stop and measure the clearance between the tire and the nearest tractor component. The distance should not be less than 25 mm (1 in.).
- Loosen the locking nut on the steering stop and adjust the steering stop bolt so it touches the steering stop. It may be necessary to shorten the stop bolt in order to obtain the maximum turning angle.
- Tighten steering stop bolt retaining lock nut to 125 Nm (92 lb-ft). Turn wheel fully to the left. Impact knuckle housing to steering stop five times.
- Repeat above steps for the right side. Retighten steering stop bolt retaining nuts to 125 Nm (92 lb-ft).

Replace Transmission-/Hydraulic Filter

- Remove filter. Apply a film of oil to new gasket and install new filter. Hand tighten plus 1/2 turn.
- Run engine several seconds and recheck transmission-hydraulic oil level.
- Add transmission fluid if required.

Check Neutral Start System

- John Deere 5300, 5400, 5500 tractor is equipped with a starting system, that prevents inadvertent movement of the machine or the PTO when the engine is started.
- Turning the main switch should crank the engine only if forward/neutral/reverse lever is in neutral position and if PTO clutch lever is not in engaged position.
- Turn the main switch to start position with forward/neutral/reverse lever in gear (not in neutral) position. Engine must not start.
- Turn the main switch to start position with PTO clutch lever in engaged position. Engine must not start.

Check Clutch Pedal Free Travel

- Measure free travel at top of pedal stroke. Adjust linkage to obtain 10 to 16 mm (0.4 to 0.6 in.) free travel.
- To adjust linkage, loosen lock nut, unlatch the connecting clip pin and remove.
- Rotate clevis. After making adjustment, replace clip and recheck travel. - When travel is correct, tighten lock nut.

Change Transmission-/Hydraulic Oil Suction Strainer

- Drain transmission-/hydraulic oil.
- Remove the four hose clamps and hoses.
- Replace strainer with a new one, Making sure that the arrow on the strainer body points forward.
- Re-install hoses and clamps. Fill transmission/hydraulic systems with specified oil.

Change Oil in MFWD Axle Housing

- 5300, 5400, 5500 John Deere Tractor should be positioned on level ground to assure correct oil levels when refilling.
- Remove drain plugs from differential housing and wheel spindle (two plugs).
- When draining the wheel housings, rotate the wheels so the drain is located on the bottom.
- Drain oil, then reinstall plugs, and rotate the wheels so the "oil level" mark is level with the ground.
- Recheck oil level after 30 minutes. Add oil as needed.
- Refill differential housing and wheel housings with specified oil. Fill hub to level mark on wheel hub housing.
- Capacities: differential housing - 5 L (5.3 qt) / each wheel housing - 0.6 L (0.6 qt).

Change Transmission-Hydraulic Oil and Filter

- Remove drain plug from transmission case (A) and drain out oil. On tractors equipped with MFWD, also remove drain plug (B) in axle housing.
- Lower rockshaft to remove trapped oil.
- Remove filter (C). Apply a film of oil to new filter gasket and install new filter. Hand tighten only.
- Fill transmission/hydraulic system with specified oil as described in "Check Transmission/Hydraulic System Oil Level".

Two-wheel drive tractors (Capacity) - 36 L (9.5 U.S. gal)
Four-wheel drive tractors; 30 km/h (18 mph) version (Capacity) - 38 L (10 U.S. gal)
Four-wheel drive tractors; 40 km/h (25 mph) version (Capacity) - 43 L (11.4 U.S. gal)