This technical manual is written for an experienced
technician and contains sections that are specifically for
this product. It is a part of a total product support program.
The manual is organized so that all the information on a
particular system is kept together. The order of grouping is
as follows:
• Table of Contents
• Specifications and Information
• Identification Numbers
• Tools and Materials
• Component Location
• Schematics and Harnesses
• Theory of Operation
• Operation and Diagnostics
• Diagnostics
• Tests and Adjustments
• Repair
• Other
Safety
Technical Data
Engine
Electrical
Drive Train
Steering
Suspension
NOTE: Depending on the particular section or system
being covered, not all of the above groups may be
used.
The bleed tabs for the pages of each section will align with
the sections listed on this page. Page numbering is
consecutive from the beginning of the Safety section
through the last section.
We appreciate your input on this manual. If you find any
errors or want to comment on the layout of the manual
please contact us.
This is the safety-alert symbol. When you see this symbol
on your machine or in this manual, be alert to the potential
for personal injury.
Follow recommended precautions and safe servicing
practices.
Understand Signal Words
A signal word - DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION - is
used with the safety-alert symbol. DANGER identifies the
most serious hazards.
DANGER or WARNING safety signs are located near
specific hazards. General precautions are listed on
CAUTION safety signs. CAUTION also calls attention to
safety messages in this manual.
Replace Safety Signs
Handle Fluids Safely - Avoid Fires
Be Prepared For Emergencies
MIF
• When you work around fuel, do not smoke or work near
heaters or other fire hazards.
• Store flammable fluids away from fire hazards. Do not
incinerate or puncture pressurized containers.
• Make sure machine is clean of trash, grease, and
debris.
• Do not store oily rags; they can ignite and burn
spontaneously.
• Be prepared if a fire starts.
• Keep a first aid kit and fire extinguisher handy.
• Keep emergency numbers for doctors, ambulance
service, hospital, and fire department near your telephone.
Replace missing or damaged safety signs. See the
machine operator’s manual for correct safety sign
placement.
Use Care In Handling and Servicing Batteries
MIF
MIF
Safety - 1
SAFETY
Prevent Battery Explosions
• Keep sparks, lighted matches, and open flame away
from the top of battery. Battery gas can explode.
• Never check battery charge by placing a metal object
across the posts. Use a volt-meter or hydrometer.
• Do not charge a frozen battery; it may explode. Warm
battery to 16°C (60°F).
Prevent Acid Burns
• Sulfuric acid in battery electrolyte is poisonous. It is
strong enough to burn skin, eat holes in clothing, and
cause blindness if splashed into eyes.
Avoid acid burns by:
1. Filling batteries in a well-ventilated area.
2. Wearing eye protection and rubber gloves.
3. Avoiding breathing fumes when electrolyte is added.
4. Avoiding spilling or dripping electrolyte.
5. Use proper jump start procedure.
If you spill acid on yourself:
1. Flush your skin with water.
2. Apply baking soda or lime to help neutralize the acid.
3. Flush your eyes with water for 10 - 15 minutes.
4. Get medical attention immediately.
If acid is swallowed:
1. Drink large amounts of water or milk.
2. Then drink milk of magnesia, beaten eggs, or vegetable
oil.
3. Get medical attention immediately.
such as earmuffs or earplugs to protect against
objectionable or uncomfortable loud noises.
Operating equipment safely requires the full attention of the
operator. Do not wear radio or music headphones while
operating machine.
Service Machines Safely
MIF
Tie long hair behind your head. Do not wear a necktie,
scarf, loose clothing, or necklace when you work near
machine tools or moving parts. If these items were to get
caught, severe injury could result.
Remove rings and other jewelry to prevent electrical shorts
and entanglement in moving parts.
Use Proper Tools
Use tools appropriate to the work. Makeshift tools and
procedures can create safety hazards. Use power tools
only to loosen threaded parts and fasteners. For loosening
and tightening hardware, use the correct size tools. DO NOT use U.S. measurement tools on metric fasteners.
Avoid bodily injury caused by slipping wrenches. Use only
service parts meeting John Deere specifications.
