John Deere X730 Problems

The John Deere X730 lawn tractor is well-rated for its ease of use, ergonomic design, powerful engine and excellent cut quality.

Like every lawn tractor model, it can also develop problems. Some users complained about steering issues, engine problems and transmission problems.

In this article, I share 8 John Deere X730 problems and troubleshooting tips to solve the problems.

John Deere X730 Problems, Causes, and Possible Solutions

Before I go into details, let’s look at some common John Deere X730 problems and their possible solutions:

Problems	Possible Solutions
1. John Deere X730 Steering Problems	Check the tire pressure and inflate them. Park the lawn tractor on a level surface and repair it.  Replace defective or worn bushings. Upgrade the steering housing by swapping it out for a new one.
2. Engine Problems	Replace the clogged fuel filter Change the defective spark plug Drain the fuel tank and fill it with quality fuel. Replace the defective battery with a new one. Clean the terminals and ensure that all wire connections are well secured. Clean the cooling fins Check and replace damaged connections. Repair or replace the stuck choke cable. Clean or replace the air filter. Change the engine oil Loads should be reduced. Adjust the carburetor for a slower idle speed.
3. John Deere Lawn Tractor Vibrates or Rattles Excessively	Install a new drive belt. Change the dirty sheaves Change the mower blades
4. John Deere X730 Electrical System Problems	Contact a lawn expert to solve the issue. Replace the defective fuse with a new one. Clean terminals Install a new lock. Replace the faulty starter with a new one. Charge the battery.
5. Deck Issues	Avoid mowing wet grass. Operate the lawn tractor at a low speed Increase the engine speed. Inflate the tires. Check and adjust the deck height. Replace the dull blades with new ones. Adjust front or back wheel height Level the mower deck Clean the mower deck Empty the bagger.
6. Belt Problem	Clean the pulley. Check and adjust the belt tension. Install a new belt.
7. Transmission Problems	Drain the old hydraulic oil and replace it with new hydraulic oil.  Seek the help of a professional to fix gear-shifting problems.
8. Carburetor Problem	Replace the broken carburetor

1. John Deere X730 Steering Problems

If you notice that the steering wheel veers left or right on its own or it rattles excessively, it may indicate that your steering wheel is defective.

Furthermore, the lawn tractor’s wheels may fail to turn in the right direction due to low tire pressure or a complicated assembly of the components that hold your steering wheel.

Causes

• Tire pressure is too low
• Complicated steering wheel assembly 
• Worn-out bushing
• Dysfunctional steering housing

Fix

• Check the tire pressure and inflate them according to the instructions in the owner’s manual.
• Park the lawn tractor on a level surface and repair it. Keep safety precautions when disassembling the lawn tractor
• Replace defective or worn bushings.
• Upgrade the steering housing by swapping it out for a new one.

2. Engine Problems

Here are some engine problems that are associated with your John Deere X730 model:

Starting Issues

This is one of the problems that the engine can develop. The engine may fail to turn over when the starter also malfunctions.

Possible causes for this issue include faulty batteries or corroded terminal connection, low-quality fuel, inadequate fuel, faulty spark plugs and clogged fuel filter

Causes

• Clogged fuel filter
• Faulty spark plug
• Low-quality fuel
• Defective battery
• Corroded terminal connection.

Fix

• Replace the clogged fuel filter
• Change the defective spark plug
• Drain the fuel tank and fill it with quality fuel.
• Replace the defective battery with a new one.
• Clean the terminals and ensure that all wire connections are well secured.

Engine Runs Roughly

There are times when the engine may develop excessive vibrations or start to make noise. In this case, the performance of the John Deere lawn tractor may deteriorate. 

This might be a result of clogged cooling fins, damaged electrical contacts, dirty air filter or stuck choke cable.

Causes

• Clogged cooling fins
• Damaged electrical contacts
• Stuck choke cable
• Dirty air filter

Fix

• Clean the cooling fins
• Check and replace damaged connections.
• Repair or replace the stuck choke cable.
• Clean or replace the air filter.

Engine Overheating

If your engine overheats, it might be due to excessive engine load, plugged cooling fins or poor-quality oil. This can affect the performance of the lawn tractor.

Causes

• Poor-quality oil
• Excessive engine load
• Plugged cooling fins
• Fast idle speed

Fix

• Change the engine oil
• Loads should be reduced.
• Clean the cooling fins
• Adjust the carburetor for a slower idle speed.

