John Deere tractors are a thing of envy in the lawnmower and landscaping industry. The brand has been in business for more than a century now, and its designs have only gotten better over the years. So, if you are looking for a new lawnmower or garden tractor, this is a great brand to go with.
What makes them special is not only the quality of their products but also the vast range of options you will get when you are shopping. Now, if you are like me and like to browse when you buy something, you will appreciate the huge catalog of lawn tractors that they have on offer.
The John Deere 3320 is one of the finest utility tractors that this brand came up with. While it is discontinued as of 2013, it is still considered a great pickup if you manage to find it on sale near you. This tractor is perfectly suitable for any residential or commercial application.
However, with poor maintenance and oversight, the performance of the John Deere 3320 can take a massive hit. Its overall engine power may decrease, the transmission might feel shaky, and even the electrical systems might act up. Thankfully though, these issues are fixable quite easily.
In this article, I will address some of the common problems that you may face in the John Deere 3320 and help you figure out how to resolve them. So, without further ado, let’s get started.
3 Major Issues with the John Deere 3320 and How to Fix Them
John Deere 3320 is an amazing lawn tractor; there’s no doubt about that. But even then, some problems can come up in it if you don’t maintain it regularly. Here are some of the common hiccups that you might have to deal with if you own a John Deere 3320, along with some handy troubleshooting tips.
1. Engine Troubles
If you have ever used a lawnmower or tractor before, you already know how common engine issues are with these vehicles. It seems that you are always fixing one thing or the other in the engine, especially if you don’t maintain your mower all that often.
The same is true for the John Deere 3320. There can be a couple of different issues with the engine, and the troubleshooting steps differ based on the problem. So, let’s talk about the common symptoms.
Engine Not Starting
Typically, if the engine in your John Deere 3320 does not start at all, this means the engine oil viscosity is off. You need to drain the fuel tank and refill it with a fresh batch in the correct ratio.
The instruction manual should contain information on the correct viscosity level. It can also be caused by the system being cold. In that case, warming up the engine should allow you to start it.
If the engine still refuses to start, then check the condition of the fuel and the fuel filter. Dirty fuel injectors or a faulty fuel solenoid can also cause this problem. Replace the components if needed.
Engine Starts Hard
If the engine in your John Deere starts up but takes a lot longer to crank than normal, or if it starts hard, then there’s a problem in the engine that needs fixing. The first thing to check is if the engine hand throttle lever is pushed forward.
If not, then make sure it is set in the forward position. Plugged fuel or air filters can cause this problem, too, along with a dirty fuel cap vent.
So, you want to clean these elements. Other reasons behind this problem are low coolant levels and a malfunctioning fuel pump. You might need to replace these elements to fix these problems.
Knocking Sound In The Engine
Sometimes you might notice a weird knocking sound coming out of the engine. At first glance, this might not seem like too much of an issue. However, if left on its own, it can lead to more serious engine troubles.
To fix the engine knocking, check the oil level. Engine oil serves as a lubricant, and if the level is too low, it can lead to this sort of problem. The idle speed in your tractor might also be set too low. In that case, readjusting the idle speed should fix things.
Overheating Engine
If the engine in your John Deere 3320 is overheating, then that can be a huge cause for alarm. An overheating engine struggles to perform well, and as time goes by, the condition deteriorates.
Ignoring an overheating engine is a bad idea as it can easily result in a complete engine shutdown. Low coolant levels or issues in the cooling system are the obvious reasons behind this problem.
So, you need to start your diagnosis there and clean or replace the components as you see fit. You might also need to replace the radiator cap. Finally, cleaning out the filters and thermostat should fix the overheating issues.
2. Drivability Issues
You might sometimes notice issues with the brakes or the steering system in your John Deere 3320. So, it’s a good idea to know how you can fix it if it ever comes up.
Brakes Not Working
If the brakes in your lawn tractor stop functioning, this usually indicates a worn or damaged brake linkage. Replacing the component usually fixes it. It can also be caused by maladjusted brakes. So before replacing the linkage, check the adjustment.
Steering Not Working
If the hydraulic suction filter in your vehicle gets plugged, it can cause the steering to stop working. You need to manually remove the blockage by cleaning the filter.
You should also make sure you lubricate the steering linkage and inflate the tires for even pressure across four wheels, and that should fix your steering issues.
3. Electrical Issues
Apart from the drivability and engine issues, you might also notice some problems in the electrical section of your John Deere 3320. Here are the possible solutions to these issues.
Battery Drains Or Won’t Charge
Battery issues are pretty common with most lawn tractors. If you start using your vehicle after a long winter, you will notice that the battery has drained completely. So, you will need to recharge it before you can start operating the tractor.
However, sometimes, you will notice that the battery will not charge, or even if it does, it drains quickly. You should first check the wirings around the terminal and make sure there are no loose connections.
In addition, try using a different charger to charge your battery and see if that fixes things. If not, then replace the battery.
Slow Or Nonfunctioning Starter
Loose or corroded battery connections or a blown fuse can lead to a nonfunctional or slow-acting starter. So, you need to check these elements first if your tractor is struggling with its starter switch.
Of course, a faulty switch can also be the reason behind this problem. You need to test it using a multimeter. If the switch is the culprit, then replace the starter switch.
Frequently Asked Questions
A lot of good things can be said about the quality and performance of the John Deere 3320. It should give you a good experience regardless of how you want to use it. But if you are still having second thoughts about picking one up, maybe the following set of FAQs can help eliminate some of the doubts.
1. What type of engine does the John Deere 3320 come with?
The John Deere 3320 features a 32.5 hp Yanmar 3-cylinder diesel engine. Powered by a high-quality hydrostatic transmission system, this utility tractor has 12 partially synchronized speed settings with a power shuttle. The engine has a fuel capacity of 1.6 liters.
2. When was the John Deere 3320 discontinued?
The John Deere 3320 was first made in 2005 as part of the 3000 series of utility tractors. When it came out, it took the landscaping world by storm with its powerful engine performance and versatile deck.
Eventually, the manufacturers discontinued this product in the year 2013 for upgraded versions with better fuel efficiency.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have gone through the issues, you might wonder if getting it is a good idea at all. But before you judge it too harshly, you need to understand that poor maintenance is the main reason behind these issues. If you take care of your machine, these problems might never even come up in the first place.
You see, the John Deere 3320 is not so old that the design is obsolete. On the contrary, it is still a perfectly capable machine that can handle any landscaping projects you throw its way.
And if you are the type who takes his maintenance duties seriously, you will find little worth complaining about with this tractor. I hope my article on the common John Deere 3320 problems could help sort out any issues you might be having with this vehicle. Good luck!