John Deere X590 Problems

The John Deere X590 lawn tractor is well-liked for its comfort, reliability, durability, maneuverability, and power.

However, it is not without problems. Some users have complained that they had problems with the steering, engine, and mower deck.

In this article, I look at 7 common John Deere X590 problems and DIY troubleshooting tips to help you fix these issues.

John Deere X590 Problems, Causes, and Possible Solutions

Before I go into details, let’s look at some common John Deere X590 problems and their possible solutions:

Problems	Possible Solutions
1. John Deere X590 Engine Problems	Change the clogged fuel filter Replace the faulty spark plug Add fuel Repair or replace worn-out carburetor components. Change the cable. Clean or replace the clogged carburetor. Clean cooling fins. Replace the blocked air filter Inspect and restore defective components Loads should be reduced. Clean the cooling fins Change the engine oil.
2. Steering Problems	Replace the hydraulic pump Change the bad coupler and hoses for new ones. Replace loose bolts Change worn bushings.
3. Electrical System Problems	Check and replace the main fuse. Charge the battery. Install new switch Replace the defective starter with a new one. Inspect and clean contacts Replace or clean the cable Install the new battery.
4. John Deere X590 Vibrates	Replace the damaged belt with a new one. Clean or replace your pulley. Check and adjust the belt tension.
5. John Deere X590 Transmission Issues	Contact an expert to help you fix the issue. Replace the case or transmission assembly Change the gaskets or seals
6. Mower Deck Issues	Level the mower deck Check the adjustment of the rollers and position them properly. Install a new mower blade. Contact an expert to help you level the deck. Clean your mower deck Empty the bagger. Inspect and change the defective blade Mow with a slower speed.
7. Belt Problem	Replace the damaged belt with a new one. Clean or replace your pulley. Check and adjust the belt tension.

1. John Deere X590 Engine Problems

This is one of the problems associated with the John Deere model. Engine problems are usually caused by the engine ignition, air intake system, or fuel system. 

Here is an overview of John Deere X590 problems:

1. Engine Does Not Start or is Hard to Start

If the engine does not start at all, the first step is to inspect the electrical components of the lawn tractor. You can also check components such as the fuel tank, fuel filter, and spark plugs.

Similarly, if the engine is difficult to start, it may be a result of a defective spark plug, worn-out carburetor components, or damaged throttle cable.

Causes

• Clogged fuel filter
• Defective spark plug
• Empty gas tank
• Worn-out carburetor components
• Damaged throttle cable

Fix

• Change the clogged fuel filter for a new one.
• Replace the faulty spark plug
• Add fuel
• Repair or replace worn-out carburetor components
• Change the cable.

Engine Runs Rough

If you notice any vibration or unnecessary sound in the engine, it may indicate that the engine is running rough and this can affect the performance of your lawn tractor.

Causes

• Clogged carburetor
• Clogged cooling fins
• Blocked air filter
• Damaged electrical contacts

Fix

• Clean the clogged carburetor with a carb cleaner or replace it if it is in a bad condition.
• Take off all the dirt that is stuck on the cooling fins and clean them.
• Replace the blocked air filter
• Inspect and restore defective components

Engine Overheats

This is one of the common problems that occur in John Deere lawn tractor models. Your engine can overheat if it is overworked or if you mow heavy or wet grasses. It is advisable to mow according to the capacity of the engine.

Causes

• Excessive engine load
• Plugged cooling fins
• Improper engine oil viscosity

Fix

• Loads should be reduced.
• Clean the cooling fins
• Change the engine oil.

2. Steering Problems

A user complained that the lawn tractor’s power steering malfunctions after fifteen minutes but may work again after starting it. In this case, you need to check the hydraulic pump, hoses, coupler and fluid.

If your steering becomes difficult to steer, it is possible that the bolts are loose or the bushings are worn due to excessive friction.

Causes

• Defective hydraulic pump
• Bad hoses and coupler
• Loose bolts
• Worn bushings

Fix

• Replace the hydraulic pump
• Change the bad coupler and hoses for new ones.
• Replace loose bolts
• Change worn bushings.

