John Deere X380 Problems

The problems that you may experience with the John Deere X380 model are often common with all lawn tractor models

Some John Deere X380 users had issues with their electrical systems, engines, transmissions and mower deck. 

In this article, I look at 6 common John Deere X380 problems you might encounter and practical fixes to troubleshoot them.

John Deere X380 Problems, Causes, and Possible Solutions

Before I go into details, let’s look at some common John Deere X380 problems and their possible solutions:

Problems	Possible Solutions
1. John Deere X380 Deck Problems	Clean the bagger. Level the mower deck. Reduce the speed while mowing. Check for damaged blades and change them when necessary. Avoid mowing wet grass. Check belt installation and install it properly. Do not mow at a high speed. Open the choke fully. Check the rollers and you position them correctly. Sharpen or replace the blades if it is in bad condition. Clean the mower deck. Replace the bad or worn belt. Inspect the mower belt and adjust it properly.
2. John Deere X380 Belt Problem	Install a new mower belt. Clean or replace the dirty sheave Check and adjust the belt tension.
3. Steering Problems	Replace the worn bushings. Replace the loose bolt.
4. John Deere X380 Transmission Problems	Replace the bad transmission cooling fan Contact a lawn mower expert to fix any leakage in the transmission. Check the fluid level and call the John Deere dealer for fluid replacement. Replace worn-out gear solenoids.
5. Engine Problems	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 Add gas. Replace the dirty fuel filter Inspect and replace the loose or disconnected spark plugs. Clean the clogged cooling fins. Change the engine oil. Adjust the idle speed quickly. Loads should be reduced.
6. John Deere Electrical Problems	Replace the blown fuse Clean the terminals. Replace the bad starter. Charge the battery. Change the mower battery Replace or clean the cables and terminals

1. John Deere X380 Deck Problems

Your John Deere lawn tractor may experience mower deck issues and this can occur in different ways.

A defective mower deck can cause the mower to cut unevenly, vibrate excessively or skip sporadic lawn patches.

It is also important to check important parts such as your blades, belts and mower rollers to troubleshoot deck problems. Here is an overview of John Deere X380 deck problems:

Lawn Tractor Leaving Uncut Grass During the Operation

A dysfunctional mower deck can cause your lawn tractor to leave uncut grass while you mow. This can be as a result of a damaged blade, debris in the mower deck and overfilled bagger.

Causes

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

Fix

• Clean the bagger.
• It is advisable to level the mower deck.
• Reduce the speed while mowing.
• Check for damaged blades and change them when necessary.

Clogged Discharge Chute

Under certain conditions, the grass clippings or debris can accumulate while you mow, and this will clog your discharge chute.

If the underside of your mower deck is dirty with grass clippings and other debris, there will be insufficient airflow to properly mulch or discharge grass clippings. It can also get clogged if you mow wet grass.

Causes

• Mowing wet grass
• Improper belt installation
• Speed is too high
• Engine runs at low revs

Fix

• Avoid mowing wet grass to prevent it from clogging your mower deck.
• Check belt installation and install it properly.
• Do not mow at a high speed.
• Open the choke fully.

Uneven Cuts

Your X380 model may cut unevenly due to uneven tire pressure, incorrect positioning of the wheels and dull blades. This can affect the performance of the John Deere lawn tractor.

Causes

• Wheels not positioned correctly
• Dull mower blades
• Deck level is too low
• The travel speed is too high.

Fix

• Ensure that you check the rollers and you position them correctly.
• Sharpen or replace the blades if it is in bad condition.
• Make sure that you level the mower deck.
• Do not mow at a fast speed.

Excessive Vibration

If you notice that the mower is vibrating excessively, you need to check your mower deck and other parts such as belt, sheave, pulleys and deck blades to troubleshoot the problem.

Causes

• Debris on your mower deck or sheaves
• Worn sheave or belt
• The belt or pulley isn’t properly adjusted.

Fix

• Clean the mower deck.
• Replace the bad or worn belt with a new one.
• Inspect the mower belt and adjust it properly so that it can align well.

2. John Deere X380 Belt Problem

If your mower belt keeps slipping off, it can be frustrating because it will disrupt the mowing process. Some reasons for belt slippage include dirty sheave, worn belt or no belt tension.