Park Machine Safely
Wear Protective Clothing
MIF
Wear close fitting clothing and safety equipment
appropriate to the job.
Prolonged exposure to loud noise can cause impairment or
loss of hearing. Wear a suitable hearing protective device
Safety - 2
MIF
Before working on the machine:
1. Lower all equipment to the ground.
2. Stop the engine and remove the key.
3. Disconnect the battery ground strap.
4. Hang a “DO NOT OPERATE” tag in operator station.
SAFETY
Support Machine Properly and Use Proper
Lifting Equipment
MIF
If you must work on a lifted machine or attachment,
securely support the machine or attachment.
Do not support the machine on cinder blocks, hollow tiles,
or props that may crumble under continuous load. Do not
work under a machine that is supported solely by a jack.
Follow recommended procedures in this manual.
Lifting heavy components incorrectly can cause severe
injury or machine damage. Follow recommended
procedure for removal and installation of components in the
manual.
Work In Clean Area
Before starting a job:
1. Clean work area and machine.
Work In Ventilated Area
MIF
Engine exhaust fumes can cause sickness or death. If it is
necessary to run an engine in an enclosed area, remove
the exhaust fumes from the area with an exhaust pipe
extension.
If you do not have an exhaust pipe extension, open the
doors and get outside air into the area.
Warning: California Proposition 65 Warning
Gasoline engine exhaust from this product contains
chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer,
birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
Diesel engine exhaust and some of its constituents are
known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth
defects, and other reproductive harm.
Remove Paint Before Welding or Heating
2. Make sure you have all necessary tools to do your job.
3. Have the right parts on hand.
4. Read all instructions thoroughly; do not attempt
shortcuts.
Using High Pressure Washers
Directing pressurized water at electronic/electrical
components or connectors, bearings, hydraulic seals, fuel
injection pumps or other sensitive parts and components
may cause product malfunctions. Reduce pressure and
spray at a 45 to 90 degree angle.
Illuminate Work Area Safely
Illuminate your work area adequately but safely. Use a
portable safety light for working inside or under the
machine. Make sure the bulb is enclosed by a wire cage.
The hot filament of an accidentally broken bulb can ignite
spilled fuel or oil.
Avoid potentially toxic fumes and dust. Hazardous fumes
can be generated when paint is heated by welding,
soldering, or using a torch. Do all work outside or in a well
ventilated area. Dispose of paint and solvent properly.
Remove paint before welding or heating: If you sand or
grind paint, avoid breathing the dust. Wear an approved
respirator. If you use solvent or paint stripper, remove
stripper with soap and water before welding. Remove
solvent or paint stripper containers and other flammable
material from area. Allow fumes to disperse at least 15
minutes before welding or heating.
Service Tires Safely
MIF
Explosive separation of a tire and rim parts can cause
serious injury or death.
Do not attempt to mount a tire unless you have the proper
equipment and experience to perform the job.
Always maintain the correct tire pressure. Do not inflate the
tires above the recommended pressure. Never weld or heat
a wheel and tire assembly. The heat can cause an increase
in air pressure resulting in a tire explosion. Welding can
Safety - 3
SAFETY
structurally weaken or deform the wheel.
When inflating tires, use a clip-on chuck and extension
hose long enough to allow you to stand to one side and
NOT in front of or over the tire assembly. Use a safety cage
if available.
Check wheels for low pressure, cuts, bubbles, damaged
rims or missing lug bolts and nuts.
Service Cooling System Safely
Direct exposure to hazardous chemicals can cause serious
injury. Potentially hazardous chemicals used with John
Deere equipment include such items as lubricants,
coolants, paints, and adhesives.
A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) provides specific
details on chemical products: physical and health hazards,
safety procedures, and emergency response techniques.
Check the MSDS before you start any job using a
hazardous chemical. That way you will know exactly what
the risks are and how to do the job safely. Then follow
procedures and recommended equipment.
