I HAVE OWNED MY 425 FOR OVER 20 YEARS AND IT'S A HARD WORKING MACHINE SEEING THIS VIDEO WILL SAVE ME MONEY IT THAT I DON'T HAVE TOO HAVE IT DONE AT THE SHOP. THANKS
Thanks for the comment! I have a playlist full of equipment maintenance videos you can check out! Always better to do it yourself, you know its done right & you save some money! I have a 425 & 455, they are great machines!
Change the transmission hydraulic oil every 100 hrs filter is on rear differential drain plug is on back cover towards rear trailer hitch,. Very inportant. Only use JD hy- guard in diff.
@@NealORussa by the time guys like us get these machines and start doing maintenance they last forever. Some of the original owners paid so much they couldn't afford dealer maintenance. Mine had 600 hours and a blown engine. My theory was oil and air cleaner was never changed. I rebuilt the engine, sorted out all the gremlins and my 425 has a easy sunset years.
May 2024 Just had my 1993 JD 425 refurbished at dealer but have to put oil in it and hydraulic fluid. Will watch this a few times. We used this little tractor until moving up in 2010 to 720 for lawn and snow blowing. Now using 425 to till garden area. And for pulling 720 out when it's stuck (or vice versa!) As we age we realize that we cannot live here on our 16 acres without these machines. Thanks for your help.
Thanks for the comment! These are great little lawn tractors. I have a 425 and a 455. The mcs bagger system is a great addition for mowing around the house to haul off clippings.
The timing of this upload couldn’t have been better. I’m changing the oil for the first time on my own and have been hoping for something like this. Thank you!
@@NealORussa Thanks for your comment. I ended up putting too much oil in and it's smoken' like a champ. I did remove the extra oil but it is still smoking. Do you think it will just burn off? Is there anything else I should do to try and fix it? Thanks in advance.
@@dkgrace6743 make sure oil level is correct. Then maybe pull the spark plugs and crank it over a few times to blow it out. Dry the plugs off with towel. Then run it. I doubt you damaged the piston rings.
Just bought a 425 - this video is exactly what a newbie like me needed - many thanks. Did you ever figure out the correct size for the engine oil drain hose?
Hey Rex I believe a 1/2" hose would fit it good. I ended up keeping that 5/8" hose on there with a hose clamp I tightened up and it hasn't fallen off while mowing! I just tuck it up inside the engine bay there, I actually think I stabbed it into an extra hole in the frame to hold it in place when not draining. Anyways it's nice and makes for a leak free oil drain. Thanks for the comment!
On Briggs and Stratton smalls engines I oil the foam pre filter for the air cleaner. What are your thoughts on doing this on the KD Kawasaki air filter? Don't forget when setting or checking valve lash to set engine to TDC first.
Hmm I haven't seen where it's required to oil the pre filter in the manual. It collects a lot of dust as is, seems like it would clog quickly if it was oiled
@@NealORussa that oiled pre filter on a Briggs motor stops lot of sand and dirt, the Brits was from 1988 and still strong. Yes oiled pre filters does clog fast but that stops lot of contaminates from getting to the air filter. I am going to run a oiled pre filter on the 425 till fall, keep a close eye on the spark plugs and see if it is burning to lean (not enough air \ fuel mix).
Hey John! Thanks for the comment! They are cheap SUNF tires from Amazon. 23x10.5x12, which is the stock size. I would say they run a little small but they have amazing traction! I mow some steep ditches and a riverbank and they are great. If you don't have an all wheel steer machine I believe you can fit 26" tires.
@@vangstr Hey there, that tubing connects to a filter gauge that is supposed to use vacuum pressure to move a gauge to show how clogged up your air filter is so you know when to change it.
@@vangstr Ahh, gotcha, i'll see if i can ge a photo sometime but there is a small nipple on the bottom of the plastic housing on the lefthand side of the carb if you're sitting in the seat.
