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John Deere 2520 Problems and Troubleshooting Guide

As more and more people are getting into the habit of mowing their own lawns, the demand for riding lawnmowers is on the rise. Sure, there is a large group of people who still love to use a manual lawnmower, and there’s nothing wrong with that. However, the undeniable fact remains that a riding mower makes things a lot easier for the user.

Besides, many people enjoy riding around on this type of lawnmower, gently trimming the lawn. Personally, I find the experience quite therapeutic. And if you are in the market for a new riding lawnmower for yourself or for professional use, I’m sure the name John Deere has already come up in your research.

For those that don’t know, the brand is actually pretty old-school, with a rich history of over a hundred years in the industry. They have slowly worked their way up the ladder, establishing themselves as one of the top brands these days. And the best part – many of their lawnmowers are quite affordable.

The John Deere 2520, however, isn’t exactly a cheap machine. While it is categorized as a residential lawnmower, its steep price can dissuade many homeowners from picking it up. But if you do decide to get one for yourself, you are in for a real treat.

Of course, it has a few problems here and there, just like any other lawnmower, and that’s what I am here to talk about in this article. So, if you want to know the sort of issues you might face with the John Deere 2520 lawnmower, then you came to the right place.

John Deere 2520

Common Issues with the John Deere 2520 and How to Fix Them

On paper, the John Deere 2520 is the perfect lawnmower for just about any task. But if you are reckless in its use and don’t maintain it as often, then you will naturally face a couple of issues with it every now and then.

Thankfully, these issues are fixable if you know what you are dealing with. Here are a couple of common issues that people have complained about with their John Deere 2520, along with a hefty troubleshooting guide to help resolve these problems.

1. Troubleshooting the Engine

Troubleshooting the Engine

The engine is the most critical component in any lawnmower, and with poor maintenance, it can start showing some worrying signs. Here are some of the engine problems that you might have to fix in your John Deere 2520.

Engine Doesn’t Start

Engine refusing to start in a John Deere 2520 lawnmower is actually a pretty common issue. And in most cases, this problem originates from a defect in the fuel line or fuel condition. So that’s what you need to check first and see if that is what’s preventing your engine from starting up.

Start with a quick inspection of the filters and make sure there are no blockages hindering fuel flow to the engine. Also, check the condition of the fuel and make sure it is fresh and of the right weight. If the engine still doesn’t start, inspect and replace any damaged spark plug and adjust the carburetor float level.

Overheating Engine

Another common engine problem you might face with your John Deere 2520 is abnormal heat build-up in the engine. Needless to say, it is most likely caused by a fault in the cooling system of the engine. Sometimes a damaged thermostat can also be the culprit here.

To fix the issue, you should first check the cooling fins and make sure they are working properly. If the fins look damaged or bent, then you need to replace them. Also, make sure the engine oil level is optimal. If the thermostat looks damaged, replace it. Your engine overheating issue should be fixed.

Underperforming Engine

If you have been using the John Deere 2520 for a while now, you should have a pretty decent idea of how much power it can deliver. So, if there’s a sudden decrease in engine power, you should be able to catch it right away. There can be a couple of different reasons behind the problem, so you need to narrow it down first.

The thing you want to check first is the fuel injection nozzle. If the nozzles are damaged, then that might cause the engine to perform poorly. You also need to inspect the fuel hoses and repair them if needed. Finally, make sure the air filter is clean, and the cylinder head gasket is working properly.

2. Problems with the Hydrostatic Transmission

Problems with the Hydrostatic Transmission

The John Deere 2520 is equipped with a hydrostatic transmission system that can fail at times. Here are some of the common problems that you might notice with it.

Transmission Fluid Leak

Sometimes you might notice that the transmission fluid is leaking out of the system. This can happen if the oil return tube gets clogged, so start with a quick inspection of the tube and replace or clean it as needed. You also need to look for any damaged gaskets or seals in the transmission line.

You need to install new components if you find any leaks. Finally, check the internal pressure in the transmission case and reduce it. This should get rid of the fluid leaking issue in your transmission system.

Excessive Noise In The System

Another issue that might frustrate you with the John Deere 2520 is excessive noise in the transmission system. Typically, this means that the speed control linkage is worn out, and you need to replace it. Transmission overload can also lead to this issue. So, you need to reduce the load.

Contamination in the transmission fluid is another likely scenario here. So, to be safe, you should replace the transmission fluid. Finally, check the relive valve for any malfunction. Replace the valve if needed.

3. Hydraulics malfunction

Hydraulics malfunction

You can also notice some hydraulics malfunction in your John Deere 2520. Don’t worry – like all problems, they, too, can be fixed.

Overheating Hydraulics

One of the most common problems that you will face in the hydraulics of your lawnmower is overheating. Typically, this problem is caused when you use the improper type of hydraulic oil.

So, if you notice any abnormal heat build-up, you should drain the old oil and use fresh, proper oil for your hydraulics. Air in the hydraulic system can also cause this issue, so make sure you bleed the system to get rid of it. Finally, check and replace the main relief valve if it turns out defective.

Hitch Cannot Be Lowered

If you notice that the hitch in your lawnmower cannot be lowered, the hydraulic cylinder pump is probably faulty. Replacing it should fix the issue. You might also need to check the hydraulic control valve for adjustment errors and readjust the 3-point hitch.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you simply glance over the specs, you should find no reason to second guess getting the John Deere 2520 lawnmower. But it is an expensive machine.

So, it’s only natural to have some doubts before you commit to it. To that end, here are a couple of questions that people have asked me about it in the past.

1. What type of engine does the John Deere 2520 come with?

The John Deere 2520 features a 26.4 Hp Yanmar diesel engine with three cylinders, each holding 1.3 liters of fuel. Along with that, the machine features four-wheel steering system giving you excellent mobility regardless of the terrain that you are working on.

2. Is the John Deere 2520 suitable for residential use?

While the steep price tag and superior performance of the John Deere 2520 might seem like overkill, this vehicle is, in fact, designed for residential use.

So, if you are a homeowner who simply wants to mow his own lawn, it’s a great choice. And since it has a lot of power in the tank, you can also use it professionally if you want.

Final Thoughts

Say what you will about the common problems of the John Deere 2520, but you have to admit that it’s a pretty fantastic machine. And let’s face it, if you don’t take care of your lawnmower, the problems that I discussed here should not really come as a surprise.

So, if you do decide to pick up this vehicle, make sure you service it regularly. Refueling in due time and cleaning out the engine and the filters go a long way toward making sure your lawnmower operates smoothly and without any errors.

You might not have to face any of these issues at all if you just take care of it. I hope my in-depth discussion on the John Deere 2520 problems could help you resolve any issues you might be having with your lawnmower. Good luck!

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