John Deere has achieved somewhat of a legendary status among lawnmower enthusiasts and landscapers. They are one of the biggest names in the industry, with a versatile catalog of mowers at different price ranges.
And if you have a John Deere mower, then you already know of the level of excellence they deliver. Having been a long-term follower of this brand, I tried my luck with a few different mowers by them. And I have not been disappointed yet.
One of the standout mowers that I had the good fortune to use was the John Deere GT235. It’s a subcompact lawn tractor with plenty to offer for both commercial and residential use.
While the GT235 is sturdier than most lawnmowers out there, it still requires a bit of maintenance to deliver its best. Without maintenance, lawnmowers can’t survive, and you will start noticing weird issues that you have to constantly deal with to keep the mower running.
In this article, I will focus on the problems that you might face with the John Deere GT235 if you don’t take care of it and help you figure out how you can fix it. So, let’s get started.
Common Issues With The John Deere GT235 And How To Fix Them
If you are a newcomer to the landscaping industry and the GT235 is the first mower you have ever owned, then chances are you are not very good at taking care of it. And because of that, you might be facing all sorts of issues with your lawnmower. Thankfully, any issue that comes up due to poor maintenance can be fixed.
In this section, I will talk about the common problems that you might be facing with your John Deere GT235 and help you understand how to troubleshoot these issues.
1. The Engine Won’t Start
Engine troubles are very common in lawnmowers, and if your John Deere GT235 has an engine that won’t start, don’t panic right away. There are plenty of fixes you can try, and unless you have been extremely careless with the engine, there’s a chance that you can fix it.
The most common culprit in engine problems is fuel. If you are using stale fuel or cheap gasoline, you will notice frequent engine troubles in your lawnmower. So, I would recommend draining the fuel tank first, cleaning up the inside, and refilling it with a fresh, high-quality gasoline.
You should also take this opportunity to clean out the air and fuel filters. Blockages in the filter can cause the engine to stop functioning. After that, take a look at the spark plugs. If the plugs are damaged, or they are seated too close to the ignition coil, it can prevent the engine from starting.
The last thing to check is the carburetor. If the carburetor is dirty, it can cause engine shutdown. So, clean the carburetor thoroughly, and that should help the engine get started.
2. Poor Performance at High RPMs
If your lawnmower gives a horrible performance at high RPMs, then there’s a chance that the brake pads are worn, or the drive belt slipped off. Another possibility here is an exposure of air in the intake manifold. Don’t worry; I will get to each fix one by one.
You should start with a quick inspection of the brake pads. If the pads are worn, then you need to replace them immediately. You should also check the belt drive and make sure it is positioned as it should be. Sometimes the belt drive can also get damaged, and you need to replace them if they are beyond repair.
After that, you want to look for blockages in the air filter and leaks in the intake manifold. I would recommend replacing the air filter as this problem means the filter is damaged. And if you find any leaks in the manifold, you need to repair them.
3. Deck Won’t Engage
The John Deere GT235 is equipped with a clutch PTO to engage the blades. In some cases, a faulty switch or idler pulleys can prevent the deck from engaging, which means you can’t cut any grass with the lawnmower.
There are a couple of fixes for this problem. The first thing to do is look for a fluid leak in the belt area of the lawnmower. If the hydraulic fluid circulation is hampered, it will prevent the deck from engaging.
So, look for leaks and repair them. You might even need to replace the leaking hoses. The next things to inspect are the clutch and safety switch. If the switches are damaged beyond repair, your only option is to replace them.
However, sometimes the wiring around the switches can get loose due to operational vibrations. So, make sure you tighten the connections and test them out before you replace the switches.
4. Stuck 3-Point Hitch
The 3-point hitch in your lawnmower is designed to survive quite a while. But over time, you will notice some issues with it. The most common sign of a problem in the system is that you will not be able to raise or lower the deck. Instead, it will get stuck in either an upward or downward position.
Now, of course, as always, taking it to the service shop for repairs is an option. However, before you call it quits, I would recommend trying out a few simple troubleshooting steps yourself.
Typically, this problem comes up due to a broken chain or a disconnected wire. A restricted line in your lawnmower can result in suffocating the hydraulic fluid circulation across the entire system. This can, in turn, lead to this type of problem. Another possibility here is that some rubble got stuck inside the control valve.
So, check the hydraulic line for any signs of damage and try to figure out what’s causing the restriction in the system. If the culprit is a pile of rocks, removing the blockage should fix it. On the other hand, if there are broken or loose wires inside, then you need to replace them.
If the problem persists, you might need to replace the hydraulic pump. However, I would recommend taking the mower to a service shop instead of replacing the pump yourself.
5. Battery Drains fast
Car batteries don’t last forever, and in a similar fashion, the battery in your lawnmower will eventually need to be replaced. One of the telltale signs that a lawnmower battery is dying is that it will not be able to retain its charge for long.
So, if you suddenly notice that the mower’s battery is frequently draining, you might need to replace it. However, the first thing to check here is the internal connections to the battery terminal.
Faulty or loose wiring can also mess with the battery capacity. For example, if the wiring is loose, you won’t be able to charge the battery properly, which means it will drain faster than usual.
You should also check the condition of the battery terminals. If they seem corroded, then it’s time to look for replacement batteries. By replacing the battery, you can start using your mower again in no time.
Frequently Asked Questions
The GT235 is an extremely popular John Deere model, and naturally, many people want to get their hands on it. And if you are in the same boat but are having second thoughts, perhaps the following list of frequently asked questions will help you take that last leap.
1. What are the main features of the John Deere GT235?
The John Deere GT235 comes with an 18HP Briggs & Stratton engine with a displacement capacity of 570 ccs.
While this puts it at a disadvantage against more expensive mowers with more powerful engines, the mower makes up for it with its amazing hydrostatic transmission system and wide cutting deck that can house many different attachments.
2. Is the John Deere GT235 an expensive lawnmower?
No, the John Deere GT235 is classified as an affordable mower with a price tag ranging under 2000 dollars. But at this price point, it offers a good blend of performance and durability, making it a top pick for just about any casual landscaper.
Final Thoughts
While the John Deere GT235 isn’t exactly the top-of-the-line premium lawnmower in the market, it still manages to do a pretty good job. If you are starting out your journey as a professional landscaper or just want a machine that can help you keep your lawn looking tidy, this is a great pickup.
Yes, it has its fair share of issues, but if you take care of it, it shouldn’t come up that often. Regular maintenance and a trip to the service shop once every six weeks will ensure you get the best out of your mower at all times.
I hope my article on the John Deere GT235 could help sort out any trouble you might be facing with this mower. Good luck!
