John Deere LT155 Problems And Troubleshooting Guide
John Deere is the go-to brand for many landscapers because of their extensive catalog of garden tractors. They have been in this business for over a hundred years, and their quality has never seen any decline.
The brand offers a wide range of lawnmowers at different price ranges, making them a great option for just about anyone. The LT series of lawnmowers by them is catered towards homeowners who want to keep their front lawn or backyard neat and tidy.
But if I had to pick one, in particular, I would always recommend going with the LT155. It’s a moderately priced mid-tier mower that will serve you perfectly in any situation.
But like any mower out there, it is not free entirely of issues. There are a couple of problems that may come up, especially if you don’t take care of the lawnmower from time to time. Thankfully, most of these issues are easily fixed, and regular maintenance can prevent further issues in the future.
In this article, I will talk about some of the common problems that can occur in your John Deere LT155 and help you understand what you need to do to fix these issues. So, without any further delay, let’s get started.
Common Problems With The LT155 And How To Fix Them
The LT155 is a fantastic mower for the price and should serve you well if you treat it right. But if you start noticing any issues with your mower, then you need to fix them as early as possible.
Otherwise, the issues will pile up, and at one point, it will be too hard or expensive to repair it. So here are a couple of common issues that people have faced with their John Deere LT155 and their solutions.
1. Trouble Starting Engine Or Hard Start
Engine troubles in John Deere lawnmowers aren’t exactly new. But that doesn’t mean the quality of the engine is poor. It just means you haven’t been properly taking care of your mower, and this oversight is causing the engine to act up and malfunction.
Engine issues show themselves in different ways. You might notice that your engine is not firing up, or even if it does, it is running roughly. Regardless of what issue crop up, the answer is the same. You need to diagnose the engine and repair it as needed.
The LT155 features a Kohler 15 HP engine which is quite powerful for a small-sized garden-variety mower. Before anything else, check the oil level in your mower and top it off if the level is too low. Sometimes the simplest solution is the right one, and if you are lucky, your engine should start up after a quick refuel.
Make sure you are using high-quality gasoline, though, as poor gas can turn stale pretty fast and also leave deposits in the tank which can cause engine issues in the future. If the old gas has turned stale, you need to drain the tank before using fresh gasoline.
If that doesn’t fix the problem, check for any loose connections and wiring. Also, take out the spark plug and inspect it for any damage. Spark plugs can be replaced pretty easily, and they are also quite cheap. You should also clean the fuel filter, as a blockage can cause the engine to start hard.
After trying everything, if the engine still doesn’t start up, it probably is related to the carburetor. You might need to adjust the float level, and the engine should start up.
2. Hydrostatic Transmission Issues
Another component that may be of some concern in a John Deere LT155 is its transmission system. Like most John Deere lawnmowers, this one too comes with a hydrostatic transmission, that uses hydraulic pump to generate engine power that ultimately rotates the wheels.
A hydrostatic transmission system is pretty amazing at driving your vehicle, but it is also delicate and requires some babying if you want it to last. For instance, if the drive axle or the metal hose inside the system is damaged, you will face issues driving the vehicle.
Other elements that can affect the transmission are oil viscosity and cavitation. For those that don’t know, cavitation occurs when air gets inside the transmission system and prevents pressure generation. If that happens, you need to purge your transmission system to remove the air inside it.
Purging the system also helps if you suddenly notice a sluggish performance from your mower. If purging didn’t help, clean the pump and add more fuel. Additionally, check for any leaks in the hoses and if you find any replace the hose.
3. Fuel Pump Issues
Although rare, sometimes you might notice weird issues in your mower because of the fuel pump. You might see your mower is starting or shutting down abruptly for no apparent reason. If that happens, you should check the fuel pump to make sure it is working as intended.
Firstly, check if the pump is connected properly. The wiring may come loose, in which case you just need to reset the connections, and it should be fine. If the wiring is damaged, you might need to replace them.
You should also check for dirt and debris blocking up the fuel filter. You need to clean the blockages right away, or they can accumulate and damage the filter. If the filter is too far gone, it’s best to replace it as soon as possible.
4. Starter Troubles
If your mower refuses to start up and the engine is not the culprit, then the electric starter might be the problem. Without proper maintenance, starter issues are pretty common in any lawnmower.
The diagnosis is simple. First, look for any wirings and connections that may have come loose in the electrical system. Check the wiring in the battery and make sure everything is working as it should. Recharge the battery, too, while you are at it.
Sometimes the battery can cause this problem, and if that is the reason behind your issue, then you might need to replace the battery. Also, check the main fuse and make sure it has not blown. If yes, then replace the main fuse.
With some luck, your starter troubles should disappear with one of these solutions. But if the problem persists, you should take it to an auto repair shop for an in-depth checkup.
5. Steering Issues
Sometimes people complain that their mower is not steering properly. The wheel gets stuck in the left position or refuses to turn at all. Needless to say, this can be a major safety issue and needs solving right away to prevent any serious accidents.
Unfortunately, since this indicates a problem in the mechanical components, I would strongly advise against trying to fix it yourself. It is best to contact a nearby garage, and they can send over a mechanic who can take a look at it and help you find a solution.
Of course, if you want to do it yourself, I won’t stop you. The components you need to inspect are the rack gear, the pinion gear, and the drive belts. If the issue derives from the drive belt, the solution is simple, tighten the tension or replace it. But if it’s a problem with the gears, you should contact a professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
With the issues mostly covered, it’s only natural for you to still have some questions about the John Deere LT155, especially if you are on the fence about getting one for yourself. So here are a couple of common questions that people have asked me in the past about this machine.
1. What type of engine does the John Deere LT155 feature?
The John Deere LT155 comes with a four-stroke 15 HP Kohler engine with 26 cubic inches of displacement rate. It can hold 1.8 liters of oil and has a Tuff-Torq K51A transmission system.
2. How do I keep my John Deere LT155 in good condition?
There’s really no secret to keeping your John Deere LT155 in good condition. All you need to do is service it properly every few months. You should check the air and fuel filters from time to time and replace them as necessary. The same goes for the spark plug in the engine.
Final Thoughts
Despite some flaws, the John Deere LT155 is actually a pretty amazing mower. It is priced well and gives you your money’s worth if you treat it well. For any small or medium-sized lawns, this is a fantastic investment.
But I would strongly suggest servicing it properly once every six months and giving it a basic tune-up every month. This would ensure you get the best performance from your mower for as long as possible.
I hope my in-depth discussion on the different John Deere LT155 problems could help you diagnose and fix your mower. Good luck!