Great video, there is so much to learn to properly maintain these 400 Series Lawn Tractors. We have three of them, two 425's, and a 445. Question, I would like to replace the JD trans drain plug and install a N45 SH Gold Plug Neodymium Magnetic Drain Plug in the Hydrostatic drive. Cant find what the thread fitment is? Does anyone know where to find this info other than removing the plug and using a Thread Gauge Tool? The John Deere Part number is CH11414 for OE replacement. Update: Found this info from a guy that installed a Dimple Drain Plug Magnet in a JD 425 Lawn Tractor: Engine Oil Drain Plug: Metric 16 x 1.5mm x 12 mm L. - for John Deere 425 & 445 Kawasaki Fd620d Am115362. Hydrostatic Transmission / Hydraulic System Oil Drain Plug Fitment Metric: M14 x 1.5mm x 12mm L.
Great information you added there David! Thank you for the comment! Be careful with that hydro drain plug. The plug on my 425 was stripped and I had to drill & retap it for a larger size. Very soft aluminum around the plug.
Great video, appreciate the part numbers, Ebay parts are getting worse. Curious if yours has a sweet spot with fuel, choke on cold starts. Have one picked up from a neighbor a couple years ago, used it once when purchased. Just been sitting.
You're right, ebay parts seem to be getting cheaper and cheaper! Generally when i start it after sitting in the cold I turn the key and let the fuel pump run for about 10 seconds, then i go full choke and a little less than half throttle. Once it starts i can pull back choke in about 5 seconds, doesn't take long... I have a newer video of this machine plowing snow and i recorded the cold start in it, check it out!
I've not done it on the 425. There is a 425/445/455 Facebook group that may help out. I did up the pressure on a Kubota backhoe loader and for that I had to take the relief spring out and add a few thin washers between the spring and it's keeper plug. It was on the back of the hydrostatic trans. I'm sure it's probably similar process.
If I recall it was an odd size. I feel like 1/2" wouldn't fit on the barb and 5/8 was too loose. I think I ended up using 5/8 and a hose clamp on the barb to keep the hose on.
Thanx for the video! I was wondering how to drain the hydraulic oil to change it but I am guessing it is just through the filter that it drains. Bit messy but it works I guess ;) Now if it was only easier to get my 60" deck on this puppy lol Welp time to take the plow off, jack the front up and tackle it. Thanx again!
Hey there, there's actually a drain plug on the backside of the transaxle. If you stand behind the machine and look at the back end, it's on the lower left corner of the transaxle between the frame rails, just inside the right frame rail. That is the drain plug.
Hmm I've seen that done on some pre filters but not sure about this one. I'll double check the manual but I think it should stay dry. It would clog up very quickly if soaked in oil.
It did definitely help. I ended up rebuilding this engine a few months after this video to check for the plastic cam gear. Did a complete teardown and rebuild and also found my governor gear was chipped and missing two teeth. So needless to say, it is running much better now!
@@NealORussa any chance you made a video of the engine rebuild? I picked up my 425 last year with only 400 hrs and it runs great but I recently spent a few bucks for a nonrunning 425 and 2nd engine to have on hand for spare parts. I'd like to try rebuilding the engines for practice
@@johnshaw4794 John, I actually started to make a video for the rebuild, but I did not follow through after forgetting to film some of the main rebuild sections and it would have been an incomplete video. I did find some others on here that did help. I'll try to find the link and post it here.
Jeff, I don't think I have an 455 videos. It's been a reliable tractor. I had to replace the bearings in the alternator but that's about it. It has around 1100 hours on it.
I just purchased a used 1998 425 in really good shape, but am going to change out all fluids, filters, etc. Also the dipstick side valve cover leaks a bit, so I am going to pull off the cover and replace the gasket. I am curious what seat you have on yours, I love the seat, and I need to replace mine.
You got a great machine! Does your machine have the silver aluminum valve covers or the black plastic ones? The plastic ones have a cork gasket and leak a lot. The aluminum covers seal much better with a hard gasket. The seat is a milsco suspension seat. I welded up a frame for it that uses the stock bolts and still flips up to allow access to the hydro dipstick. It's very nice!
If you want an easier suspension seat option you can get the stock suspension base off a 455 or 445 on eBay. They have a suspension frame that is better than the simple hinge frame on the 425.
you need to hand turn crank, to make sure valve is completely closed before you adjust. How you did it looked incorrect. Remove front grill and you have access to the crank.
