Draining JD 550 Dozer transmission fluid

macpeppers · Jan 9, 2021

1985 550c dozer. is the drain plug under transmission in the center

macpeppers · Jan 9, 2021

i'm having trouble posting a pic. what i think is the plug has a 1 1/4" round head with no shoulders or recess for a allen wrench. if it is the plug, how do i get it out?

macpeppers · Jan 9, 2021

Jim.ME · Jan 9, 2021

(quoted from post at 13:35:19 01/09/21)
<img src="https://www.yesterdaystractors.com/cvphotos/cvphoto70629.jpg">

Interesting in that John Deere doesn't show a 550C on their previous models page or in a parts catalog, It looks like they jumped from the B series to the G series. What is your complete serial number? You may have a 550 C where the C means a 550 with a 6405 (6 way inside mount hydraulic) blade.

On the Powershift transmission (3 forward,3 reverse) I believe the drain plug is in the lower left side, front corner of the Powershift housing. I think the transmission shares oil with the steering clutches so if you are doing an oil change/service those compartments should be drained as well and new oil installed. Again I am not 100% sure on the info I gave you but think it is right. The right operator's manual for the machine would be a big help to you. And be sure to use Hy-Gard or an oil meeting John Deere's J20C spec.

macpeppers · Jan 9, 2021

thanks Jim, i think you're right, the decal says 550 but the serial # tag says 550-C and it is a 6-way dozer blade. the serial # is
252281T. i've got the 700+ page shop manual and it shows a plug where you said. it doesn't show a plug in the center bottom of the
housing but i can't figure what it would be but a drain. my trans oil is milkey so i would like to get as much of the old oil out
as possiable. i'm guessing a lot will stay in the torque converter.

Jim.ME · Jan 9, 2021

(quoted from post at 20:49:23 01/09/21) thanks Jim, i think you're right, the decal says 550 but the serial # tag says 550-C and it is a 6-way dozer blade. the serial # is
252281T. i've got the 700+ page shop manual and it shows a plug where you said. it doesn't show a plug in the center bottom of the
housing but i can't figure what it would be but a drain. my trans oil is milkey so i would like to get as much of the old oil out
as possiable. i'm guessing a lot will stay in the torque converter.

550 serial numbers 238320 - 261195 are 1976 machines. Your machine's serial number falls in that group, so yours is a 1976 straight 550 with a 6405 blade. That T at the ends tells it was built at the Dubuque Tractor Works.

Check your manual, there should be a suction screen in the opposite side of the case from the drain that you should check/clean while you have it drained. Also check about the steering clutch oil. As I mentioned before, I think it is shared with the transmission and the steering clutch housings will need to be drained and refilled as well. If they are shared, they hold way more oil than the converter.

macpeppers · Jan 10, 2021

thanks again Jim, good information, i bought the dozer used and he told me it was 1985, oh well. i downloaded an owners manual and
it look to have all the info i need, i found the screen you mentioned, apparently you drain the transmission by removing the screen
and i found plugs for the steering clutches. this manual is much better for maintenance, the shop manual i guess is more for
repair. i still dont know what that plug under the transmission is for. you've been a big help.

Draining JD 550 Dozer transmission fluid

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