Dispose of Waste Properly
Improperly disposing of waste can threaten the
environment and ecology. Potentially harmful waste used
with John Deere equipment include such items as oil, fuel,
coolant, brake fluid, filters, and batteries. Use leakproof
containers when draining fluids. Do not use food or
beverage containers that may mislead someone into
drinking from them. Do not pour waste onto the ground,
down a drain, or into any water source. Inquire on the
proper way to recycle or dispose of waste from your local
environmental or recycling center, or from your John Deere
dealer.
MIF
Explosive release of fluids from pressurized cooling system
can cause serious burns.
Shut off machine. Only remove filler cap when cool enough
to touch with bare hands. Slowly loosen cap to first stop to
relieve pressure before removing completely.
Handle Chemical Products Safely
Live With Safety
MIF
Before returning machine to customer, make sure machine
is functioning properly, especially the safety systems. Install
all guards and shields.
DO NOT use these hand torque values if a different torque
value or tightening procedure is given for a specific
application. Torque values listed are for general use only
and include a ±10% variance factor. Check tightness of
fasteners periodically. DO NOT use air powered wrenches.
Shear bolts are designed to fail under predetermined loads.
Always replace shear bolts with identical grade.
Fasteners should be replaced with the same grade. Make
sure fastener threads are clean and that you properly start
thread engagement. This will prevent them from failing
when tightening.
When bolt and nut combination fasteners are used, torque
values should be applied to the NUT instead of the bolt
head.
Tighten toothed or serrated-type lock nuts to the full torque
value.
a “Lubricated” means coated with a lubricant such as
engine oil, or fasteners with phosphate and oil coatings.
“Dry” means plain or zinc plated (yellow dichromate Specification JDS117) without any lubrication.
Reference: JDS - G200.
Specifications Fastener Torques - 7
SPECIFICATIONS FASTENER TORQUES
Inch Fastener Torque Values
SAE
Grade
and Head
Markings
No Marks
1 or 2
b
5
5.1
5.2
8
8.2
5
8
SAE
Grade
and Nut
Markings
2
No Marks
MIF
Grade 1Grade 2bGrade 5, 5.1 or 5.2Grade 8 or 8.2
Lubricated a Dry aLubricated a Dry aLubricated a Dry aLubricated a Dry a
DO NOT use these hand torque values if a different torque
value or tightening procedure is given for a specific
application. Torque values listed are for general use only
and include a ±10% variance factor. Check tightness of
fasteners periodically. DO NOT use air powered wrenches.
Shear bolts are designed to fail under predetermined loads.
Always replace shear bolts with identical grade.
Fasteners should be replaced with the same grade. Make
sure fastener threads are clean and that you properly start
thread engagement. This will prevent them from failing
when tightening.
When bolt and nut combination fasteners are used, torque
values should be applied to the NUT instead of the bolt
head.
Tighten toothed or serrated-type lock nuts to the full torque
value.
a “Lubricated” means coated with a lubricant such as
engine oil, or fasteners with phosphate and oil coatings.
“Dry” means plain or zinc plated (yellow dichromate Specification JDS117) without any lubrication.
b “Grade 2” applies for hex cap screws (Not Hex Bolts) up
to 152 mm (6 in.) long. “Grade 1” applies for hex cap
screws over 152 mm (6 in.) long, and for all other types of
bolts and screws of any length.
Reference: JDS - G200
Specifications Fastener Torques - 8
SPECIFICATIONS GENERAL INFORMATION
General Information
Gasoline
4 - Cycle Engines
c
CAUTION: Avoid Injury! Gasoline is
HIGHLY FLAMMABLE, handle it with care.
DO NOT refuel machine while: indoors,
always fill gas tank outdoors; machine is
near an open flame or sparks; engine is
running, STOP engine; engine is hot, allow
it to cool sufficiently first; smoking.
Help prevent fires: fill gas tank to bottom of
filler neck only; be sure fill cap is tight after
fueling; clean up any gas spills
IMMEDIATELY; keep machine clean and in
good repair - free of excess grease, oil,
debris, and faulty or damaged parts; any
storage of machines with gas left in tank
should be in an area that is well ventilated
to prevent possible igniting of fumes by an
open flame or spark, this includes any
appliance with a pilot light. To prevent fire
or explosion caused by STATIC ELECTRIC
DISCHARGE during fueling:•ONLY use a
clean, approved POLYETHYLENE PLASTIC
fuel container and funnel WITHOUT any
metal screen or filter.
