The John Deere X320 is a popular budget-friendly lawn mower designed for mowing larger plots of land smoothly and efficiently. This model is the first lineup of the brand’s X300 series featuring two-wheel steering.
While John Deere is well-recognized and a top contender in purchasing lists, the X320 model is considered safe. However, it doesn’t mean you won’t face any issues with it. Like other mowers, the John Deere X320 can show some problems, especially after over-extended usage and in different conditions.
This article will discuss some of the common issues with this lawn mower that customers reported online and easy solutions to fix them. Keep reading below!
Common Problems With John Deere X320
The John Deere X320 packs many valuable features for which this model enjoys high customer ratings. The machine runs on a V-twin 22-horsepower engine, making it ideal for a big workload and uneven terrain.
However, this mower doesn’t pack a hydraulic lift system. Although it’s a downside, the good part is that you won’t have to stress about maintaining a complex system. The primary concern about the John Deere X320 is the electrical systems, the battery, and the engine.
Let’s take an in-depth look at the problems below!
1. Low RPM Problem
Some customers reported facing trouble with low RPM in the X320 model at wide-open throttle (WOT). You might think the engine has become more active, but it’s not as much as you expect. In fact, the engine appears to function more like a weak one.
However, the fascinating fact is that you will still have a functioning tractor even after this problem. And you can fix this low RPM issue independently.
Solutions to Fix it
Factors causing low RPMs in mowers include a clogged fuel filter, bad spark plugs, bad fuel, and a broken coil.
First, check the coil. Check if it can produce sufficient heat to combat a weak and hot spark. If not, change the coil, and your problem will be fixed.
If it doesn’t still fix the issue, try to replace the air cleaner, oil, fuel filter, and greasing. However, while changing the fuel filter, make sure to orient it properly for the best result.
But if the issue persists, seek professional help.
2. No spark on Both Plugs
Seeing no spark on your mower’s two plugs is not surprising. However, if it’s the issue, the motor won’t start.
The engine consumes the heat generated by the plug sparks to get started. So if the plugs don’t produce sparks, the engine will also not start.
Solutions to Fix it
Is your mower’s control module fine? Check it out now! In most cases, the plug fails to produce sparks because of an unresponsive or faulty control module.
One of the most common issues with the X320 model is losing the controller module. So please change it to fix the problem.
3. Engine Overheating
Another issue reported with this John Deere mower is overheating of the engine, and the engine overheating gives rise to various issues. You may need to slow down the mowing speed and lighten the load to minimize the strain.
Furthermore, engine overheating can escalate the component wear and tear exponentially, which will cost you more in the long term. So let’s find the possible reasons and fixes to them!
Possible Causes & Solutions to Fix it
A major reason behind overheating is a blocked air intake screen. The blocked air intake prevents fresh air to enter the engine that is necessary to push out the old, hot air. Thus, you need to clean the clogged air intake screen to allow the flow of fresh air inside.
Another leading cause of overheating is the fuel type used in your machine. So first, look at whether the oil level is sufficiently high. If the oil level is low, more friction will be produced, and eventually, more heat will be generated.
Next, check the oil viscosity. If the oil is too old and in freezing temperature, the oil quality deteriorates and affects viscosity.
4. John Deere X320 Transmission Malfunctioning
Case 1
The John Deere X320 is one of many models to face this trouble. Ideally, the most common part that is likely to break in tractors or mowers is the transmission.
So your mower might be only moving forward or backward.
In most cases, users face issues with reverse paddles that don’t appear to have any pressure. Eventually, paddles don’t turn or move the wheels. It happens due to transmission issues.
If excess oil accumulates in the carburetor, it usually damages the transmission.
Solutions to Fix it
First of all, check the oil in the carburetor. Smell for oil after removing the dipstick – you may smell gasoline. Now, you will have to clear out the oil.
But you may only be able to do it partially. So you can get a new carburetor replacing the old one and take proper care of it. Apart from this, you can set an in-line shut-off valve to make the carburetor fuel-proof in the long run.