3. John Deere Lawn Tractor Vibrates or Rattles Excessively

Your John Deere X730 model can vibrate or rattle excessively if the sheaves are dirty or the blade is defective. You can also check the drive belt for wear to fix the issue.

Causes

• Worn drive belt
• Dirty sheaves
• Defective mower blades

Fix

• Install a new drive belt.
• Change the dirty sheaves
• Change the mower blades when necessary.

4. John Deere X730 Electrical System Problems

The problems associated with the John Deere lawn tractor include dysfunctional lights, the battery does not charge or starter doesn’t work, or will not turn the engine. 

Here is an overview of John Deere X730 electrical system problems:

Dysfunctional Lights

The lights of your lawn tractor may fail to work due to short-circuit electrical wires or connection/disconnection level in the wrong position.

Causes

• Short-circuit electrical wires
• Connection/disconnection level in the wrong position

Fix

• Contact a lawn expert to solve the issue.

Starter Does Not Work or Will Not Turn the Engine

If the starter does not work or will not turn the engine, you need to check components such as the fuse, starter, battery and ignition switch for defects.

Causes

• Defective fuse
• Poor terminal connection
• Faulty ignition switch
• Defective starter
• Low-voltage battery

Fix

• Replace the defective fuse with a new one.
• Clean terminals
• Install a new lock.
• Replace the faulty starter with a new one.
• You need to charge the battery.

5. Deck Issues

Here are some problems associated with the mower deck of the John Deere X730 lawn tractor:

Clogged Discharge Chute

The discharge chute can get clogged if too much of the grass being mowed is forced through the discharge opening of the mower deck. 

In this case, there will be a restriction of air that will prevent a proper discharge of grass clippings.

Causes

• Wet grass
• Travel speed is too fast
• Engine runs at low revs

Fix

• Avoid mowing wet grass.
• Operate the lawn tractor at a low speed
• Increase the engine speed.

Uneven Cut

If you experience uneven cuts with your lawn tractor, it has to do with a clogged deck, or if the deck is too low. 

You also need to check other components such as tires, blades and wheels to fix the issue.

Causes

• Low tire pressure
• Mower deck is low
• Dull blades
• Incorrect wheel height

Fix

• Inflate the tires.
• Check and adjust the deck height.
• Replace the dull blades with new ones.
• Adjust front or back wheel height

Uncut Grass During Operation

The John Deere lawn tractor might skip uncut grass during operation. This might be as a result of a clog in the discharge area or low deck level.

Causes

• Deck level is too low.
• Clog in the discharge area
• Grass bag is overfilled

Fix

• Level the mower deck
• Clean the mower deck
• Empty the bagger.

6. Belt Problem

To ensure optimal mowing performance, your belts need to be properly installed, or not too tight or/loose. If it slips, it can be frustrating because it will disrupt your mowing tasks.

Causes

• Dirt in the sheaves
• Low belt tension
• Worn out belt

Fix

• Clean the pulley.
• Check and adjust the belt tension.
• Install a new belt.

7. Transmission Problems

The John Deere lawn tractor will not work well if the transmission malfunctions. Its motor sends power to the hydraulic pumps through the transmission system. 

If it malfunctions, the issue can be caused by old hydraulic oil. A user also complained about the inability to shift gears

Causes

• Old hydraulic oil
• Dysfunctional gears

Fix

• Drain the old hydraulic oil and replace it with new hydraulic oil. If the problem persists, consult an expert to help you fix your transmission problems.
• Seek the help of a professional to fix gear-shifting problems. 

8. Carburetor Problem

The carburetor of your John Deere X730 model may wear out after some time. If the carburetor is malfunctioning, your lawn tractor may produce black smoke, use more gas and make strange noises.

Cause

Broken carburetor

Fix

• Replace the broken carburetor if it is in bad condition.

What Majority of the Users Feel About John Deere X730?

Several John Deere X730 users liked the lawn tractor for its quality and mowing speed. A user commented that the lawn tractor can mow his three feet tall grasses and weeds in one round.

Furthermore, many users praised the tractor for its comfort and durability.  In addition, the deck is also easy to clean.

On the downside, some users complained about excessive fuel consumption. In all, many users loved the lawn tractor and recommended it.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Conclusion

Your John Deere X730 model may develop engine, transmission, steering, carburetor or belt problems.

You can figure out the causes of these problems and fix your lawn tractor by implementing the troubleshooting tips outlined in this article.