John Deere Tractor 8440

Service batteries: Wipe batteries with a damp cloth. Clean and tighten connections if needed. Check liquid level in each cell. Fill to bottom of filler neck with clean, mineral-free water.

Check transmission-hydraulic oil level, with tractor on level ground. If low, add oil specified on page 79. For hillside operation keep oil level at upper mark on dipstick.

Lubricate 3-point hitch lift links by applying several shots of grease specified on page 79.

Lubricate outer draft shaft bearing support on each side of tractor by applying two shots of grease specified on page 79.

Check tension of alternator and compressor belts as instructed on page 99.

Replace full-flow oil filter element (A) while changing engine oil as instructed on page 85. On 8640 Tractor, also replace bypass element, see Step 8. Remove old packing and clean filter mounting pad. Oil new packing and install new element. Hand-tighten element 1/2 to 3/4 turn after packing contacts filter housing.

Check brake accumulator by depressing brake pedal after engine has been stopped for at least 15 minutes. Pedal should have solid feel for at least five applications. If you suspect any problem in braking system, see your John Deere dealer.

On 8640 Tractor, replace bypass oil filter element (A), while changing engine oil and replacing full-flow filter element (see Step 6). Remove old packing and clean filter mounting pad. Oil new packing and install new element. Hand-tighten element one full turn after packing contacts filter housing.

Inspect for loose bolts. Retighten as instructed on page 60. Following are some of the most important:

Replace primary and secondary air cleaner elements

Replace clutch oil filter element

Drain, flush, and refill cooling system

Use a Precharge Element when filling system with new coolant

Service air cleaner when air cleaner indicator lamp glows

Remove cover by removing wing nut

Remove primary element by removing wing nut

Have your John Deere dealer clean screen in main hydraulic pump.

Was the screen in main hydraulic pump cleaned?

Drain transmission-hydraulic oil. Remove drain plugs from torque divider housing, transmission case, clutch housing, and front differential housing. Remove all three plugs to drain all oil from front differential. Replace all plugs.

Was the transmission-hydraulic oil drained and plugs replaced?

Clean suction screens. Before adding oil, remove screens from clutch housing, torque divider housing, and transmission case. For access to screen in torque divider housing, you must loosen hydraulic pipe as shown. Wash screens carefully in solvent, blow dry with compressed air, and reinstall. Check for leaks after starting engine.

Were the suction screens cleaned and reinstalled?

Refill transmission-hydraulic system with oil specified on page 79. Since about 10 gallons (38 L) of oil will be transferred to clutch housing and front differential housing, initial fill should be to about four inches (100 mm) above full mark on dipstick. Capacity is approximately 35 U.S. gallons (132 L) for 8440 Tractor or 36 U.S. gallons (136 L) for 8640 Tractor.

Was the transmission-hydraulic system refilled with oil?

Sign off on the 1200 hourly maintenance

Check air intake system for leaks. Correct as necessary. Tighten all clamps. Remove, clean and reinstall aspirator hose from precleaner to muffler.

Replace hydraulic system filter element. Carefully remove and inspect filter cover packing and replace if defective. Install packing into transmission case. Place new filter element into filter cover and reinstall cover.

Lubricate axle bearings. Remove pipe plugs on ends of axle housings and install grease fittings. Use grease specified on page 79. Apply grease until grease appears at seals, or a maximum of 25 shots. Plugs are on top of rear axle housing and on bottom of front axle housing.

Drain any water and sediment from fuel tank sumps.

Lubricate front axle pivots. Remove plugs from front axle pivots, and install grease fittings. Use grease specified on page 79. Apply lubricant until moderate resistance is felt. This should be 10 to 25 strokes. Reinstall plugs, as they contain special relief valves. A small amount of grease should come back out when grease fitting is removed. In extremely wet conditions, service axle pivots more frequently.

Check engine idle speeds. With no load, fastest and slowest speeds should be 2300 rpm and 800 rpm. If speeds are not correct, see your John Deere dealer.

Have your John Deere dealer check engine valve clearance.

Replace coolant conditioner-filter as instructed on page 106. For normal service (coolant not changed) it is not necessary to use a Precharge Element.

Sign off on the 600 Hourly Maintenance

Avoid unnecessary engine idling during first 100 hours

Check and adjust drive belt tensions

Check cooling system and air intake system hoses and hose clamps for tightness

If oil must be added, specify the type of oil used

Change engine oil and filter after first 100 hours