Owning a John Deere zero turn mower can be exciting due to its ease of use. Working efficiently and being able to avoid obstacles easily makes their use prevalent in the landscaping business, as well as with personal use. Having said that, even with its positives, mechanical devices over time may sustain wear and tear which can affect performance. A prime example is if one side of the mower loses power, then its logical you will have to deal with only being able to turn one way.
For those dealing with these problems, here are some possible reasons on why your mowers performance is less than satisfactory.
Hydraulic Fluid Levels In the most basic terms, running out of fluids can stop certain parts of the mower from functioning. One way around that is confirming that the fluid in the hydraulic system reservoir is at an acceptable level. Should the level be low, hydrate it till its satisfactory.
Hydraulic Hoses Just like the other models, your John Deere zero turn mower has hydraulic hoses that transport fluid from the reservoir to the drive. A tear in a hose can result in major issues, either not allowing the fluid to reach the drive motor or leaking it everywhere. Make sure to check for cracks and other signs of deterioration. As with most things, fixing the problem will ensure proper functionality.
Drive Belt Your responsibility is to ensure that all the tasks are completed. This task involves ensuring there is smooth transfer of the required power from the engine into drive motors of the machine. If the belt is worn, damaged or has slipped off the pulley, one side of the mower will stop working. Look for cracks and fraying to see the condition of the drive motor belts. Remove and replace any damaged belts with new ones.
Wheel Motor The problem could possibly be with the wheel motor, given that the fluid levels and hoses are functioning optimally. A wheel motor that is failed or one that is damaged can easily stop movement on one side of the mower. If you suspect damage on the wheel motor, lift the mower from the other side and check the suspected side. In case of any damages, you will need to purchase a new one.
Electrical Issues If everything else fails, the logical assumption would be to look at the electrical aspect of the mower and check if there are any persistent problems. Inspect the mower case wiring and check if there are any damaged or loose wires. Seeking assistance from a professional would be suitable if one does not have ample knowledge when it comes to electrical systems.
How do you modify the arm of a John Deere Zero Turn mower?
Follwoing is how you can modify the arm of a a John Deere Zero Turn mower:
- Park the mower with the engine off on a flat ground.
- Find the adjustment nut of the control arm. It is usually behind the control arm.
- Use a wrench to loosen the adjustment nut.
- Move the control arm to the desired position.
- Use a wrench to tighten the adjustment nut.
- Check the mower to confirm proper functioning.
Make sure you modify both control arms to the same height or position to make sure the machine functions properly. Otherwise, if one side is modified independent of the other, it can pull to that side or make turning difficult.
How do you adjust the steering wheel on a John Deere Zero Turn mower?
Adjusting the steering wheel of a John Deere Zero Turn mower follows the steps below:
- Find the knob or lever on the steering wheel column which is used for adjustment.
- Change the position of the column by loosing the knob or lever.
- Set the steering wheel to the position you want it adjusted to.
- Secure the position by tightening the knob or lever.
If the steering wheel on your John Deere Zero Turn refuses to move or stays in one place, there could be a problem with the adjustment mechanism or the column itself. In this case, it would be ideal to refer to the owner’s manual or seek help from an expert John Deere technician.
What can I do to fix my steering wheel?
In able to rectify the position of the steering wheel, you may follow the steps provided:
The first step is to park the vehicle in a level surface and set the brake. After this, you must turn the steering wheel until the front wheels face directly forward. You should then turn the key off, and proceed to identify the center nut located on the steering wheel. With a socket or wrench, unscrew the center bolt. Finally, forceful pull the steering wheel until it is where you want then deftly screw in the socket/wrench bolt.
Take the vehicle out for test driving. The goal is to see if the steering wheel is aligned to your needs. Should your needs remain unmet, then look to a technician for aid.
Conclusion
It can be difficult dealing with a John Deere zero turn mower that has one side dysfunctional, but with these steps, diagnosing and fixing the issue is possible. Remember that as always, safety comes first when dealing with power tools, meaning turning off an engine before starting repairs and using protective gear is a must.