To avoid engine damage:
• DO NOT mix oil with gasoline;
• ONLY use clean, fresh unleaded gasoline with an octane rating (anti-knock index) of 87 or higher;
• fill gas tank at the end of each day's operation to help
prevent condensation from forming inside a partially filled
tank;
• keep up with specified service intervals.
Use of alternative oxygenated, gasohol blended, unleaded
gasoline is acceptable as long as:
MIF
IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! California
Proposition 65 Warning: Gasoline engine
exhaust from this product contains chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer,
birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
Gasoline Storage
IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Keep all dirt, scale,
water or other foreign material out of gasoline.
Keep gasoline stored in a safe, protected area. Storage of
gasoline in a clean, properly marked (“UNLEADED
GASOLINE”) POLYETHYLENE PLASTIC container
WITHOUT any metal screen or filter is recommended. DO
NOT use de-icers to attempt to remove water from gasoline
or depend on fuel filters to remove water from gasoline.
Use a water separator installed in the storage tank outlet.
BE SURE to properly discard unstable or contaminated
gasoline. When storing the machine or gasoline, it is
recommended that you add John Deere Gasoline Conditioner and Stabilizer (TY15977) or an equivalent to
the gasoline. BE SURE to follow directions on container
and to properly discard empty container.
• the ethyl or grain alcohol blends DO NOT exceed 10%
by volume or
• methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) blends DO NOT
exceed 15% by volume
RFG (reformulated) gasoline is acceptable for all machines
designed for use of regular unleaded fuel. Older machines
(that were designed for leaded fuel) may see some
accelerated valve and seat wear.
Specifications General Information - 9
SPECIFICATIONS GENERAL INFORMATION
4 - Cycle Gasoline Engine Oil
Use the appropriate oil viscosity based on the expected air
temperature range during the period between
recommended oil changes. Operating outside of these
recommended oil air temperature ranges may cause
premature engine failure.
The following John Deere oils are PREFERRED:
• PLUS - 4® - SAE 10W-40;
• TORQ - GARD SUPREME® - SAE 5W-30.
The following John Deere oils are also recommended,
based on their specified temperature range:
• TURF - GARD® - SAE 10W-30;
• PLUS - 4® - SAE 10W-30;
• TORQ - GARD SUPREME® - SAE 30.
Other oils may be used if above John Deere oils are not
available, provided they meet one of the following
specifications:
• SAE 10W-40 - API Service Classifications SG or higher;
• SAE 5W-30 - API Service Classification SG or higher;
• SAE 10W-30 - API Service Classifications SG or higher;
• SAE 30 - API Service Classification SC or higher.
Break-In Engine Oil - 4-Cycle Gasoline
IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! ONLY use a quality
break-in oil in rebuilt or remanufactured engines
for the first 5 hours (maximum) of operation. DO
NOT use oils with heavier viscosity weights than
SAE 5W-30 or oils meeting specifications API SG
or SH, these oils will not allow rebuilt or
remanufactured engines to break-in properly.
The following John Deere oil is PREFERRED:
• BREAK - IN ENGINE OIL.
John Deere BREAK - IN ENGINE OIL is formulated with
special additives for aluminum and cast iron type engines
to allow the power cylinder components (pistons, rings, and
liners as well) to “wear-in” while protecting other engine
components, valve train and gears, from abnormal wear.
Engine rebuild instructions should be followed closely to
determine if special requirements are necessary.
John Deere BREAK - IN ENGINE OIL is also
recommended for non-John Deere engines, both aluminum
and cast iron types.
The following John Deere oil is also recommended:
• TORQ - GARD SUPREME® - SAE 5W-30.
If the above recommended John Deere oils are not
available, use a break-in engine oil meeting the following
specification during the first 5 hours (maximum) of
operation:
• SAE 5W-30 - API Service Classification SE or higher.
