500 Hour Service Interval Guide for a John Deere 85G Excavator – Part 2

Written by Luis Montes Updated On November 15, 2024

We changed the hydraulic return filter and the oil tank breather filter in the last post.

In part 2 of the John Deere 85G 500-hour service interval tasks series, you’ll learn to replace the engine oil and filter.

We also have a video version on the Fortis HD YouTube channel. Check it out.

Need to save time? The following table shows every filter you need for the complete 500-hour service interval:

Choose Fortis HD for tools to tackle any service task and enhance your equipment’s performance and longevity.

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Drain the Engine Oil

Using an impact wrench, remove the screws holding the belly pan. Don’t stand right behind the belly pan to prevent it from suddenly falling on your face. Take out the screws from a side instead.

Before removing the drain plug, put a suitable pan or container to collect the engine oil.

Use a ratchet with a 19 mm socket to remove the plug. Turn the ratchet clockwise to loosen the plug.

We recommend sampling your engine oil at every service. Refer to the operator’s manual for more information.

Replace the drain plug seal if worn, and reinstall the drain plug. Don’t overtighten the plug, or you’ll strip the thread and won’t be able to take out the plug. Once the seal washer contacts, tight the plug and give it another 1/4″ turn.

Replace the Engine Oil Filter

The engine oil filter on the 85G is on the inward side of the engine.

Using both hands, unscrew the filter turning counterclockwise but don’t take it out yet. Before removing the filter, slip a plastic bag over it to catch the oil coming out.

Using a clean cloth, wipe the filter base.

Lubricate the seal on the new filter and install it without overtightening—hand-tight the filter, no need to use a tool here.

Put back the belly pan using the impact wrench.

Pour the New Engine Oil

The John Deere 85G Excavator takes 12.3 liters of oil. We recommend Tekamo 15W40 premium heavy-duty engine oil (refer to the description in the YouTube video link of this post to choose the correct oil weight according to climate).

Remove the engine oil fill cap, turning it counterclockwise. Inspect the seal and replace it if needed.

Pour the oil using a funnel to avoid making a mess. Once you finish, check the level with the dipstick. Two marks or pinholes on the dipstick will show the MAX and MIN levels. The oil level should be somewhere between the two.

Run up the machine for a few minutes, double-check the level, and top off as required.

Next Post

In the next post, we’ll change the engine air filters of the John Deere 85G Excavator.

If you don’t have the time to do the service yourself or want to get on a preventative maintenance program for your John Deere 85G, reach out to Tekamo HD to set you up with a heavy-duty mechanic.