Thanks for the comment! I'll give that a shot next time. I usually crank it a couple more times and double check all clearances again after a few rotations.
Hey Turley, teh red wire to the starter terminal is for the time delay module, which is the stock location for that wire. The yellow wire i added goes to a switch on the dash then to a plug near the back of the tractor to run my electric tow behind sprayer. I could have ran it directly to the battery but that requires the wire to be located close to the hot muffler, so i just crimped it into the same ring terminal as the time delay module.
Hey Wyatt! That little plastic canister is a plunger type indicator that is supposed to tell you how good or bad your air filter is. I guess if the engine is having to suck really hard through a plugged air filter, it would create more vacuum and pull the plunger. I don't usually look at it, i usually just pull the filter housing to check the filter and pre-filter.
@@wisconsinbush2940 I bought them from the dealer. They are the replacement covers for the leaky plastic ones. Drivers side is MIU11645 and passenger side is MIU11644. Make sure you find the kits that come with the new metal gaskets. Also the drivers side kit should come with the yellow plug and o ring for oil fill port.
@@NealORussa Thank you so much. Mine is now leaking like mad crazy. I am learning so you will have many views on this just from me rewatching till it sinks in. lol
@@ThrillofHorror thanks for the comment! Where is yours leaking at? If it's coming from left side of transaxle it's the diff lock seal. Right side of transaxle would be the o rings around the swash plate shaft (the shaft that the forward/reverse pedal hooks to). Both are common leak points.
They are sunf all terrain tires. They run a tad small I'd say but they have great traction and don't tear up the lawn like tractor bar tires. amzn.to/3GcIWBY
Hey Ethan! It's a milsco v5300. I paid a lot more than this site shows, so if you can get it here this is a good deal. www.mitaprima.com/milsco-highback-suspension-seat-with-arm-rests-black-model-v-5300
I HAVE OWNED MY 425 FOR OVER 20 YEARS AND IT'S A HARD WORKING MACHINE SEEING THIS VIDEO WILL SAVE ME MONEY IT THAT I DON'T HAVE TOO HAVE IT DONE AT THE SHOP. THANKS
Thanks for the comment! I have a playlist full of equipment maintenance videos you can check out! Always better to do it yourself, you know its done right & you save some money! I have a 425 & 455, they are great machines!
Change the transmission hydraulic oil every 100 hrs filter is on rear differential drain plug is on back cover towards rear trailer hitch,. Very inportant. Only use JD hy- guard in diff.
@@dand3975 I use the jd hygard low viscosity and think it works even better.
@@NealORussa by the time guys like us get these machines and start doing maintenance they last forever. Some of the original owners paid so much they couldn't afford dealer maintenance. Mine had 600 hours and a blown engine. My theory was oil and air cleaner was never changed. I rebuilt the engine, sorted out all the gremlins and my 425 has a easy sunset years.
May 2024 Just had my 1993 JD 425 refurbished at dealer but have to put oil in it and hydraulic fluid. Will watch this a few times. We used this little tractor until moving up in 2010 to 720 for lawn and snow blowing. Now using 425 to till garden area. And for pulling 720 out when it's stuck (or vice versa!) As we age we realize that we cannot live here on our 16 acres without these machines. Thanks for your help.
Thanks for the comment! These are great little lawn tractors. I have a 425 and a 455. The mcs bagger system is a great addition for mowing around the house to haul off clippings.
The timing of this upload couldn’t have been better. I’m changing the oil for the first time on my own and have been hoping for something like this. Thank you!
Great to hear, glad it can help you out!
Thank you. Just what I needed. Turning up neighbor's 425 b/c he let me use it for a project. Thank you.
Awesome! Take care of it and it will run a long time! Maybe he'll sell it to you!
@@NealORussa Thanks for your comment. I ended up putting too much oil in and it's smoken' like a champ. I did remove the extra oil but it is still smoking. Do you think it will just burn off? Is there anything else I should do to try and fix it? Thanks in advance.
