John Deere 757 Problems And Troubleshooting Guide

John Deere has always been an A-lister in the world of lawnmowers. The brand caters to a wide variety of users. So, whether you shop in the budget range, or prefer a high-end, expensive mower for your lawn, chances us John Deere has something for you to buy.
Now, the 757 Ztrak by the brand is undoubtedly one of the best out there. It’s not a cheap one by any means, but if you have one or have your eyes set on buying one, you are on the right track.
Unfortunately, though, there are some issues with this lawnmower that you should know about beforehand. Some of the common problems of the John Deere 757 are engine backfire, lean running condition, failed clutch, etc.
But then again, these issues are common with pretty much any lawnmower if you don’t take care of your vehicle. Thankfully, there are ways to fix all the problems if you have the right know-how.
In this article, I will talk about some of the issues that you may be facing with your John Deere 757 and help you figure out how to fix them. So, without further delay, let’s jump in.
John Deere 757 – A Quick Overview
Before I get to the issues, let’s talk a bit about the John Deere 757. If you are on the fence about this vehicle, perhaps this will help you commit to a decision.
The 757 is a pretty powerful mower featuring a 25 HP Kawasaki engine. By using top-tier fuel with this engine, you can bring out the best performance. It is designed to run for long stretches of time without any overheating issues to worry about.
With a cutting deck width of 60 inches, this mower can make short work of almost any lawn. The deck is made with 7-gauge steel making it extremely durable and efficient at cutting grass. There is very little risk of the deck failing you.
As for the fuel tank, it can hold up to 36 liters – so the capacity is pretty decent. With a complete tank, you should be able to mow any medium-sized lawn three or four times without worrying about a refill.
Another impressive feature of the unit is the design of the air intake. With a foam pre-cleaner in the air filter, the John Deere 757 drastically reduces the chance of pollutants entering the mower’s body. So, you won’t have to worry about anything in terms of its durability.
5 Common Problems With The John Deere 757 And How To Fix Them
Now that you have a basic idea about what the John Deere 757 offers, let’s get to the gist of things – the problems. Remember, regular maintenance can help your mower last longer.
And if you are using anything other than premium gasoline with your mower, you are cutting down its longevity significantly. With that said, let’s take a look at five of the most common issues that come up with the John Deere 757 Ztrak lawnmower.
1. Frequent Engine Backfire
The most common issue that frequently comes up, even with a relatively new John Deere 757 lawnmower, is that the engine backfires. But the truth is, this is almost always a fault from the operator’s end. Using cheap, octane gasoline with the mower is the main culprit behind this issue.
You see, since octane gasoline comes with more additives compared to high-quality, premium gasoline, a phenomenon called “detonation” occurs while the machine is running. The engine heats up more, and the heat transmits to the cylinder. This is what causes the explosive sound in the engine.
So, you can already see how much fuel quality matters for a mower such as the John Deere 757. With premium gasoline for the engine, the mower will have no backfiring issues. The fuel will burn slower and will give you more mileage out of a single refill.
2. Blade Clutch Failure
Blade clutch failing is another issue that can come up with your John Deere 757 mower. This usually occurs as an after-effect of an overheated engine. When the engine heats up, it can transmit heat to other components like the crankshaft, which can eventually lead to failed blade clutch.
Other factors that can lead to this issue include stretched or broken hoses or wires, along with leakage in the cylinders. If it is occurring because of engine overheating, then using high-quality fuel should fix it. However, if the issue is because of failing components, it’s best to take it to the workshop.
3. Lean Running Conditions
If the air to fuel mixture ratio is not optimal, all sorts of issues can come up in your John Deere mower. The lean running condition occurs mainly when the air amount is greater in the mixture. It can lead to engine overheating and can even cause burnout in the engine if you don’t tackle the issue head-on.
Typically, lean running conditions can occur in any lawnmower after a year or two of service. As dirt and debris inside the engine build up, it can lead to faults in the air to fuel mixture ratio. Another reason for this to happen is if there is residual fuel leftover in the mower throughout the winter.
To fix this, the first thing to do is to clean up the dirt and grime from the engine and other components in the vehicle. You should also drain any fuel from inside the mower and refuel it with premium-quality gasoline. Cleaning your mower once a month can prevent this issue from reoccurring.
4. Inefficient Fuel Delivery
If you suddenly notice inefficient fuel usage in your John Deere 757, the carburetor is probably clogged. Sometimes leakage in the fuel lines or the hoses can cause unusual fuel delivery. To restore efficiency, all you need to do is unclog the carburetor and repair any damage in the fuel lines.
Removing carburetor blockage is pretty easy. Just gain access to it by opening up your mower and cleaning it with a rag. But if the fuel line is corroded or damaged, you might need to replace it. I would recommend getting a second opinion from a professional before trying to repair it yourself.
5. Faulty Belt And Pulley
If you have had a John Deere 757 in your arsenal for a while, you might see that the pulleys in your mower started to flop over time. Taking off the pulley, you will notice that the internal mechanism got extremely greasy. At this point, you need to replace the pulley.
For old V-shaped belts, you can find a good replacement from the manufacturer. Of course, you also have the option to go with a third-party pulley, but personally, I would recommend sticking with John Deere belts for your John Deere 757 mower. The Kevlar V-design belt is a decent alternative, too.
With the Kevlar belt, you will get a higher tension from the pulley, and its non-slip technology means no more pulley mishaps. The cutting strength of the Kevlar is on par with the one that John Deere offers, in my opinion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the answers to a couple of questions that people often have about the John Deere 757 lawnmower
1. What type of Engine does the John Deere 757 lawnmower come with?
The lawnmower features a 25 HP Kawasaki engine which is a true powerhouse.
2. What’s the width of the cutting deck in this lawnmower?
Manufactured from a solid 7-gauge steel piece, the John Deere 757’s cutting deck is 60 inches wide.
3. How much gas can the John Deere 757 hold?
The gasoline capacity of the John Deere 757 is around 36 liters which translates to 6.5 gallons.
4. Is the John Deere 757 good enough for a medium-sized lawn?
Because of the wide cutting deck and supreme engine performance, the John Deere 757 is actually a pretty fantastic mower for any moderate to small-sized lawn.
Just make sure the lawn is even, as it seems to struggle a bit if the terrain gets too rough.
Final Thoughts
If you don’t take regular care of your lawnmowers, you can’t really expect premium performance for long. Over time, you will notice a gradual decline in its performance, and after a while, the vehicle will feel extremely sluggish. So, make sure you don’t skip maintenance day.
As you can clearly see, most of the issues that come up with the John Deere 757 come up because of poor maintenance. By taking good care of your vehicle, you will be able to prevent most, if not all, of the problems that I listed above.
I hope my troubleshooting guide for the John Deere 757 could help you tackle any issues that you may be facing with it. Good luck!