No matter what new lawnmower or garden tractor brand hits the market, it’s a safe bet that John Deere will always hold its top spot in the industry. The brand has been in business for well over a hundred years now, and with each passing year, the quality of its products has only gotten better and better.
And over the years, they slowly built up a huge catalog of amazing lawnmowers and utility tractors. So, if you are like me and want a lot of options when you are treating yourself to a new lawnmower, John Deere is the perfect brand for you to go with.
The John Deere X738 is one of their better options that are in production even to this day. While the price is a bit steep, it can be a great choice regardless of whether you are planning to use it professionally or for your own front lawn. The performance that it delivers is off the charts.
However, that does not mean it’s free of the many nuances that often come with a riding lawnmower. For instance, if you don’t take care of it, it won’t be long before it starts suffering from performance issues. Before you know it, you will be dealing with engine issues or transmission failures due to poor maintenance.
That’s where I come in. In this article, I will talk about some of the common issues that people complained about with their John Deere X738 lawnmowers and help you understand how you can fix them. So, without further ado, let’s get started.
Common Issues with the John Deere X738 and How to Fix Them
Most of the issues that come up with the John Deere X738 have to do with the engine, as that is the first component that takes a hit due to poor maintenance. Apart from that, you might also notice some drivability issues on occasion.
Here are a few common problems that you might face with your lawnmower if you don’t take care of it regularly.
1. Engine Doesn’t Crank
Let’s start with an easy one – what would you do if you suddenly noticed that the engine in your John Deere x738 tractor wouldn’t crank? While it might seem quite alarming, this is actually a pretty common problem with most lawnmowers. And fixing it is also very straightforward.
The reasons behind this symptom are –
- Empty fuel tank
- Clogged fuel filter
- Damaged throttle cable
- Defect in the carburetor or the safety switch
- Malfunctioning spark plug
So, to fix the problem, let’s start with the fuel systems. Check the fuel tank first. If the fuel level is too low or if the fuel is stale, this explains why the engine refuses to start. In that case, you need to drain the fuel tank and refill it with fresh gasoline.
While you are at it, you should also clean the fuel filter. Even if it doesn’t look too clogged up, it’s a good idea to give it a thorough cleaning whenever you get the chance. Ideally, you want to change the fuel filter once every 100 hours of use.
If the engine still doesn’t start, you need to locate the spark plug and inspect it for any signs of damage. Make sure you replace the spark plug if it turns out defective. You also need to inspect the carburetor and throttle cable and replace them if needed.
2. Sudden Drop In Engine Power
Another common problem that you might face in your John Deere X738 tractor is a sudden drop in engine power. Even when you are trying to push the tractor, it might seem like the engine is struggling to give its best. There can be a couple of different issues at work here.
Here are the main culprits behind this symptom –
- Overheating engine
- Damaged or defective fuel pump
- Damaged governor
- The engine is starved for fuel
- Faulty carburetor
As you can see, there are a lot of things that can cause this issue, and before you can fix the problem, you need to identify what component is responsible for it. I like to start with the fuel tank as it’s the easiest part to diagnose.
Simply check the fuel tank and filter and make sure the fuel flow to the engine is not disrupted in any way. If the fuel level is low, refill the tank, and if the filter is clogging up the fuel supply, clean or replace it.
The next thing to check is the carburetor. Make sure the choke is not closed, as that can disrupt the airflow to the engine. If the carburetor is defective, now might be a good time to replace it.
You should also check the cooling system of your lawnmower. Start with a quick inspection of the cooling fins and make sure they are not damaged. You will need to replace the fins if it’s bent or warped. Also, make sure there is adequate engine oil to keep the engine cool, and the air intake is not clogged up.
3. The Engine Backfires
A backfiring engine is never a good sign for your lawnmower. It can lead to accidents on the field and can also cause component failures in your vehicle if you don’t deal with it right away. To fix the problem, you need to understand the common triggers that lead to engine backfires.
Here are some of the main reasons behind it –
- Faulty/clogged intake or exhaust vent
- Clogged carburetor or valves
- Defective spark plug
- Air gap in the ignition coil
As you can see, the reasons behind this problem are nothing new that I haven’t talked about already. And the way to fix the problem is also pretty much the same.
You should start by inspecting the intake and exhaust vents and cleaning them up if it’s clogged. It shouldn’t be damaged unless you keep using the lawnmower, even when the engine is backfiring. If the vents are damaged, though, you need to take the lawnmower to a professional mechanic for repairs.
If the carburetor is clogged, give it a thorough cleaning. However, if it is damaged beyond repair or rusted, it’s best to replace it. You also need to inspect the spark plug and replace it if it looks defective.
The last thing to do is to reset the gap between the spark plug and the ignition coil. If air got into the gap, that explains why the engine might be backfiring. And resetting the gap should fix the issue right away.
4. Excessive Vibration In The Tractor
Apart from the three engine issues, you might also notice a couple of drivability problems with the mower. One of the most common issues here is that your mower starts vibrating excessively when you use it.
The main reasons behind this problem are –
- Damaged equipment drive belt
- Dirt on the driven pulley
- Damaged drive belt
- Unbalanced blades
Start with a quick inspection of the belts and clean them if they are dirty. However, if the belts are damaged, you need to replace them.
Unbalanced blades are also a common culprit here, so make sure the blades are properly installed. Also, check between the blades for pebbles and dirt, as that can also cause this problem on occasion.
Frequently Asked Questions
As impressive as it is, it is natural to have second thoughts when you are planning to buy a new John Deere X738 since it’s pretty expensive. So let me address some of the questions people have asked me about this lawnmower in the past to help eliminate some of the doubts.
1. What are the main features of the John Deere X738 lawnmower?
The John Deere X738 comes with a 25.5 HP Kawasaki engine along with a K90 hydrostatic transmission system. Its engine has a displacement capacity of 745 ccs.
The lawnmower is equipped with a 54” mid-mount mower deck and a rear-mounted fuel tank that can hold up to 5.2 gallons of gasoline.
2. How long will my John Deere X738 lawnmower last?
The John Deere X738 is designed to perform for at least 20000 hours. That means even if you use it for a hundred hours each year, you will get at least 20 years of use out of it. Of course, with regular servicing and maintenance, this lawnmower will survive much longer than that.
Final Thoughts
No matter what lawnmower you decide to get, the performance will take a massive hit if you don’t take care of it regularly. Now the John Deere X738 is as good a lawnmower as any that are currently available in the market today. And with proper maintenance, it will last you a long time.
Of course, a few minor issues popping up every now and then is pretty common for most lawnmowers. But that shouldn’t stop you from picking up something like the John Deere X738 if you can afford it. Regardless of its price tag, it is a fantastic lawnmower suitable for any landscaping task you throw at it.
I hope my in-depth article on the different issues of the John Deere x738 could help you troubleshoot your vehicle without any hassle. Good luck!