@@dkgrace6743 make sure oil level is correct. Then maybe pull the spark plugs and crank it over a few times to blow it out. Dry the plugs off with towel. Then run it. I doubt you damaged the piston rings.
@@NealORussa Thank you. You were right, all is well. Have a great weekend.
Just bought a 425 - this video is exactly what a newbie like me needed - many thanks. Did you ever figure out the correct size for the engine oil drain hose?
Hey Rex I believe a 1/2" hose would fit it good. I ended up keeping that 5/8" hose on there with a hose clamp I tightened up and it hasn't fallen off while mowing! I just tuck it up inside the engine bay there, I actually think I stabbed it into an extra hole in the frame to hold it in place when not draining. Anyways it's nice and makes for a leak free oil drain. Thanks for the comment!
@@NealORussa Much Appreciated - will give the half inch a try.
Really helpful and easy to follow video. Thanks for posting!
Thanks for the great comment! Subscribe to stay tuned for more!
Good no nonsense video
Thanks so much Raymond for the comment, means a lot!
On Briggs and Stratton smalls engines I oil the foam pre filter for the air cleaner. What are your thoughts on doing this on the KD Kawasaki air filter? Don't forget when setting or checking valve lash to set engine to TDC first.
Hmm I haven't seen where it's required to oil the pre filter in the manual. It collects a lot of dust as is, seems like it would clog quickly if it was oiled
@@NealORussa that oiled pre filter on a Briggs motor stops lot of sand and dirt, the Brits was from 1988 and still strong. Yes oiled pre filters does clog fast but that stops lot of contaminates from getting to the air filter. I am going to run a oiled pre filter on the 425 till fall, keep a close eye on the spark plugs and see if it is burning to lean (not enough air \ fuel mix).
I like your rear tires...what style and size are they? Thanks for the video
Hey John! Thanks for the comment! They are cheap SUNF tires from Amazon. 23x10.5x12, which is the stock size. I would say they run a little small but they have amazing traction! I mow some steep ditches and a riverbank and they are great. If you don't have an all wheel steer machine I believe you can fit 26" tires.
Set of 2 SunF G003 all-Terrain UTV & Golf-Cart Turf Tires 23x10.5-12, 4 Ply, Tubeless - Lawn & Garden www.amazon.com/dp/B07CKK6Z8X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_i_ZMnbGb2Q7MFP1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
@@NealORussa Awesome, thank you for sharing the link. I do have an AWS, so stock size it is.
Thanks for the video. It's really helpful. Could you do one video on all the grease fittings?
I'll see if i can throw something together for that. Mine is an AWS so it has a few more fittings than the 2WS.
@@NealORussa Where does that beige tubing connect to under the air filter housing?
@@vangstr Hey there, that tubing connects to a filter gauge that is supposed to use vacuum pressure to move a gauge to show how clogged up your air filter is so you know when to change it.
@@NealORussa thanks. I have the gauge but no lines so i was wondering where it connects to under the filter housing?
@@vangstr Ahh, gotcha, i'll see if i can ge a photo sometime but there is a small nipple on the bottom of the plastic housing on the lefthand side of the carb if you're sitting in the seat.
Great video, there is so much to learn to properly maintain these 400 Series Lawn Tractors. We have three of them, two 425's, and a 445. Question, I would like to replace the JD trans drain plug and install a N45 SH Gold Plug Neodymium Magnetic Drain Plug in the Hydrostatic drive. Cant find what the thread fitment is? Does anyone know where to find this info other than removing the plug and using a Thread Gauge Tool? The John Deere Part number is CH11414 for OE replacement.
Update: Found this info from a guy that installed a Dimple Drain Plug Magnet in a JD 425 Lawn Tractor:
Engine Oil Drain Plug: Metric 16 x 1.5mm x 12 mm L. - for John Deere 425 & 445 Kawasaki Fd620d Am115362.
Hydrostatic Transmission / Hydraulic System Oil Drain Plug Fitment Metric: M14 x 1.5mm x 12mm L.
Great information you added there David! Thank you for the comment! Be careful with that hydro drain plug. The plug on my 425 was stripped and I had to drill & retap it for a larger size. Very soft aluminum around the plug.
