John Deere Tractor 8640

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

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.

Check coolant level. Add clean water or antifreeze as needed. Coolant level should be above the baffle located in the radiator top tank by 1-1/2 inches (38 mm) for 8440 Tractor or by 1/2 inch (13 mm) for 8640 Tractor.

Check engine oil level. With tractor parked on level ground, remove dipstick and check oil level. If needed, add oil specified on page 78.

Check water separator glass bowl (if equipped) for water. When bowl is half full, drain it out and bleed fuel line. See page 102.

Check fuel pump sediment bowl for sediment or water. If any is present, drain it out and bleed air from lines. See page 102.

Lubricate hinge pins. Place tractor in a full left turn. Stop engine and remove key. Apply several shots of grease to upper and lower hinge pins. Use grease specified on page 79.

Lubricate both U-joints and slip joint in all three drive shafts. Apply five shots of grease to each slip joint. Grease U-joints until grease appears at seals. Use grease specified on page 79.

Lubricate wide-spring drawbar. If equipped with wide-swing drawbar, apply several shots of grease to drawbar rollers. Use grease specified on page 79.

Lubricate pivot pins at both ends of all three steering cylinders. Front pivot pins are serviced by remote grease fittings on right-hand side frame. Use grease specified on page 79.

Sign off on the 10 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