Top 3 Common John Deere L111 Problems And Troubleshooting Guide
Lawnmowers are finicky machines. On a good day, they work perfectly. But even the slightest bit of neglect in your maintenance duties can cause it to act up. And before you know it, the performance of the mower takes a hit, and you can see it clearly when you take it out for a mowing project.
In an ideal world, you would spend a couple of hours each week cleaning up the insides of your lawnmower and checking up on all the internal components. However, that’s a lot to ask, and not everyone can afford to give that much time to cater to their lawn vehicles.
Even when you have a high-end lawnmower like the John Deere L111 in your arsenal, there’s no guarantee that it will work perfectly all the time. Lack of maintenance can lead to poor engine performance and battery problems, among other things. And when these problems come up, you need to deal with them.
There are two benefits to knowing how to do some basic troubleshooting for your lawnmower. Firstly, you would save a lot of money since you don’t have to take your vehicle to the service shop for every other problem.
And secondly, even if your mower breaks down in the middle of a job, you can fix it and finish up without having to stop for the day.
In this article, I will talk in greater detail about the different problems that may come up in your John Deere L111 lawnmower and help you learn some basic troubleshooting tricks to fix them. So, without further ado. Let’s get started.
Common Issues With The John Deere L111 And How To Fix Them
Here are some of the common problems that people have complained about with their John Deere L111 and their possible fixes.
1. Engine Troubles
Let’s start with a couple of engine problems that you might face with the John Deere L111.
The Engine Doesn’t Start
An engine that doesn’t start is definitely a cause for concern for any user. But it’s a pretty common problem, and a couple of things might be behind this problem. The first thing to check of course is the fuel. Wrong fuel grade or an empty gas tank will prevent the engine from starting.
So, make sure you check the fuel and refill it with the right grade of fuel if needed. If the fuel is stale, you also need to replace it. You should also check the spark plug wires and replace any plugs that’s damaged. If the fuel filter is blocked, replace or clean the filters.
Engine Lacks Power
If you suddenly notice a drastic decline in engine power, then that can be a sign of an overheating engine. So, you need to inspect the air filters, the cooling fins, and the engine oil level. If the fins are damaged, you need to replace them. Otherwise, just clean the filters and top off the engine oil.
It can also indicate a faulty governor, fuel pump, or carburetor. So, inspect these components and repair them as needed. If it seems a bit too complicated for you, take the vehicle to a service shop for repairs. Finally, check the engine compression and adjust it as you see fit.
Inefficient Fuel Use
Another problem that you might notice with the John Deere L111 is that the engine uses up too much fuel. This usually means the choke opening is insufficient and replacing the throttle cable should fix it. The carburetor might also be malfunctioning, so adjust or repair it too.
2. Issues With The Electrical System
The electrical system in your John Deere L111 lawnmower can also show some problems that requires immediate attention.
Starter Will Not Work
If the starter motor in your lawnmower doesn’t crank, then start with a quick check of the main fuse. You need to replace the fuse if the old one is blown. Poor connections in the battery terminal can also cause the starter to malfunction. So, check the wirings around the battery terminals and also recharge the battery.
Other reasons behind this problem include a faulty ignition switch or starter switch. In that case, your only option is to replace these components. But you should only do that after checking the wirings and the fuse.
The Battery Will Not Charge
If the battery in your John Deere L111 refuses to charge or drains quickly after charging, then you need to know how to fix it. The first thing to try here is to use a different charger and see if that’s what’s causing the problem.
But if the battery doesn’t charge with the new charger either, then you need to inspect the wiring in the battery. Check the terminals thoroughly and clean any debris that may have built up. However, if the cells are damaged, you need to buy a new battery for your vehicle.
3. Problems With The Deck
Here are a couple of common issues related to the deck of the John Deere L111 that you might face over the years.
The Discharge Chute Gets Clogged
It’s normal for the discharge chute to get clogged if you don’t clean it up from time to time. But if the clog occurs even when you clean it regularly, then that indicates a different problem. This means either the grass is too tall, and you need to set the cutting height higher, or you are driving the mower too fast.
Sometimes, reduced engine RPM and airflow restriction can also lead to the discharge chute getting clogged. To fix the RPM issue, open the choke in your mower wide and set higher revs in the vehicle to fix the airflow restriction. Finally, check if the grass is wet, as that can also cause the chute to get clogged.
Scalping Grass
Your John Deere L111 is designed to deliver a smooth and precise cut when you mow your lawn. But sometimes, you might notice that instead of cutting through the grass cleanly, it scalps the grass and leaves your lawn looking untidy. The first thing to check here is the tire pressure in the wheels.
If the tires are uneven, then you need to inflate the tires, and that should fix the problem. You might also need to adjust the cutting height or blade speed in your lawnmower if the problem persists. In addition, check the roller heights in the mower’s deck and make sure they are adjusted properly.
Uneven Cuts
If the cutting height in your lawnmower becomes uneven, then you will not enjoy mowing your lawn with it. Instead of making your lawn look fresh, the uneven patches of grass will make it look downright ugly. So, you need to figure out what’s causing the problem and fix it right away.
The most obvious culprit here is the blades. If the blades are dull or damaged, you need to replace the blades. Resharpening them can also fix the problem if the blades are not damaged too severely. You should also make sure you are not driving too fast, as using fast speed can lead to uneven cuts.
Frequently Asked Questions
The John Deere L111 is a very popular lawnmower among casual users. Its compact design and top-notch performance make it a solid choice for just about anyone. In this section, I will address some of the questions that people have asked me about this particular model to help you get a better idea about its quality.
1. What are the main features of the John Deere L111?
The John Deere L111 is a two-wheel driven lawnmower with a Briggs & Stratton 40 engine. It has two 0.7-liter gasoline cylinders, and thanks to its 7.9 gallons of fuel capacity, you should be able to get a decent uptime with the vehicle.
The unit features a mid-mounted 42-inch mower deck that’s perfect for any small to moderate lawn size.
2. Is the John Deere L111 affordable?
With a price tag of around 1800 dollars, the John Deere L111 is a fantastic investment for people who are on a tight budget.
Of course, it lacks the ability to handle heavy-duty projects, but for a residential setting, the mower is a great choice. A homeowner who wants to do some basic mowing should get good use out of this lawnmower.
Final Thoughts
The main idea behind the John Deere L111 is to provide homeowners with an affordable yet efficient way to mow their front lawns. While seasoned professionals or contractors might not go with this one for simple tasks, the quality of this unit is undeniable.
So, if the lawnmower meets your requirements, you will be quite happy with the performance it promises. But then again, you need to be prepared for the inevitable maintenance duties that come with a mower of this caliber.
Ignoring that can lead to all of these issues, which can be a hassle to deal with. I hope my article on the different John Deere L111 problems could help you resolve any issues you might be having with this lawnmower. Good luck!
