How to Start a John Deere Lawn Tractor
You can always spot a John Deere lawn tractor by its traditional bright green and yellow paint job. The company manufactures a wide range of tractors to meet every need. John Deere tractors range from 18 horsepower to 450 horsepower. To mow a medium, or even a large-size yard, the tractors with the lowest horsepower have plenty of muscle to do the job.
Lift up the tractor hood and pull the engine oil dipstick. Add oil, if needed. Check the gas tank. Add fuel, if needed.
- You can always spot a John Deere lawn tractor by its traditional bright green and yellow paint job.
Sit on the seat facing the front of the tractor. This may sound like an obvious step, but it's a "must." The newer John Deere tractors are equipped with safety switches. If there's no operator on the seat, the tractor won't start.
Insert the key into the ignition of the John Deere tractor.
Push down the clutch pedal and check the gear shift to make sure the transmission is in neutral. Engage the emergency brake. If you don't set the brake, chances are, the John Deere lawn tractor won't start. (Another safety feature.)
- Sit on the seat facing the front of the tractor.
- Insert the key into the ignition of the John Deere tractor.
Check to make sure the blades are disengaged or the tractor won't start. Make sure the power take-off switch is shut off.
If the engine is cold, pull out the choke all the way. If the John Deere lawn tractor engine is warm, pull out the choke halfway.
Hold the brake pedal down. Move the throttle lever to the "Start" position. Turn the key to start the lawn tractor. Move the throttle to the "Run" position and push in the choke all the way.
- Check to make sure the blades are disengaged or the tractor won't start.
- Move the throttle to the "Run" position and push in the choke all the way.
Determine The Age Of Your John Deere Lawn Tractor
You may be surprised to learn that not all John Deere lawn tractors sport traditional green and yellow. In 1969, John Deere produced lawn tractors with customized hoods and seats in four colors: red, orange, yellow and blue. The entire tractor, other than the hood and seat, was painted white. Pinpointing the age of a vintage John Deere lawn tractor is as simple as checking its color. This metal plate attached to the frame of the mower provides you with the tractor’s model and serial number. Tags may be located under the hood or along the front on older models. Each list contains one decade of lawn tractors. Search for the model number in the first column labeled “Model” on the left hand side of the chart. Model numbers appear in numerical order from lowest to highest. This lists a range of serial numbers. Look to the column to the left to determine the manufacture date of your lawn tractor.
- You may be surprised to learn that not all John Deere lawn tractors sport traditional green and yellow.
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Writer Bio
Kayar Sprang has been a professional freelance writer and researcher since 1999. She has had articles published by clients like Kraft Foods, "Woman's Day" magazine and Mom Junction. Sprang specializes in subjects she has expertise in, including gardening and home improvement. She lives on and maintains a multi-acre farm.