3. Electrical System Problems

Here are some problems associated with the electrical system of your John Deere lawn tractor:

Starter Motor Will Not Turn the Engine

If the starter does not turn the engine, you need to check components such as the main fuse, terminals, starter, and ignition lock to troubleshoot the problem.

Causes

• Dysfunctional main fuse
• Low charging voltage
• Damaged ignition lock
• Defective starter
• Corroded or heated-up terminals

Fix

• Check and replace the main fuse.
• Charge the battery.
• Install new switch
• Replace the defective starter with a new one.
• Inspect and clean contacts

Battery Does Not Charge

The battery of your John Deere X590 lawn tractor may not charge due to dead battery cells or bad contact between the battery pole and the cable.

Causes

• Bad contact between the battery pole and cable
• Dead cells in the battery

Fix

• Replace or clean the cable
• Install the new battery.

4. John Deere X590 Vibrates

This is also one of the problems of the John Deere lawn tractor. If you notice that the lawn tractor is vibrating abnormally, you need to check the blade, sheaves, and drive belt for defects.

Causes

• Worn traction drive belt
• Loose or unbalanced cutting blades
• Dirty sheaves

Fix

• Inspect and replace the worn traction drive belt.
• Replace damaged cutting blades.
• Install a new pulley.

5. John Deere Transmission Issues

A John Deere X590 user complained about a stiff pedal in forward, creeping reverse and reduced forward speed.

Another user also complained about transmission leakage while using the lawn equipment. 

Likely causes for transmission leakage include cracked transmission case and broken seals or gaskets

Causes

• Dysfunctional pedal linkage
• Cracked transmission case
• Broken seals or gaskets

Fix

• Contact an expert to help you fix the issue.
• Replace the case or transmission assembly
• Change the gaskets or seals

6. Mower Deck Issues

Some John Deere X590 mower deck issues include uneven cutting results, deck leveling and plugged discharge chute. Here is an overview of John Deere X590 mower deck issues:

Uneven Cuts

Sometimes, the lawn tractor may cut unevenly when you mow. This could be a result of different reasons. 

You need to check if your deck is too low or inspect other components such as rollers or mower blades.

Causes

• The deck level is too low
• Rollers not positioned properly
• Dull mower blades

Fix

• Level the mower deck
• Check the adjustment of the rollers and position them properly.
• Install a new mower blade.

Deck Leveling Issues

Several users complained that they had a problem with leveling the mower deck of their John Deere X590. 

In this case, a deck that isn’t leveled properly can cause the mower to mow unevenly or leave patches of grass.

Fix

• Contact a lawn mower expert to help you level the deck.

Leaving Patches of Grass

If you notice that your John Deere lawn tractor is leaving patches of grass, check if the discharge area is clogged or if the mower deck is low

After that, you can now check other components such as blades, grass bags and the tractor’s speed.

Causes

• The mower deck is low
• Clogged discharge area
• Grass bag is overfilled
• Defective blades
• Speed is very high

Fix

• Level the mower deck
• Clean your mower deck
• Empty the bagger.
• Inspect and change the defective blade
• You need to use a slower speed.

7. Belt Problem

If your mower belt slips off, the issue may be a result of the bad belt, a dirty pulley or improper belt tension.

Causes

• Bad tractor belt
• Dirty pulley
• Improper belt tension.

Fix

• Replace the damaged belt with a new one.
• Clean or replace your pulley.
• Check and adjust the belt tension.

What Majority of the Users Feel About John Deere X590

Some users liked the fact that the John Deere X590 lawn traction is strong, durable, and powerful. It is also convenient, comfortable, and easy to use.

The lawn tractor comes with controls that are color coded for easy identification. The multi-terrain lawn tractor can be driven on hills, handle tall grass with ease and mow around trees and flower beds.

Some users disliked the lawn tractor due to the shredded belts and the difficulty to operate the tractor in the rear.

Overall, the John Deere X590 model is a reliable and excellent choice for you.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Conclusion

The John Deere X590 is a powerful and durable lawn tractor that can mow tall grass with ease. Although some problems may arise, they can easily be solved.

Read our troubleshooting tips to fix the John Deere X590 problems outlined in this article. If the problem persists, do not hesitate to consult a professional to help you fix the issue.