John Deere 543R, 603R, 623R, 643R, 663R and 683R front loaders service schedule
Front loaders · Operator's manual OMCC60503, 2018 edition (earlier edition OMCC60169)
Covers the John Deere 543R, 603R, 623R, 643R, 663R and 683R front loaders (HSL, MSL and NSL).
Every maker's service job for the John Deere 543R, 603R, 623R, 643R, 663R and 683R front loaders, counted in hours, with the oils, filters and parts each one needs. Add your implement to Farmyard Workshop and it works out what's due from your hours and dates, and keeps the service history.
Track your 543R, 603R, 623R, 643R, 663R and 683R front loaders for freeVersions: HSL loader (20 grease fittings); MSL loader (24 grease fittings); NSL loader (16 grease fittings)
Service intervals
| Job | When |
|---|---|
| Grease the loader pivot points | every 10 hours |
| Check the hydraulic hoses | every 100 hours or every month |
| Check the return-to-position potentiometer | every 100 hours |
| Clean and grease the automatic implement latch | every year |
| Check the mounting frame hardware | every year |
| Dealer check of the accumulators | every 3 years |
Service jobs and parts
Grease the loader pivot points
Loader · every 10 hours
The handbook lists the loader pivots every 10 hours, and again after every high-pressure wash. It can be done with the loader on or off the tractor.
| Part | Qty | Notes | Part number |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grease | 1 | EP multipurpose grease. John Deere SD Polyurea preferred, or HD Lithium Complex (NLGI GC-LB) | check your handbook |
Step-by-step
- Level the implement and lower the loader to the ground. Park brake on, engine off, key out.
- HSL loaders: 20 fittings, 10 each side. MSL loaders: 20 fittings plus 4 more, 12 on each side. NSL loaders: 16 fittings, 8 each side.
- Grease the attachment as well (every 10 hours): bale grapples, manure forks and multi-purpose buckets have 2 to 4 fittings on the arm pivots and cylinders, listed in the handbook.
Tools: Grease gun, Rag
Check the hydraulic hoses
Hydraulics · every 100 hours or every month
The handbook says every 100 hours or monthly, whichever comes first, and more often in rough conditions. Replace every 6 years.
| Part | Qty | Notes | Part number |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hydraulic hoses | 1 | Replace every 6 years. Check your handbook or parts book for the numbers | check your handbook |
Step-by-step
- Lower the loader, stop the engine and relieve the pressure.
- Look over all hoses and fittings for rubbing, cuts and leaks. Never use your hand to find a leak.
Tools: Cardboard (to find leaks), Safety glasses
Check the return-to-position potentiometer
Controls · every 100 hours
The handbook says to look for visible damage every 100 hours.
Step-by-step
- Look over the return-to-position potentiometer assembly for damage and loose fittings.
Clean and grease the automatic implement latch
Loader · every year
The handbook says as required. A yearly prompt keeps the latch free.
| Part | Qty | Notes | Part number |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grease or spray lubricant | 1 | Grease, oil or lubricant spray | check your handbook |
Step-by-step
- Park with the engine off. Never put your hand through the carrier to pull the lever.
- Clean and lubricate the latch rod and spring.
Tools: Rag, Grease gun
Check the mounting frame hardware
Mounting · every year
The handbook says to check the mounting frame hardware at every tractor engine oil change and to tighten it after the first working day. Prompt it with the tractor oil change.
Step-by-step
- Detach the loader before tightening the frame hardware.
- Tighten the cap screws to the figure for your tractor series (620 N·m on most of the tables) in the sequence shown in the handbook.
Tools: Torque wrench
Dealer check of the accumulators
Hydraulics · every 3 years
The handbook says a visual check at least every 3 years and a complete inspection with a pressure check every 10 years. Accumulator work is for the dealer only.
Step-by-step
- Book it with your John Deere dealer. Local rules may set a shorter interval.
Oils, fluids and capacities
| System | Oil or spec | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Grease | EP multipurpose grease: John Deere SD Polyurea preferred, or HD Lithium Complex, Grease-Gard Premium Plus. Other greases must meet NLGI GC-LB, ISO-L-X-BDHB 2 / DIN KP 2 N-10 (lithium complex) | As needed |
| Hydraulic oil | From the tractor. The loader uses the tractor hydraulic system, so follow the tractor handbook | — |
Specifications
| Mounting frame hardware torque | 620 N·m (460 lb-ft) on the 5020, 5M / 5R and 6000 series tables in the handbook (625 N·m on one table). Check the page for your tractor series |
| Hose life | Check every 100 hours or monthly; replace every 6 years |
| Accumulators | Visual check every 3 years; full inspection and pressure check by the dealer every 10 years |
Known problems
Pressurised accumulators
Never heat, weld or drill near an accumulator. Relieve the system before removing one, and leave accumulator service to the dealer.
Sources
More from John Deere.