Save $$$ By Replacing Hydraulic Return Filters Yourself on a John Deere 35G Excavator

Changing the hydraulic filter yourself can help you save money, especially if you are working in a remote location where obtaining maintenance services can be difficult.Learn how to change the filter on a John Deere 35G excavator using these following steps.

There may be a bit of pressure within the hydraulic tank. If you do not vent it, the hydraulic oil will come out. There is a cap on top much like a radiator cap. Turn the cap until it stops. Then push down on it and turn the cap some more. It will come off.

You can remove the bolts on the cap using a 13mm socket on a ratchet. There are 4 bolts on it and a spring underneath the cap. First, remove the 2 bolts that are across from each other. Then place your hand down on the cap to lower the spring as you remove the remaining 2 bolts.

Release the cap as it will pop up due to the spring. Remove the spring inside as there will be a bypass valve underneath. Take out the bypass valve to reach the filter.

Have a drain pan or a holding container ready to catch the oil that will come out of the filter when it is pulled out. Lift the filter and let the oil drain back into the hydraulic return tank so it does not leak all into the machine. Place the filter into the drain pan and set it aside.

Unwrap the new filter and inspect it by comparing it to the old filter. You want to ensure the replacement part will properly fit as there may be slight differences with aftermarket track parts. Check to make sure the top and bottom of the filter are the same, then check the length and diameter.

Put on the hydraulic return filter cap as you will have to press down on the spring. Place in the two bolts that are across from each other first so that the cap comes down evenly. Then place on the two remaining bolts. Once that is done, put the hydraulic cap back on.