John Deere GT262 Problems

The John Deere GT262 is an efficient mowing machine with features such as a single-cylinder, four-stroke gas-powered engine, 54-inch mowing deck and a 6-speed gear drive transmission.

Most of the John Deere GT262 problems are commonly associated with other John Deere riding mower models. Some of these problems include difficulty starting, vibration problems and backfiring issues.

In this article, I reveal a list of possible causes that you might encounter when operating the John Deere GT262 and proven fixes to enable the mower to work efficiently again

John Deere GT262 Problems, Causes, and Possible Solutions

Before I go into details, let’s look at some common John Deere GT262 problems and their possible solutions.

Problems	Possible Solutions
1. Battery Issues	Inspect the connection between your battery pole and cable. Replace any defective cable. Replace the battery. Contact a technician to fix the issue of a bad charging system and unclean battery connections.
2. Engine Hard to Start	Remove the clog from the fuel pipes Replace spark plugs Set the carburetor properly Check and adjust the choke cable. Drain and add the proper gas Test starter and repair if necessary Check and replace wiring if necessary.
3. Light does not work	Replace blown fuse Replace light bulbs It is advisable to contact a technician if you do not know how to fix the headlight issue.
4. Uncut grass on the blades	Sharpen or replace worn mower blades. Replace worn or damaged belt. You can also inspect components such as clutch lever assembly, blade clutch cable, and blade belt idler pulley.
5. Excessive Vibrations	Replace damaged mower blades Install a new traction drive belt Clean the sheaves Replace the bent blade spindle Replace unbalanced blade
6. Backfiring Problem	Replace broken or worn spark plugs with new ones. Check and adjust the choke Check and adjust the ignition coil air gap. Tune up the carburetor to ensure optimal performance.
7. Engine Won’t Start	Replace the clogged fuel filter with a new one. Replace the damaged spark plug with a new one. Drain fuel and add fresh gas Adjust carburetor idle mixture screw Use the correct fuel grade.

1.  Battery Issues

Several reasons can make your battery malfunction. Some of them include a bad charging system and faulty cell (s) in the battery. Some users have associated battery problems with not charging sufficiently.

The best way to elongate the lifespan of your battery is to charge it every few weeks over the winter rather than allowing it to discharge.

Causes

• Poor contact between the cable and the battery pole.
• Faulty cell in the battery
• Damaged or unclean battery connections
• Bad charging system

Fix

• Ensure that you inspect the connection between your battery pole and cable. If you notice any signs of a defect on the cable, make sure that you replace it
• Replace the battery.
• You can seek the help of a professional to fix the issue of a bad charging system and unclean battery connections.

2. Engine Hard to Start

Some users have reported that the mowing machine may fail to start. 

In this case, the engine’s energy supply may be cut off by clogged fuel lines or fuel lines that prevent the gas from getting to the appropriate area. 

This issue usually occurs on older John Deere GT262 mowers. So, homeowners that own an old John Deere GT262 are advised to carry a starting kit with them.

Causes

• Clogged pipes
• Clogged fuel filter
• Worn spark plug
• Carburetor is not set properly
• Choke cable was not adjusted properly
• Stale fuel
• Faulty starter
• Electrical connection problems

Fix

• Remove the clog from the fuel pipes
• Inspect the spark and replace it if necessary.
• Set the carburetor properly
• Check and adjust the choke cable.
• Drain and add the proper gas
• Test starter and repair if necessary
• Check and replace wiring if necessary.

3. Light Does Not Work

If the light does not work, it is important to check whether the disconnection or connection level is not in a proper place.

In some cases, the faulty part of a  module or fuse is a major cause for the headlight not to function properly. 

Causes

• Blown fuse
• Problem with high beam bulb
• Faulty light bulb

Fix

• You need to check your owner’s manual to locate the primary fuse of the headlight circuit. Replace it with a new fuse that has the same amp rating.
• Replace light bulbs
• It is advisable to contact a technician if you do not know how to fix the headlight issue.

4.  Uncut Grass on the Blades

This is also one of the problems of the John Deere GT262 lawn mower. This issue is usually associated with the mower’s cutting blades or blade belts. 

In this scenario, the lawn’s uncut grass may appear in streaks or rows.

Causes

• Worn or dull cutting blades
• Worn blade belt

Fix

• Use a bench grinder to sharpen your mower blades. You may also need to replace the blades if they are worn.
• Examine and replace the belt if it appears to be damaged or worn.
• You can also inspect components such as clutch lever assembly, blade clutch cable, and blade belt idler pulley if the belt is okay.

5. Excessive Vibrations

Vibration problems are one of the most common of this mowing machine. In this case, you may experience some strange noises or vibrations while you operate the mowing machine.

Some reasons for this vibration may be due to damaged blades or damaged traction drive belts.

Causes

• Damaged mower blades
• Defective traction drive belt
• Drive sheaves are malfunctioning
• Bent blade spindle
• Imbalanced blade

Fix

• Replace damaged mower blades
• Install a new traction drive belt
• Clean the sheaves
• Replace the bent blade spindle
• To inspect if the blade is well balanced, hang the blade on the wall with a nail through the center hole after taking it off. If the blade is unbalanced, the blade’s heavy side will descend lower than its lighter side. If this happens, make sure that you replace it.

6. Backfiring Problem

Backfiring problems may occur if the gas does not ignite in the cylinder, or if the nozzle gets too hot or is obstructed. This can hinder the performance of your lawn mower.

While you troubleshoot the issue of backfiring, ensure that you take the proper safety measures before checking to prevent the mower from catching fire.

Causes

• Broken or worn spark plugs
• Improper adjustment of the choke
• Improper adjustment of the ignition coil air gap.

Fix

• Replace broken or worn spark plugs with new ones.

• Check and adjust the choke
• Check and adjust the ignition coil air gap.
• Make sure that you tune up the carburetor to ensure optimal performance.

7. Engine Won’t Start

If the mower engine does not start, you may need to check components like the fuel system, carburetor, spark plug and fuel filter to fix the issue. An engine not starting will disrupt the mowing process.

Causes

• Clogged fuel filter
• Damaged spark plug
• Stale gas
• Incorrect carburetor adjustment
• Improper fuel grade

Fix

• Replace the clogged fuel filter with a new one.
• Replace the damaged spark plug with a new one.
• Drain fuel and add fresh gas
• Adjust carburetor idle mixture screw
• Use the correct fuel grade.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Some of the reasons that your John Deere GT262 riding mower can face while you use it include vibration issues, difficulty starting, uncut grass on the blades and backfiring issues.

I have discussed these problems and proffered solutions to fix them. Contact a professional mower technician if you can’t resolve these problems after implementing our troubleshooting tips.