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Part of the John Deere Repair Manuals.
This 242-page John Deere 204K, 304K Repair Manual (OEM #TM12988) breaks down every group in the loader's driveline, from axle and hydrostatic transmission repair to the Group 3160 Loader hydraulic system, covering the 2013-2018 build years. Inside you get full teardown procedures for the operator's station, service brakes, and steering hydraulics, plus a dedicated torque section and fluid capacity charts you can trust when you're buttoning things back up. Specs are pulled straight from the source: torque the Nominal Dia 8 T-Bolt to 29 N-m (21 lb-ft), and give O-ring seal fittings that 1/4 to 1/3 turn past hand-tight instead of eyeballing it. No more flipping through a shop binder held together with tape while your loader sits idle. This PDF is bookmarked by group and fully searchable, so you can jump straight from the table of contents to the exact procedure, pull it up on your phone, and get the axle or transmission job done right the first time.
What's Inside This John Deere 204K, 304K Repair Manual
| System | Pages | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|
| Manual Identification, Read This First! | 5-8 | Product Serial Number Identification, Pin Plate Location, Pin Identification Table, World Code, Machine Model Identifier, Manufacturing Year Code |
| General Information | 9-44 | Safety Information, Recognize Safety Information, Follow Safety Instructions, Operate Only If Qualified, Wear Protective Equipment, Avoid Unauthorized Machine Modifications |
| Wheels | 45-48 | Wheels and Fasteners |
| Axles and Suspension Systems | 49-57 | Axle Shafts and U-Joints, Axle Shaft, Bearings, And Rear Axle Reduction Gears |
| Transmission | 58-70 | Hydrostatic Components Removal and Installation, Hydrostatic Components Repair |
| Engine | 71-79 | Engine Removal and Installation |
| Engine Auxiliary Systems | 80-94 | Cooling System, Intake System, External Exhaust System, External Fuel Supply Systems |
| Damper Drive | 95-97 | Damper Drive Removal and Installation |
| Steering System | 98-114 | Steering Hydraulic System |
| Service Brakes | 115-123 | Active Elements, Service Brakes Hydraulic System |
| Park Brake | 124-126 | Park Brake Hydraulic System |
| Frame or Supporting Structure | 127-136 | Frame Installation, Chassis Weights |
| Operator′S Station | 137-195 | Operator Enclosure, Seat and Seat Belt, Heating and Air Conditioning System |
| Sheet Metal and Styling | 196-199 | Hood or Engine Enclosure, Miscellaneous Shields |
| Main Hydraulic System | 200-214 | Hydraulic Oil Filter Cap, Hydraulic Oil Filter, Hydraulic Reservoir Opening, Suction Wand, Discharge Wand, Hydraulic Reservoir, Hydraulic Pump/Priority Valve, Charge Pump |
| Loader | 215-242 | Bucket, Attachment Coupler, Frames, Loader Hydraulic System |
Quick Reference Specifications
| Specification | Value | Page |
|---|---|---|
| Wheels and Fasteners | Group 0110 | p. 2 |
| Inspect hydraulic hoses periodically | at least once per year | p. 12 |
| Warm battery | 16°C (60°F) | p. 15 |
| Metric 24° O-Ring Seal DIN 20078 Torque Value (Hand tighten so O-ring contacts seat plus an additional 1/4-1/3 turn using a wrench) | 1/4-1/3 turn | p. 33 |
| T-Bolt Torque (Nominal Dia 8) | 29 N·m (21 lb-ft) | p. 28 |
| Wheel Weight (approximate) | 77 kg 170 lb. | p. 45 |
| Hydraulic Reservoir and Filter Capacity | 90 L 23.7 gal. | p. 59 |
| Engine Slow Idle Speed | 830–850 rpm | p. 67 |
| Cooling System Capacity | 12 L 3.1 gal. | p. 82 |
| Apply grease to pin lubrication fittings (11) | See Lubricate Steering Cylinder . (Operator's Manual.) | p. 111 |
| Piston Nut Torque | 200 N·m 148 lb.-ft. | p. 112 |
| Cylinder Head Torque | 600 N·m 443 lb.-ft. | p. 112 |
John Deere 204K, 304K Common Problems This Manual Covers
John Deere 204K loader stuck in low gear under 2 MPH despite indicator showing F2
Inspect the transmission control solenoids and valves. Check hydrostatic start-up pressure requirements on page 67. Verify engine slow idle speed matches the 830-850 rpm specification. Replace any faulty solenoids and recalibrate the hydrostatic system before putting the machine back into service.
Manual Section: Transmission p. 67Heavy hydraulic oil leaks forming puddles under the unit near the main reservoir
Drain the system and inspect hydraulic hoses at least once per year as outlined on page 12. Replace damaged lines and refill the reservoir to the 90 L (23.7 gal) capacity found on page 51. Tighten metric 24 degree O-ring seals an additional 1/4-1/3 turn using a wrench.
Manual Section: Main Hydraulic System p. 51Missing wheel bolts and loose hardware found during daily pre-start inspection around the axles
Torque all wheel-to-axle lug nuts to 450 N·m (330 lb.-ft) during maintenance intervals. Check page 45 for proper wheel hardware service procedures. Replace any missing bolts with identical grade fasteners and ensure all mounting faces are completely clean and free of debris before final tightening.
Manual Section: Wheels p. 45Low engine coolant level triggering warnings and risking unexpected downtime during heavy operation
Drain the cooling package and inspect all hoses for leaks. Refill the system to the 12 L (3.1 gal.) capacity listed on page 82. Bleed air from the cooling system completely before running the engine under load to prevent overheating and potential cylinder block damage.
Manual Section: Engine Auxiliary Systems p. 82Frequently Asked Questions
What are the torque specifications for the John Deere 204K wheel lug nuts?
The wheel-to-axle lug nuts on the John Deere 204K should be tightened to a torque of 450 N·m (330 lb.-ft.). This specification is crucial for ensuring the secure attachment of the wheels to the axle. p. 45
What is the specified torque for an M10, Class 12.9 metric bolt or cap screw when lubricated?
For an M10, Class 12.9 metric bolt or cap screw that is lubricated, the specified torque is 75 N·m (55 lb.-ft.). This value has a tolerance of ±10% unless otherwise specified. p. 28
What is the hydraulic reservoir and filter capacity for the machine?
The hydraulic reservoir and filter capacity for the machine is 90 L (23.7 gal.). This specification is important for proper hydraulic system operation and maintenance. p. 209
What is the specified engine slow idle speed?
The engine slow idle speed is specified to be between 830 and 850 rpm. This range is important for various hydrostatic start-up procedures and general operation. p. 67
What is the approximate weight of the front axle?
The approximate weight of the front axle is 227 kg (500 lb.). This information is useful when planning for removal and installation procedures, requiring appropriate lifting devices. p. 49
How will I receive this John Deere 204K, 304K Repair Manual?
You get a 242-page searchable PDF that downloads instantly after checkout. Open it on your laptop, tablet, or phone, and bring it right to the shop floor.
Can I print specific sections of this John Deere 204K, 304K Repair Manual?
Yes. The PDF has no DRM restrictions, so print any page or section you need for your shop. Works with any standard printer.
