Pulling and Rebuilding the Transmission on a John Deere 310E

[MikePhua]

John Deere 310E Backhoe Loader Overview
The John Deere 310E was introduced in the early 1990s as part of Deere’s evolution of the 310 series, which began in the 1970s. The 310E featured a turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine producing around 70 horsepower, a torque converter transmission, and hydraulic wet clutch packs for directional control. With an operating weight of approximately 14,000 lbs, it was widely used in utility work, trenching, and road maintenance. Deere’s modular design allowed for relatively straightforward service access, making it a favorite among owner-operators and municipal fleets.
Symptoms Leading to Transmission Removal
After a year of intermittent use following a charge pump replacement and control valve cleaning, the transmission began slipping again. Inspection revealed clutch friction material clogging the pickup screen, indicating internal wear. The decision was made to pull the transmission and inspect the clutch packs, seals, and bearings.
Preparation and Lifting Strategy
To begin the removal:

• The machine was raised on jackstands to 35 inches at the battery compartment, exceeding the manual’s minimum clearance of 34 inches.
  
• Hydraulic tank and transmission fluid were drained.
  
• Hydraulic pump, lines, dipstick tube, driveshafts, gear shifter, and electrical connections were removed.
  
• The torque converter bolts were accessed by locking the flywheel with a large screwdriver through the starter hole.
  

While the official Deere procedure recommends removing the hydraulic tank to access the transmission, some mechanics use a 2,000 lb OTC transmission jack to avoid this step. In this case, lacking a jack, the tank was removed manually, revealing cooling lines buried in hardened chert and a bell housing covered in debris.
Transmission Removal and Disassembly
The transmission was successfully pulled, though the torque converter remained attached to the crankshaft, requiring extra effort. Once removed, the unit was cleaned and brought indoors for disassembly. The clutch packs showed clear signs of wear, with friction material clogging the screen.
Key observations:

• The MFWD (mechanical front wheel drive) driveshaft seal and dust cover remained on the shaft during case separation.
  
• Deere’s seal driver tool (JDG1057) is designed to install the seal and shield to precise depth, though it was unavailable. A custom driver was fabricated.
  
• The clutch packs were inspected for wear, and all o-rings and seals were scheduled for replacement.
  

Parts Selection and Recommendations
When rebuilding:

• Replace all seals, o-rings, and sealing rings, regardless of visible wear.
  
• Use OEM clutch frictions and steels if possible. Aftermarket parts may vary in quality and longevity.
  
• Inspect bearings and gears carefully. If they show no wear, reuse is acceptable.
  
• Replace the fuel return line if damaged during removal. The correct size is typically 5/16 inch.
  

Generic seal driver sets may be used in place of Deere’s proprietary tool, but care must be taken to match depth and alignment.
Lessons Learned and Practical Advice

• Pulling the hydraulic tank is labor-intensive but often necessary without a transmission jack.
  
• Cleaning the bell housing before removal prevents debris from entering the transmission.
  
• Custom tools can be fabricated to match OEM specifications when unavailable.
  
• Always inspect the pickup screen for clutch debris—it’s a reliable indicator of internal wear.
  
• Keep detailed notes and photos during disassembly to aid reassembly.
  

One operator shared that after rebuilding his 310E transmission with OEM parts and replacing all seals, the machine returned to full functionality and has since run over 1,000 hours without issue.
Conclusion
Rebuilding the transmission on a John Deere 310E requires careful preparation, methodical disassembly, and attention to hydraulic integrity. With proper tools, clean workspace, and OEM-grade components, the process can restore the machine to reliable service. For owner-operators, this repair not only extends equipment life but deepens understanding of Deere’s robust engineering.