Causes

• Worn belt
• Dirty sheave
• No belt tension.

Fix

• Install a new mower belt.
• Clean or replace the dirty sheave
• Check and adjust the belt tension.

3. Steering Problems

Over time, your John Deere lawn tractor may become difficult to steer. This can arise as a result of a bolt that has become loose or worn bushings. 

In this case, these defective components can prevent the gear from engaging properly.

Whether your steering is too tight or loose, it can be solved by identifying the defective component and replacing it with the right one.

Causes

• Worn bushing
• Loose bolts

Fix

• Replace the worn bushings with new ones.
• Replace the loose bolt with a new one.

4. John Deere X380 Transmission Problems

The John Deere X380 lawn tractor has a hydrostatic transmission that transfers power from the engine to the hydraulic pumps.

These hydraulic pumps use liquid pressure to run the machine. 

Some X380 owners have complained about transmission leaks and rattling noise while driving the mower. The rattling noise can be a result of a bad transmission cooling fan.

Other likely causes of John Deere lawn tractor transmission problems include insufficient transmission oil, worn-out gear solenoids, and cavitation.

Causes

• Bad transmission cooling fan
• Leakage from the transmission
• Insufficient transmission oil
• Worn-out gear solenoids.

Fix

• Replace the bad transmission cooling fan
• Contact a lawn mower expert to fix any leakage in the transmission.
• Check the fluid level. If the fluid level is too low, do not top it up yourself. Call the John Deere dealer for fluid replacement.
• Replace worn-out gear solenoids.

5. Engine Problems

Most engine problems are caused by the engine ignition, air intake system or fuel system. Some John Deere X380 engine problems include:

Engine Hard to Start

In some cases, the engine of your John Deere lawn mower may be difficult to start, This can be due to a 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 Not Starting

Like every other lawn tractor model, the engine of your John Deere X380 model may fail to start. 

Some reasons why your John Deere mower may experience this issue include poor-quality gas, a clogged fuel filter, empty fuel tank.

Causes

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

Fix

• Add gas.
• Change the gas.
• Check and clean the fuel system.
• Drain the gas and replace it with a fresh one.
• Replace the dirty fuel filter with a new one.
• Inspect and replace the  loose or disconnected spark plugs.

 Engine Overheating

Several John Deere X380 owners have reported regular overheating of their exhaust systems and engines. When the engine is overworked, it can result in overheating.

Causes

• Plugged cooling fins
• Incorrect engine oil viscosity
• The idle speed is too high
• The engine runs under excessive load.

Fix

• Clean the clogged cooling fins.
• Change the engine oil.
• Adjust the idle speed quickly.
• Loads should be reduced.

6. John Deere Electrical Problems

Some issues that are associated with the lawn tractor’s electrical system include:

Dysfunctional Starter

The X380 model can sometimes refuse to start if the starter is faulty, the fuse is blown or there is a poor connection between the terminals.

Causes

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

Fix

• Replace the blown fuse
• Clean the terminals to be free of debris.
• Replace the bad starter with a new one.
• Ensure that you charge the battery to troubleshoot low battery voltage.

Battery Will Not Charge

If you notice that the battery of your mower does not hold a charge, it is important to check the battery cell, cables and terminals to fix the problem.

Causes

• Battery cell fails
• Dirty battery cables and terminals

Fix

• Change the mower battery
• Replace or clean the cables and terminals

What Majority of Users Think About the John Deere X380 Lawn Tractor

Several users commented that the lawn tractor performed well and it is quieter than some of its John Deere counterparts.

According to the users, the deck and frame are tough enough to withstand anything you can throw at them. 

A John Deere X380 owner noted that the lawn tractor comes with a comfortable seat, big wheels and its steering is responsive and precise. 

Overall, the John Deere X380, like the rest of the X300 series, has a high-quality build-up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Some problems that the John Deere X380 may develop include engine problems, mower deck problems, belt problems, and transmission problems.

You can identify the cause of these problems and fix your lawn tractor by reading and following our troubleshooting tips outlined in this article. Contact a technician if the problem persists.