John Deere has designed the D170 model exclusively for more extensive commercial and residential mowing works. It’s the best beast for challenging terrains, thanks to its ultimate control, comfort, versatility, and excellent turning.
Moreover, with its 4-cylinder, air-cooled engine, the John Deere D170 mower can operate at the fastest speed of about 8.8km per hour. But besides its premium features and performance, you will also get some issues as part of the D170 mower.
Some of the major issue with John Deere D170 are:
- Engine Shuts Down
- The Engine Emits Knocking Sounds
- The Engine is Running Slowly
- Transmission Problems
- Low Compression
- Spark Plug Problems
- Poor Performance for Loose Blades
- Clogged Chute
- Issues with Drive Belt
- Clogged Carburetor Problems
This article will explain the common problems with the John Deere D170 lawn tractor and their reliable solutions to resolve them. So continue reading for a better understanding!
Common John Deere D170 Problems & Their Fixes
John Deere D170 is on the top performing lawn tractors by john deere which ensures to offer efficiency and comfort simultaneously. Like another piece of machinery, you are likely to face some problems while running it, but it’s manageable. So it will not make your mowing experience anything less than perfect.
Regular checks and basic maintenance allow you to keep your mower running perfectly. This article will guide you through the possible problems and solutions.
1. Engine Shuts Down
The engine can shut down suddenly due to sticky debris like grass. So you must check the choke lever’s position, especially during the winter.
The Fix:
Engage the lever when using the mower in the winter, and this adjustment won’t allow cold air to enter the engine.
However, remember that you shouldn’t leave the lever in this position, as the engine will shut down without proper airflow. So disengage the lever once the engine gets heated.
2. The Engine Emits Knocking Sounds
Many consumers have reported that their John Deere D170 produces knocking sounds. Interestingly, it’s among the most prevalent issues with the D170 model, although it’s not a loud machine.
One of the key causes behind this problem is fuel quality. It can indicate using stale fuel – the ones that remain stored in open containers for many days. A stale gas-type fuel actually degrades from a well-preserved one.
On the other hand, a knocking sound from the engine is even an indication of decreased oil levels or plugged air filter.
The Fix:
Check the fuel tank to make sure of the fuel quality. If it’s the stale type, drain and refill the tank with well-contained fuel.
Look for the oil level. If it has decreased, add fuel to attain the correct oil level.
In the case of plugged air filter, replace it entirely, as cleaning it might not help. However, first, wipe the housing and then set the new filter. The dirty filter housing will let the debris easily enter the engine.
3. The Engine is Running Slowly
A perfect carburetor and a powerful spark plug are responsible for the efficient running of the John Deere D170. However, the engine will run slowly if any of these parts malfunction or are faulty.
The Fix:
First, inspect whether or not the plug is dirty or the gap isn’t precise. To do so, remove it from the mower when it’s off. Then, clean the plug and adjust the gap if necessary.
However, please don’t hit the plug against a table or wall, as it can cause damage. So try to utilize a ground strap.
4. Transmission Problems
Another reported problem in the John Deere mowers is transmission failure. The D170 machine converts mechanical power into fluid power and then transforms this fluid power into shaft power.
This machine delivers enough torque to provide you generally about 5,000 hours. So you won’t have to worry about significant maintenance of your mower before it. But there are exceptions too!
The Fix:
If your John Deere D170 is showing transmission issues, take it off the machine and install a new one if found faulty. However, check the transmission system precisely before you return it.
5. Low Compression
Your John Deere D170 mower can suffer from starting problems due to low compression factors. However, there are solutions to deal with low compression problems.
The Fix:
After removing the tractor hood, remove the spark plug using your spark plug wrench. Then, cut the connection of the ignition coil after attaching a compressor tester with the spark plug hole.
6. Spark Plug Problems
A faulty spark plug can even hinder the normal functioning of your D170 mower. It is usually not a big issue but can annoy users.
The Fix:
A low-grade air plug will wear out within months. So use an A-grade air plug to save yourself from frequent replacement.
The pins can even get corroded, degrading their condition. Take a paper towel to wipe the rusty or black tip. However, if they are entirely damaged, replace them.
Also Read:
7. Poor Performance for Loose Blades
Your John Deere D170 mower may not perform well due to loosening blades. However, blades can become loose for disengaged bypass levers and unfastened parking brakes.
The Fix:
To balance the blades, follow the steps below –
Place the machine on any flat surface and cut the battery connection.
Set the cutting height to 3 inches to get enough space to work beneath the deck.
Make sure that the blades are facing you. Then, measure the gap between both the blades and the ground. It should be exactly 3 inches. If not, adjust it to achieve that measurement.
Adjust the blade screws if they are too loose or tight.
Also Read: How to Sharpen Lawn Mower Blades?
8. Clogged Chute
The discharge chute ensures the safety of the mower and its users, along with correct functioning. It shields the machine’s body from debris and cut grass. So problems can occur if the chute gets choked up with debris.
The Fix:
To avoid clogging the chute, you must always keep it clean. So check it regularly. Too much grass can choke the chute. In this case, you can use a blower to clean the bag effectively.
On the other hand, your way of using the mower can often plug the chute. This mower can cut long grass, even on a low-cutting level. Besides making the cut less efficient, tall grass even chokes the chute easily.
However, you can resolve this issue by adjusting the deck height properly. Furthermore, try to cut tall grasses gradually rather than cutting them all at once.
9. Issues with Drive Belt
The drive belt distributes the energy between the blades and the engine. If you find any sign of this belt slipping, it can be due to poor tension.
The Fix:
- You will know the right tension level by checking the manual.
- However, drive belt problems can even occur due to debris accumulation. So clean it thoroughly.
- Replace a damaged or torn belt with a new one.
10. Clogged Carburetor Problems
Your mower will halt soon after it starts due to a clogged carburetor. Carburetors usually get clogged because of dirt. However, if fuel remains stored inside the tank for a very long time, it can cause carburetor problems.
The fuel inside gets thicker with time as its elements evaporate gradually, severely clogging the carburetor.
The Fix:
Avoid storing old fuel within the tank for longer. You can even try to clean the carburetor. If it still doesn’t fix the issue, replace the carburetor.
This should resolve the issue, improving the mower’s performance.
Customer Reviews about John Deere D170
The John Deere D170 packs an air-cooled engine utilizing 1.9 liters of fuel. The engine stays completely lubricated until its operation. Moreover, its regular fuel tank can hold nearly 15.1 liters of gasoline.
According to some customers, the D170’s performance is worse than other durable lawnmowers. However, its withstand ability is more than several mowers. And the John Deere D170 outclass all others in durability.
Final Thoughts
The John Deere D170 is an excellent mower within an affordable price range. Although you can face a few troubles with this model, its versatility and pro features exceed the downsides. And no machines are free from faults.
Moreover, the problems you will likely face with the John Deere D170 are also minor. You can fix most of these issues without professional help.
FAQs
The John Deere D170 mower runs on a Husqvarna CARB 24-HP V-twin engine.
The John Deere D170 features a three-blade 54-inch mower deck.
If your mower isn’t starting, it can be primarily due to a bad battery or poor connection between the starter and the battery.
