How to Reset Hours on a John Deere 50G Excavator

[MikePhua]

The John Deere 50G is a popular mini-excavator widely used for various construction tasks. One important feature on this machine is the hour meter, which tracks the operating hours of the engine and the machine’s components. Resetting the hour meter can be necessary in some situations, such as after performing maintenance, replacing parts, or preparing for resale. Here’s a guide on how to reset the hours on the John Deere 50G excavator.
1. Reasons for Resetting the Hour Meter
There are several reasons why you might need to reset the hour meter on your John Deere 50G:

• Maintenance or Service: After completing routine maintenance or service tasks (like oil changes or filters), resetting the hour meter allows you to track the next scheduled maintenance based on hours of operation.
  
• Part Replacement: If you replace parts like the engine or major components that affect the machine’s operation, resetting the hour meter can reflect a fresh start for maintenance intervals.
  
• Selling or Leasing the Excavator: If you are preparing to sell or lease the machine, resetting the hours ensures that the machine's recorded hours reflect the new owner’s use, especially if the machine has had extensive usage before.
  

2. How to Reset the Hour Meter on the John Deere 50G
The process of resetting the hour meter on the John Deere 50G is relatively simple but requires following specific steps to ensure accuracy:
Step-by-Step Process:

1. Turn Off the Machine: Before you begin the reset process, make sure the machine is powered off. Ensure that all safety measures are taken, and the machine is in a safe and stable position.
   
2. Access the Display Panel: The hour meter is displayed on the machine's dashboard, along with other operational data. You may need to turn the key to the "on" position to power up the electronics but not start the engine.
   
3. Locate the Reset Button: On most John Deere excavators, the hour meter reset option is available in the system settings on the display panel. Depending on the model, you might need to navigate through the menu options.
   
4. Reset the Hours: Once in the correct menu, look for the option labeled "Reset Hours" or "Hour Meter Reset." Select it and confirm the reset. If your model requires a PIN or password to access this feature, ensure you have it ready.
   
5. Verify the Reset: After the reset is completed, verify that the hour meter shows "0" or the desired starting hour count. If the machine did not reset, repeat the process or consult the operator's manual for troubleshooting.
   

3. Important Considerations

• Check the Manual: Always refer to your John Deere 50G’s operator’s manual for the most accurate instructions on resetting the hour meter, as the process may vary slightly depending on the model year or specific configuration.
  
• Do Not Reset Without Reason: Only reset the hour meter when necessary, as it is an important tracking tool for maintenance schedules. Resetting the meter without good reason can affect future maintenance intervals or service records.
  
• Service Records: Keep detailed service records, including when and why you reset the hour meter. This will be helpful when maintaining the machine or if selling it in the future.
  

4. Conclusion
Resetting the hour meter on your John Deere 50G excavator is a straightforward process that helps maintain accurate records for maintenance, part replacements, and operational tracking. By following the proper steps, you can ensure that your machine's usage is correctly logged, leading to better maintenance and longevity. Always consult the manual for specific instructions, and make sure you reset the hours for the right reasons to maintain the integrity of your maintenance records.