John Deere Z655 Problems

The John Deere Z655 zero-turn mower is well-liked for its comfortable seat, easy handling, nice cuts and plenty of power.

Like other zero-turn lawn mowers out there, the John Deere Z655 can develop faults.

Some of these problems include hydrostatic transmission problems, drive belt problems, PTO clutch problems, and fuel leaks.

In this article, I reveal 6 common John Deere Z655 problems and troubleshooting tips to fix these issues so that you can have a smooth lawn mowing operation.

John Deere Z655 Problems, Causes, and Possible Solutions

Before I go into details, let’s look at some common John Deere Z655 problems and their possible solutions:

Problems	Possible Solutions
1. Hydrostatic Transmission Problems	Replace the broken spring in the hydro-gear transaxle. It is advisable to contact a technician to fix other issues with your transmission.
2. John Deere Zero-Turn Mower is Hard to Start	Adjust the choke cable properly.
3. PTO Clutch Problems	Make sure that you troubleshoot the issue by checking and fixing issues with the voltmeter, voltage regulator (alternator) and wire harness. Replace the battery if it is in a bad condition.
4. Drive Belt Problems	Adjust the drive belt properly.
5. Fuel Leaks	Contact John Deere to help you to fix the issue of fuel leakage.
6. John Deere Z655 Turns Over But Will Not Start	Drain the bad gas and refill with a fresh one. Replace the clogged fuel filter Check for any clogs in the fuel cap and take off any debris. It is advisable to change the fuel cap if your mowing machine does not start.  Check the fuel level of your mower ad add more gas Recharge the mower battery or replace the battery if it is bad.

1.  Hydrostatic Transmission Problems

The hydraulic transmission of this mower pressures to move the gear and tire and can also transfer power from the mower’s engine.

Furthermore, cavitation can also cause hydrostatic transmission problems. Hydrostatic transmission can also cause the  motor to become slow or sluggish

A user also complained that the mower also made a sudden quick turn while cutting and the left-hand side of the mower lost power. This can be linked to a broken spring in the hydro gear transaxle.

Causes

• Broken springs
• Issues with cables

Fix

• Replace the broken spring in the hydro-gear transaxle to troubleshoot the issue of sudden quick turns while mowing.
• It is advisable to contact a technician to fix other issues with your transmission.

2. John Deere Zero-Turn Mower is Hard to Start

A Z655 user complained that the mower was difficult to start and the engine also got cold. 

This issue can be frustrating because it can disrupt the mowing process. If this happens you may need to check if the choke cable is properly adjusted.

Cause

• The choke cable is not properly adjusted.

Fix

• Ensure that you adjust the choke cable properly.

3. PTO Clutch Problems

Most John Deere mowing machines are equipped with an electric power take-off that can be used to turn on the mower blades that are underneath your cutting deck. 

The electric clutch is turned on by a switch that is on the dashboard. 

If the blade refuses to move after starting the electric clutch and turning the switch on the dashboard, then it means that something is wrong.

Cause

• Defective electrical system.

Fix

• Turn on the voltmeter after clipping its positive lead to the positive (+) battery post. 

• Make sure that you take the negative (-) lead of the voltmeter and clip it to the negative battery post with the clip to the end. The negative (-) lead of the voltmeter must be taken and secured to the negative battery post using the clip on the end.

• Turn on the voltmeter to the 12-volt setting so that it will indicate 12 volts. Ensure that an 11-12 volt read shows on the meter at this point. You may need to replace the battery if it reads less than 11.

• At this point, the meter ought to read between 13 and 14 volts. The voltage regulator (alternator) needs to be changed if the reading is greater than 15 or less than 13.

• The voltage regulator is on top of your clutch. A flathead screwdriver should be inserted underneath the wire harness connector’s tab. To remove the wire harness from your connector, you need to lift the lab.

4. Drive Belt Problems

To enhance optimal performance and operation, you need to replace the transmission drive belt when necessary. 

The deck blades are turned by a belt that rotates the pulley located on the cutting deck.

This belt loops around your mower deck and crankshaft-mounted pulley and goes through the deck that is attached to it.

If your drive belt does not function well, it may indicate that it is defective or not properly adjusted.

Cause

• Improper drive belt adjustment

Fix

• The first step to take is to check if the belt requires adjustment. If the distance between your accelerator floorboard hole and the bottom of the accelerator pedal is larger than 1.5 inches, it means that you need to adjust your transmission drive belt idler arm.
• After mounting the mower deck beneath the tractor’s frame, check the transmission drive belt adjustment on your Z655 zero-turn mowing machine. Press the accelerator all the way forward to move it forward.
• Let off your pedal when you want to stop. Make sure that you return the transmission drive belt’s idler arm to its right position and leave it there till your drive belt has stretched further.

5. Fuel Leaks

Some users reported that the fuel hose of their Z655 mower cut, allowing the fuel to leak. This issue can pose a fire hazard and it is important to fix the issue immediately.

Cause

• Broken fuel hose

Fix

• It is important to contact John Deere to help you to fix the issue of fuel leakage.

6. John Deere Z655 Turns Over But Will Not Start

If your John Deere zero-turn mower turns over but does not start, the most likely reason for this is bad gas. If the mower sits for a long time during the off-season, it will break down.

There will be gumming up of the carburetor and fuel line which may prevent your mower from starting. 

Other likely reasons can also include a blocked air filter, bad fuel filter and clogged fuel cap.

Causes

• Bad gas
• Clogged fuel filter
• Faulty fuel filter
• Clogged fuel cap
• Inadequate fuel
• Inadequate battery power.

Fix

• Drain the bad gas and refill with a fresh one.
• Replace the clogged fuel filter
• Check for any clogs in the fuel cap and take off any debris. It is advisable to change the fuel cap if your mowing machine does not start. 
• Check the fuel level of your mower ad add more gas
• Recharge the mower battery or replace the battery if it is bad.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Some of the problems that your John Deere Z655 zero-turn mower may face include transmission problems,  starting issues, drive belt problems, and fuel leaks.

I have outlined the causes of these problems and practical fixes to identify and troubleshoot each of them so that the mower can work efficiently again.

It is advisable to seek the help of a lawn mower expert if the problem persists after following the troubleshooting guide shared here.