John Deere X350 Problems

The John Deere X350 lawn tractor comes with premium features such as a 42-inch Accel Deep Deck, K46 hydrostatic transaxle system, MulchControl system and heavy-duty frame.

Despite its ease of use, power, ergonomics and great handling, it is not without faults. 

In this article, I share 6 common John Deere X350 problems, and their causes, and proffer solutions to each of them to help you to identify and fix your lawn tractor.

John Deere X350 Problems, Causes, and Possible Solutions

Before I go into details, let’s look at some common John Deere X350 problems and their possible solutions:

Problems	Possible Solutions
1. John Deere X350 Steering Problems	Replace the worn bushings Replace loose bolts.
2. John Deere X350 Belt Problem	Inspect and clean the dirt in the sheaves Adjust the belt tension Install the new belt
3. Transmission Problems	Replace the broken gears. Change the worn transaxle. Replace the loose pulley. Change the defective splines on the transmission end.
4. John Deere X350 Deck Problems	Replace the defective mower blades. Level the cutting deck. Clean the bagger. Reduce the speed while mowing. Check belt installation and install it properly. Don’t mow wet grass. Adjust to high revs. Sharpen or replace the mower blades. Adjust mower deck wheels. Level the mower deck. Do not use fast speed. Change the blades. Replace defective belts or sheaves Take off the debris from the mower deck or pulleys.
5. Electrical Problems	Change the blown fuse. Clean the terminals. Charge the battery. Replace the bad starter. Change or clean the cable Replace the mower battery. Contact an expert to fix light issues.
6. Engine Problems	Change the gas. Add gas to the fuel tank to enable it to start. Inspect and clean the John Deere X350 fuel system. Drain gas and refill with fresh gas. Change the fuel filter. Inspect and replace loose or disconnected spark plugs. Drain the stale gas and fill your tank with a fresh one. Check and replace defective electrical wires. Clean the fuel system. Replace the defective spark plug Clean the clogged cooling fins. Change the engine oil. Drain or add engine oil Loads should be reduced.

1. John Deere X350 Steering Problems

Your John Deere lawn mower may become difficult to steer over time. The most likely causes of this problem include worn bushings or loose bolts.

Whether the steering is too loose or tight, it can be easily solved by replacing the defective components.

Causes

• Worn bushings
• Loose bolts

Fix

• Replace the worn bushings
• Replace loose bolts.

2. John Deere X350 Belt Problem

This is one of the problems of the John Deere X350 lawn tractor. If the belt slips, it can be frustrating because it will disrupt the mowing process.

Some common reasons why the belt may slip off the mower include a worn belt, dirt in sheaves, and incorrect belt tension.

Causes

• Dirt in the sheaves
• Belt tension problems
• Worn drive belt

Fix

• Inspect and clean the dirt in the sheaves
• Adjust the belt tension
• Install the new belt

3. Transmission Problems

The John Deere X350 comes with a hydrostatic transmission that helps to transfer the engine power into the hydro pump and also creates pressure which is transferred to the motors as needed. 

If your lawn tractor fails or finds it difficult to move forward or backward, it indicates that the mower’s transmission is defective. 

Causes

• Broken gears
• Worn transaxle
• Loose pulley
• Damaged splines on the transmission end

Fix

• Replace the broken gears.
• Change the worn transaxle for a new one.
• Replace the loose pulley.
• Change the defective splines on the transmission end.

4. John Deere X350 Deck Problems

It is important to check components such as your blades, belts and mower rollers to identify and fix your deck problems. Here are some of the problems that may arise as a result of a dysfunctional cutting deck:

John Deere Lawn Tractor Leaving Uncut Grass

If your John Deere X350 model leaves uncut grass while you mow, it can be a result of a defective blade, debris in the cutting deck, and a low deck level.

Causes

• Damaged blades
• The deck level is too low.
• The grass bag is overfilled
• Ground speed is too fast

Fix

• Replace the defective mower blades with new ones.
• Level the cutting deck.
• Clean the bagger to keep it free from debris.
• Reduce the speed while mowing.

Clogged Discharge Chute

While mowing, a buildup of grass clippings and debris can block your discharge system and this can cause a restriction of airflow to properly mulch or discharge lawn clippings.

