John Deere Zero Turn Steering Problems
Although the John Deere zero turn mower does a great job at mowing, a good number of users have complained about its zero-turn steering problems such as jammed steering lever and stuck steering handle.
In this article, we talk about some common John Deere zero turn steering problems plus troubleshooting tips to help you fix them so that you can have a smooth and decent lawn mowing experience.
Some of the common John Deere Zero Turn Steering Problems are:
- Steering Handles Not Responding
- Jammed Steering Handle
- Stuck Steering Handle
3 John Deere Zero Turn Steering Problems
1. Steering Handles Not Responding
Several reasons can be linked with your steering handle not responding the normal way.
One primary reason for this issue is the loose wire connection. It can make the handle respond sometimes, but it might stop working most of the time.
Fix: This problem can be easily fixed by you. You have to unscrew the bolts to open up the foot panel.
After that, you need to look for the lever attachment area and handle joint. You will discover a response machine that has a wire connected to the lever. Check if there is any cable attached to it or not.
To connect the loose one, you have to follow the steering handle wires.
If you see the wire attached at the end of the lever switch, then the button is faulty. In this case, you need to change the button so that you can fix the steering handle.
2. Jammed Steering Handle
This is one of the main issues of using an old John Deere lawn mower.
Your mower might become faulty if you use it for a long period without proper maintenance.
One of the problems that might arise is your steering handle getting jammed. This occurs because the mechanism has been affected by dirt and dust particles.
Fix: The first step to take is to ensure thorough cleaning of your zero lawn mower.
Stop working with it if the handle gets jammed so that it won’t worsen the case. Take your tools and begin fixing them by unscrewing the foot panel.
Ensure that you use your hand gloves to take out the screws so that you don’t injure your hands.
Check out the lever that is attached to the handle for dirt. Clean the dirt with a brush and also clean it with a cloth.
Make sure that you apply grease after cleaning the lever and the entire area. After that, you can now check if the steering handle is okay.
3. Stuck Steering Handle
This problem is similar to the jammed steering handle.
If you notice that the steering is not moving or its handlebar is stuck, it is advisable not to pressure it.
Put off the mower as soon as possible and pick up your tools because it will require opening the foot panel again.
Fix: If the lever is broken, you need to change it with a new one but if it is still okay, that means that dirt or particles are stuck on it.
The easiest way to fix this is to clean it properly. It requires that you unscrew and screw a few bolts to fix the issue properly.
Also Read: 8 Common John Deere 4066R Problems And How To Fix Them
Final Thoughts
The John Deere zero-turn mowing machine is a durable and efficient lawn mower suitable for your yard maintenance. Like every other mower, it is not without issues.
One of the common issues about John Deere’s zero-turn mowers is steering problems which some customers face due to the reasons stated in the article.
We have outlined the reasons for these problems and possible fixes to enable you to get back to your mowing task in no time.
If you know that you do not have the expertise, time, or required tools to solve this problem, then you should contact a professional to help you out.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you adjust steering on a John Deere Zero Turn?
The first step to take is to measure the tire pressure as it affects the mower’s tracking. To check the search, you need to increase tire pressure and also adjust the speed to know the direction of the lawn mower.
Secondly, align the steering levers and change the width of the steering lever.
Why do my zero turns pull to one side?
Traction issues are the major reason why your zero-turn mower pulls to one side.
When you put both throttles that control the rear wheels forward with the same force, one wheel may transfer power more efficiently than the other. This may cause the zero-turn mower to push toward the weaker side.
How do I manually push my John Deere Zero Turn?
The first thing to do is to turn off your engine. You can now set the parking brake and also raise the operator’s seat.
To release the parking brake, you have to turn both release valves halfway counterclockwise. After this step, you can now push your JD zero turn mower manually.
What brand engine does John Deere use?
John Deere uses Briggs and Stratton, Yanmar, and Kawasaki engines.
Is zero turn worth the money?
The cost of zero-turn mowing machines ranges between $2,500 and goes above $5000.
If you have a medium or large-sized yard or you own a yard that has a wide range of trees and flowers, then a zero-turn mower may be worth it because it will save time and effort.