John Deere 400 hydrostatic tractor

Hi! New here and have a question for y'all. Anyone know where I can find out the year my newest to me John Deere tractor was made and where I can get parts for it? It is a 400 model hydrostatic C400D #032981M It runs ok until about 30 - 45 minutes running time and then sounds like it wants to die. Also putting the tractor in reverse is sluggish and if going uphill in reverse the tractor will stop. Clogged filter?
Thanks, Daniel

(quoted from post at 12:25:44 03/15/14) Hi! New here and have a question for y'all. Anyone know where I can find out the year my newest to me John Deere tractor was made and where I can get parts for it? It is a 400 model hydrostatic C400D #032981M It runs ok until about 30 - 45 minutes running time and then sounds like it wants to die. Also putting the tractor in reverse is sluggish and if going uphill in reverse the tractor will stop. Clogged filter?
Thanks, Daniel

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Your tractor was built n Horicon, Wisconsin.

They were built from about 1975 through 1982.

Your serial # of 32981 makes it a 1975. (#'s 30,001 through 55,000 are listed as 1975 models.)

MANY parts are still available through your nearby John Deere dealer.

You can view the parts catalog on-line without signing up, signing up through a local dealer will give you price and availability information.

https://jdparts.deere.com/

Parts for the Kohler K-532 engine ARE getting a bit tough to find.

Losing power COULD be a fuel system restriction or a heat-sensitive ignition component (coil or condenser).

Also check the breaker points and check the timing with a timing light.

If the spin-on hydro filter hasn't been changed lately, change it and verify the system is full of oil.

Low reverse power COULD be as simple as the linkage needing adjustment, or could be the hydro relief valve for reverse (there are two, one for forward and one for reverse).

You can buy a factory operator's manual or service manual by calling direct to DEERE @ 1-800-522-7448 (or possibly find used ones on ebay). The service manuals are NOT cheap, but are well worth having if you are going to keep the tractor around and maintain it your self.

ANOTHER great resource:

http://www.weekendfreedommachines.com

Pull shielding check for blockage of heads by grass or mouse nest this will cause engine to over heat.
traper

Bob, thanks so much for the info on my tractor. Yes, I am keeping this tractor because it so reminds me of the AMFTRAC my parents and I had on our farm back in the early 70's. We truck farmed and the AMFTRAC was amazing with it's hydraulic lift for all the attachments we had. This 400 hydrostat is identical but much bigger and is also all hydraulic. It has been abused as there are no brakes left which I need to replace, It won't start unless I jumper off the ignition solenoid from battery positive to the starter pole, and the other two problems I described earlier. But, it DOES run and I am determined to keep it this way and using it for a little work like roto-tilling and pulling a small trailer.I purchased it with a couple of plows and a 38" tiller with it's own engine. So you see, the tractor will be just pulling it's own weight most of the time with little extra work(pulling) on it's transmission.

Daniel, here's another link for you, to an oil type and capacities chart for DEERE lawn and garden equipment, including your 400.

I remember going to my Uncle Danny's Farm as a Child and being simply AMAZED by his Tractors he had on the Farm.