Causes

• Improper belt installation
• Mowing wet grass
• Engine speed reduced

Fix

• Check belt installation and install it properly.
• Avoid mowing wet grass to prevent it from clogging your mower deck.
• Adjust to high revs.

Uneven Cuts

If your John Deere X350 model can mow unevenly, you need to inspect your mower deck and other components such as blades, and wheels to troubleshoot the issue.

Causes

• Dull mower blades
• Incorrect rollers height
• The deck level is too low
• The travel speed is too high.

Fix

• Sharpen or replace the mower blades if it is in bad condition.
• Adjust mower deck wheels.
• Make sure that you level the mower deck.
• Do not use fast speed.

Excessive Mower Vibration

Your John Deere lawn tractor can vibrate excessively due to defective belts or sheaves. This can hinder the performance of your lawn tractor. 

Causes

• Unbalanced blades
• Faulty belts or sheaves
• Clogged deck or pulleys

Fix

• Change the blades.
• Replace defective belts or sheaves
• Take off the debris from the mower deck or pulleys.

5. Electrical Problems

If you are experiencing problems with the electrical system of your John Deere X350, it is necessary to check components like the starter, battery, or the mower’s lighting to fix the issue.

Here are some electrical problems that your mower can face:

Dysfunctional Starter

Your lawn tractor may not start due to a faulty starter. You also need to examine if the fuse is blown or if there is a poor connection between the terminals.

Causes

• Poor connection between the terminals
• Blown fuse
• Low battery voltage
• Defective starter

Fix

• Change the blown fuse to a new one.
• Clean the terminals so that they will be free from debris.
• Ensure that you charge the battery.
• Replace the bad starter with a new one.

Battery Will Not Charge

If you notice that the mower battery does not charge, it is advisable to inspect the battery pole, cable, and battery cells for defects.

Causes

• Bad contact between the battery pole and cable
• Dysfunctional battery cell

Fix

• Change or clean the cable
• Replace the mower battery.

Light Isn’t Functioning

The light of your John Deere X350 model may not function due to the disconnection of light plugs or a short circuit in the electrical cables.

Causes

• The light plug is disconnected
• Short circuit in electrical wires

Fix

• It is advisable to contact an expert to fix the issue with the lights of your lawn tractor.

6. Engine Problems

Some of the problems that your John Deere X350 mower may experience include:

Engine Not Starting

If your engine fails to start, it is necessary to check components like the fuel filter, fuel tank, and spark plugs to fix the issue

Causes

• Low-quality gas
• Empty fuel tank
• Dirty fuel system
• Dirty fuel filter
• Loose or disconnected spark plug

Fix

• Change the gas.
• Add gas to the fuel tank to enable it to start.
• Inspect and clean the John Deere X350 fuel system.
• Drain gas and refill with fresh gas.
• Change the fuel filter.
• Inspect and replace loose or disconnected spark plugs.

Video Review

Engine Hard To Start

Homeowners may find it difficult to start their John Deere lawn tractor due to damaged throttle cable, clogged fuel lines or stale gas.

Causes

• Stale gas
• Damaged electrical wires
• Clogged fuel lines
• Defective spark plug

Fix

• Drain the stale gas and fill your tank with a fresh one.
• Check and replace defective electrical wires.
• Clean the fuel system to troubleshoot clogged fuel lines.
• Replace the defective spark plug

Engine Overheating

The engine of your X350 mower can overheat if it is overworked. In this case, cool air will not be able to get to the engine.

It is advisable to leave your lawn tractor for 20-30 minutes to allow it to cool down before you can do anything on it. 

Causes

• Plugged cooling fins
• Incorrect engine oil viscosity
• Engine oil is too high or low
• The engine runs under excessive load.

Fix

• Clean the clogged cooling fins.
• Change the engine oil.
• Drain or add engine oil
• Loads should be reduced.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Just like every other lawn mower, the John Deere X350 may develop problems. Some of them include engine problems, transmission problems, steering issues and electrical problems

I have outlined these problems and proffered some possible solutions to fix them. 

If you are not familiar with the tools or you lack the experience to manage the repairs on your own, it is best to seek the help of a professional to solve the problem.