SAE 10W-40
SAE 5W-30
PREFERRED
AIR TEMPERATURE
SAE 30
IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! After the break-in
period, use the John Deere oil that is
recommended for this engine.
SAE 10W-30
MIF
Specifications General Information - 10
SPECIFICATIONS GENERAL INFORMATION
JDM J20C
BREAK-IN OIL
SAE 5W-30
PREFERRED
AIR TEMPERATURE
MIF
Hydrostatic Transmission and Hydraulic Oil
Use the appropriate oil viscosity based on these air
temperature ranges. Operating outside of these
recommended oil air temperature ranges may cause
premature hydrostatic transmission or hydraulic system
failures.
IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Use only the oils
recommended. HY-GARD® - JDM J20C can be
mixed with 5W30 or 10W30 in this application.
Do not use LOW VISCOSITY HY - GARD® oil.
5W30 or 10W30
PREFERRED
AIR TEMPERATURE
MIF
The following John Deere transmission and hydraulic oil is
PREFERRED:
• HY-GARD® - JDM J20C.
The following John Deere oil is also recommended if above
preferred oil is not available:
• 5W30 or 10W30.
Other oils may be used if above recommended John Deere
oils are not available, provided they meet one of the
following specifications:
• John Deere Standard JDM J20C.
Specifications General Information - 11
SPECIFICATIONS GENERAL INFORMATION
Gear Case Oil
Use the appropriate oil viscosity based on the air
temperature ranges. Operating outside of these
recommended oil air temperature ranges may cause
premature gear case failure.
IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! ONLY use a quality
oil in this gear case. DO NOT mix any other oils
in this gear case. DO NOT use BIO-HY-GARD® in
this gear case.
The following John Deere gear case oil is PREFERRED:
• GL-5 GEAR LUBRICANT® - SAE 80W-90.
The following John Deere gear case oil is also
recommended if above preferred oil is not available:
• GL-5 GEAR LUBRICANT® - SAE 85W-140.
Other gear case oils may be used if above recommended
John Deere gear case oils are not available, provided they
meet the following specification:
• API Service Classification GL - 5.
Gear Transmission Grease
Use the following gear grease based on the air temperature
range. Operating outside of the recommended grease air
temperature range may cause premature gear
transmission failure.
IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! ONLY use a quality
gear grease in this transmission. DO NOT mix
any other greases in this transmission. DO NOT
use any BIO - GREASE in this transmission.
The following John Deere gear grease is PREFERRED:
Other greases may be used if above preferred John Deere
grease is not available, provided they meet the following
specification:
• John Deere Standard JDM J13E4, NLGI Grade 2.
SAE 80W-90
PREFERRED
AIR TEMPERATURE
SAE 85W-140
MIF
JDM J13E4
NLGI Grade 2
AIR TEMPERATURE
MIF
Alternative Lubricants
Use of alternative lubricants could cause reduced life of the
component.
If alternative lubricants are to be used, it is recommended
that the factory fill be thoroughly removed before switching
to any alternative lubricant.
Specifications General Information - 12
SPECIFICATIONS COOLANT SPECIFICATIONS
Synthetic Lubricants
Synthetic lubricants may be used in John Deere equipment
if they meet the applicable performance requirements
(industry classification and/or military specification) as
shown in this manual.
The recommended air temperature limits and service or
lubricant change intervals should be maintained as shown
in the operator’s manual, unless otherwise stated on
lubricant label.
Avoid mixing different brands, grades, or types of oil. Oil
manufacturers blend additives in their oils to meet certain
specifications and performance requirements. Mixing
different oils can interfere with the proper functioning of
these additives and degrade lubricant performance.
Lubricant Storage
All machines operate at top efficiency only when clean
lubricants are used. Use clean storage containers to
handle all lubricants. Store them in an area protected from
dust, moisture, and other contamination. Store drums on
their sides. Make sure all containers are properly marked
as to their contents. Dispose of all old, used containers and
their contents properly.
