Hydraulic Hose Connections 101

In this article, we break down the simplest way to connect your loader’s hydraulic hoses to your John Deere garden tractor.

If you're running an older JD, there's a good chance the color-coded rings on your hydraulic outlets have completely worn off over the years. Don't worry, just use the quick-reference keys below to get everything lined up correctly.

Also, don't sweat it if you hook them up backwards on the first try. You won't damage your tractor or the loader. If something is plugged into the wrong outlet, the lift or tilt functions simply won't work right, which is just your friendly cue to swap the hoses around!

For 300 series John Deere garden tractors with four quick-connect hydraulic outlets, connect the hoses from your Little Buck Loader accordingly:

Bottom left = black
Bottom right = green
Top left = yellow
Top right = silver

For 425, 445, and 455 John Deere garden tractors with four quick-connect hydraulic outlets, connect the hoses from your Little Buck Loader or Little Bull Loader accordingly:

Bottom left = black
Bottom right = green
Top left = yellow
Top right = silver

For X series John Deere garden tractors with four quick-connect hydraulic outlets, connect the hoses from your Little Buck Loader or Little Bull Loader accordingly:

Bottom left = yellow
Bottom right = silver
Top left = black
Top right = green