@@NealORussa Thank You Neal, good to know, I will be extra cautious when tightening the plug, Thanks again!
Did your tractor come with a plastic cam gear ?
Great video, appreciate the part numbers, Ebay parts are getting worse. Curious if yours has a sweet spot with fuel, choke on cold starts. Have one picked up from a neighbor a couple years ago, used it once when purchased. Just been sitting.
You're right, ebay parts seem to be getting cheaper and cheaper! Generally when i start it after sitting in the cold I turn the key and let the fuel pump run for about 10 seconds, then i go full choke and a little less than half throttle. Once it starts i can pull back choke in about 5 seconds, doesn't take long... I have a newer video of this machine plowing snow and i recorded the cold start in it, check it out!
Any info on adjusting the hydraulic pressure, i.e., increasing for more lift from the loader?
I've not done it on the 425. There is a 425/445/455 Facebook group that may help out. I did up the pressure on a Kubota backhoe loader and for that I had to take the relief spring out and add a few thin washers between the spring and it's keeper plug. It was on the back of the hydrostatic trans. I'm sure it's probably similar process.
You can watch the form element dish soap dry it up and put it back on works great it will be of like brand new believe me
Great tip thank you!
Get a 4 inch crescent wrench. Makes it much easier on the valve adjustment. Or even if I remember right a 4mmopen end wrench will fit it.
Thanks Bubba! Mine was a little big but got the job done, guess I'll need to add a 4" to the shopping list.
Great Video. Thanks for the help!
Thanks for the comment! Happy mowing haha
What diameter hose do you recommend for the engine oil drain outlet?
If I recall it was an odd size. I feel like 1/2" wouldn't fit on the barb and 5/8 was too loose. I think I ended up using 5/8 and a hose clamp on the barb to keep the hose on.
Excellant video, thanks for doing it.
Thank you very much for the comment! Hope it helps!
Thanx for the video! I was wondering how to drain the hydraulic oil to change it but I am guessing it is just through the filter that it drains. Bit messy but it works I guess ;)
Now if it was only easier to get my 60" deck on this puppy lol Welp time to take the plow off, jack the front up and tackle it. Thanx again!
Hey there, there's actually a drain plug on the backside of the transaxle. If you stand behind the machine and look at the back end, it's on the lower left corner of the transaxle between the frame rails, just inside the right frame rail. That is the drain plug.
@@NealORussa Thanx! Inherited this from my deceased father-in-law so I am still learning ;)
FYI - I am pretty sure your supposed to apply clean motor oil to that foam pre filter (air filter).
Hmm I've seen that done on some pre filters but not sure about this one. I'll double check the manual but I think it should stay dry. It would clog up very quickly if soaked in oil.
@@NealORussa - at least in my 425’s User’s Manual it states something to the affect of to coat it lightly not soak it.
Wish I could hear you better at my old age.
Dang sorry, maybe some head phones if you're watching on your phone or iPad. Otherwise just blast the tv!
Thanks for watching.
Sorry, can you tell me the recommended coolant for this one john.deere 425 thanks
JD Coolgard II 50/50 premix. Or you can use the concentrate and mix with water yourself, 50/50.
@@NealORussa I bought a Prestone premixed instead because I need asap. It should work.
Yes, i'd say it should work. The JD stuff is green, so hopefully yours is too and not the GM Orange.
Sooo... did the valves quiet down after the adjustment ? Hard to tell on the video.
It did definitely help. I ended up rebuilding this engine a few months after this video to check for the plastic cam gear. Did a complete teardown and rebuild and also found my governor gear was chipped and missing two teeth. So needless to say, it is running much better now!
@@NealORussa any chance you made a video of the engine rebuild? I picked up my 425 last year with only 400 hrs and it runs great but I recently spent a few bucks for a nonrunning 425 and 2nd engine to have on hand for spare parts. I'd like to try rebuilding the engines for practice
@@johnshaw4794 John, I actually started to make a video for the rebuild, but I did not follow through after forgetting to film some of the main rebuild sections and it would have been an incomplete video. I did find some others on here that did help. I'll try to find the link and post it here.