Coolant Specifications
Gasoline Engine Coolant
The engine cooling system when filled with a proper
dilution mixture of anti-freeze and deionized or distilled
water provides year-round protection against corrosion,
cylinder or liner pitting, and winter freeze protection down
to -37°C (-34°F).
This coolant satisfies specifications for “Automobile and
Light Duty Engine Service” and is safe for use in John
Deere Lawn and Grounds Care/Golf and Turf Division
equipment, including aluminum block gasoline engines and
cooling systems.
The above preferred pre-diluted anti-freeze provides:
• adequate heat transfer
• corrosion-resistant chemicals for the cooling system
• compatibility with cooling system hose and seal material
• protection during extreme cold and extreme hot weather
operations
Mixing of Lubricants
In general, avoid mixing different brands or types of
lubricants. Manufacturers blend additives in their lubricants
to meet certain specifications and performance
requirements. Mixing different lubricants can interfere with
the proper functioning of these additives and lubricant
properties which will downgrade their intended specified
performance.
Oil Filters
IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Filtration of oils is
critical to proper lubrication performance.
Always change filters regularly.
The following John Deere oil filters are PREFERRED:
• AUTOMOTIVE AND LIGHT TRUCK ENGINE OIL
FILTERS.
Most John Deere filters contain pressure relief and antidrainback valves for better engine protection.
Other oil filters may be used if above recommended John
Deere oil filters are not available, provided they meet the
following specification:
• ASTB Tested In Accordance With SAE J806.
• chemically pure water for better service life
• compliance with ASTM D4656 (JDM H24C2)
specifications
If above preferred pre-diluted coolant is not available, the
following John Deere concentrate is recommended:
• COOL-GARD® CONCENTRATED SUMMER
COOLANT CONCENTRATE™ (TY16034).
If either of above recommended engine coolants are
available use any Automobile and Light Duty Engine
Service ethylene glycol base coolant, meeting the following
specification:
• ASTM D4985 (JDM H24A2).
Read container label completely before using and follow
instructions as stated.
Specifications Coolant Specifications - 13
SPECIFICATIONS COOLANT SPECIFICATIONS
IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! To prevent engine
damage, DO NOT use pure anti-freeze or less
than a 50% anti-freeze mixture in the cooling
system. DO NOT mix or add any additives/
conditioners to the cooling system in Lawn and
Grounds Care/Golf and Turf Division equipment.
Water used to dilute engine coolant concentrate
must be of high quality - clean, clear, potable
water (low in chloride and hardness - Table 1) is
generally acceptable. DO NOT use salt water.
Deionized or distilled water is ideal to use.
Coolant that is not mixed to these specified
levels and water purity can cause excessive
scale, sludge deposits, and increased corrosion
potential.
PropertyRequirements
Total Solids, Maximum340 ppm (20 grns/gal)
Total Hardness, Maximum170 ppm (10 grns/gal)
Chloride (as Cl), Maximum40 ppm (2.5 grns/gal)
Sulfate (as SO4), Maximum 100 ppm (5.8 grns/gal)
Mix 50 percent anti-freeze concentrate with 50 percent
distilled or deionized water. This mixture and the pre-diluted
mixture (TY16036) will protect the cooling system down to 37°C (-34°F) and up to 108°C (226°F).
Certain geographical areas may require lower air
temperature protection. See the label on your anti-freeze
container or consult your John Deere dealer to obtain the
latest information and recommendations.
Gasoline Engine Coolant Drain Interval
When using John Deere Pre-Diluted (TY16036) Automobile
and Light Duty Engine Service coolants, drain and flush the
cooling system and refill with fresh coolant mixture every
36 months or 3,000 hours of operation, whichever comes
first.
When using John Deere Concentrate (TY16034)
Automobile and Light Duty Engine Service coolants, drain
and flush the cooling system and refill with fresh coolant
mixture every 24 months or 2,000 hours of operation,
whichever comes first.
If above John Deere Automobile and Light Duty Engine
Service coolants are not being used; drain, flush, and refill
the cooling system according to instructions found on
product container or in equipment operator’s manual or
technical manual.