@@johnshaw4794 This was what I watched. He has a teardown video as well as the rebuild video. ua-cam.com/video/EqBKQcbaodo/v-deo.html
@@NealORussaGreat, thanks Neal. Let me know if you ever need any parts.
Neal, do you have any unpublished videos of the John Deere 455?
Jeff, I don't think I have an 455 videos. It's been a reliable tractor. I had to replace the bearings in the alternator but that's about it. It has around 1100 hours on it.
I just purchased a used 1998 425 in really good shape, but am going to change out all fluids, filters, etc. Also the dipstick side valve cover leaks a bit, so I am going to pull off the cover and replace the gasket. I am curious what seat you have on yours, I love the seat, and I need to replace mine.
You got a great machine! Does your machine have the silver aluminum valve covers or the black plastic ones? The plastic ones have a cork gasket and leak a lot. The aluminum covers seal much better with a hard gasket.
The seat is a milsco suspension seat. I welded up a frame for it that uses the stock bolts and still flips up to allow access to the hydro dipstick. It's very nice!
If you want an easier suspension seat option you can get the stock suspension base off a 455 or 445 on eBay. They have a suspension frame that is better than the simple hinge frame on the 425.
you need to hand turn crank, to make sure valve is completely closed before you adjust. How you did it looked incorrect. Remove front grill and you have access to the crank.
Thanks for the comment! I'll give that a shot next time. I usually crank it a couple more times and double check all clearances again after a few rotations.
Valve lash should be set when piston in that cylinder is at top dead center.
Do these units come with fuel shut off valve or did you install it?
My 425 came with that shutoff valve. My 455 has a valve on the fuel filter housing. I'm not sure what a 445 has.
Do all the wires for the starter run to the same terminal?
Hey Turley, teh red wire to the starter terminal is for the time delay module, which is the stock location for that wire. The yellow wire i added goes to a switch on the dash then to a plug near the back of the tractor to run my electric tow behind sprayer. I could have ran it directly to the battery but that requires the wire to be located close to the hot muffler, so i just crimped it into the same ring terminal as the time delay module.
Schedule time for maintenance or your equipment will schedule it for you.
Those are some good words to live by!
What is that canister with yellow line hooked to it and what does it do?
Hey Wyatt! That little plastic canister is a plunger type indicator that is supposed to tell you how good or bad your air filter is. I guess if the engine is having to suck really hard through a plugged air filter, it would create more vacuum and pull the plunger. I don't usually look at it, i usually just pull the filter housing to check the filter and pre-filter.
@@NealORussa Where did you buy the valve covers? Happen to have the part number?
@@wisconsinbush2940 I bought them from the dealer. They are the replacement covers for the leaky plastic ones. Drivers side is MIU11645 and passenger side is MIU11644. Make sure you find the kits that come with the new metal gaskets. Also the drivers side kit should come with the yellow plug and o ring for oil fill port.
@@NealORussa Thank you so much. Mine is now leaking like mad crazy. I am learning so you will have many views on this just from me rewatching till it sinks in. lol
@@ThrillofHorror thanks for the comment! Where is yours leaking at? If it's coming from left side of transaxle it's the diff lock seal. Right side of transaxle would be the o rings around the swash plate shaft (the shaft that the forward/reverse pedal hooks to). Both are common leak points.
What tires are on the back of your 425?
They are sunf all terrain tires. They run a tad small I'd say but they have great traction and don't tear up the lawn like tractor bar tires. amzn.to/3GcIWBY
It wasn't a genuine Wix then because Wix makes a far superior filter for it that fits super tight
Good to know, thanks maybe i'll try a wix filter for this upcoming season!
@@NealORussa They aren't cheap but they are the best. The Wix P/N is 42405
What seat do you have on that?
Hey Ethan! It's a milsco v5300. I paid a lot more than this site shows, so if you can get it here this is a good deal. www.mitaprima.com/milsco-highback-suspension-seat-with-arm-rests-black-model-v-5300
I did have to create a custom mount for it.
Thanks!
sound is rubbish
Yes, apologies this was early in my youtube videos. I think i was using an older iphone for this video!