Case 2
All users are most likely to experience transmission issues sooner or later. The transmission may stop functioning after working for 700 to 900 hours.
Not surprisingly, it’s a common scenario with the transmission, so there is nothing to worry about. The quick solution is replacing or fixing the transmission.
Solutions to Fix Them
John Deere X320 packs the Tuff-Torq K58 transmission that can operate for 900 hours. Thus, it’s not unlikely to see your mower not working after 900 hours of mowing.
So what you can do is try employing the 5W50 synthetic motor oil. If the problem persists, brush off the scratches in the internal parts and wait.
5. Carburetor Issues on John Deere X320
John Deere is a well-recognized manufacturer of durable mowers and tractors. People trust the brand because of their high-quality products. But you are likely to face trouble even with the best machines from the best brands.
While some issues are very common, others aren’t. However, one of the very common issues reported by many users is the carburetor. The carburetor is an important part of a machine’s engine system.
Carburetors help control air burn and fuel (diesel or gasoline) within the engine. It gives a machine the power it requires to operate. They control the air and fuel flow through the throttle.
You can detect if there is any issue with the carburetor in your machine in a few ways –
The engine will seek power at higher speeds or when in idle mode.
So the key problems include being unable to control power, lack of power, and the engine not starting.
Solutions to Fix it
If the issue is with the X320 carburetor, you can check these things:
Look for any oil leakage in the carburetor – it can be the main issue. Fix and seal immediately if there is any leakage.
Then, check the main adjustment screws. Replace the damaged or cracked screws. Or, you may just need to make a slight adjustment and tightening.
Next, check for the control cable and adjust it to ensure it has full carburetor control.
6. Engine Not Working Due to Clogged Carburetor
Sometimes, the carburetor can get clogged, eventually preventing the engine from functioning properly. Air and gasoline get to stick together over time for many reasons.
So let’s find out how to clean and adjust the carburetor.
Solutions to Fix it
Remove every non-metallic part for cleaning the carburetor on your X320 tractor. You can then remove all other detachable parts using a small brush. Now take a carburetor cleaning spray to clean the parts and leave it to sit on the carburetor for a few minutes.
After this, look for any carbon deposits and clean them off. Finally, change the fuel filter and put all the parts back together in the carburetor and engine.
7. Steering isn’t Properly Working
Steering is essential to every vehicle as it helps you control your movements. So you should fix any issues with the steering before driving the tractor again.
Minor steering issues on your John Deere X320, like the calibration, is off can be easily solved. However, whether the issue is minor or major, try not to use the mower until you fix the problem.
If the steering system wears out, it can be expensive to resolve.
Solutions to Fix it
Avoid taking sharp turns or making turns at higher speeds. If you can’t avoid it, at least ensure enough space around your mower to prevent one from getting hurt.
8. Fuel Pump Malfunctioning
The fuel pump on your John Deere X320 mower can also cause you a great deal of stress. In most scenarios, it indicates a lack of maintenance or troubleshooting.
Those who aren’t well-versed in taking care of a mower can at least try to clean the air filters and fuel. It’s one of the most important things all owners can do.
Solutions to Fix it
Look for the spark plug and change it if needed. Also, note that the engine will run poorly or not start due to a dirty filter. So check whether the air filter is clogged. If it is, clean it to remove clogging.
Also, clean the air filter if it’s filthy. For example, a mower may not start due to a dirty fuel filter. However, cleaning a clogged oil filter is necessary as it can wear out the engine quickly, costing a lot to replace or fix.
The machine won’t function properly if the air filter isn’t operating properly. Change the air filter if required. After that, check your gas tank to ensure it contains gas.
It’s even possible that the battery is dead. It’s recommended to replace three years old batteries with a new set. Another possibility is that the fuel valve is closed or open. In that case, try to move the valve up and down manually and see if the problem is solved. Otherwise, fix the valve or replace it.
9. PTO Not Engaging
PTO stands for the Power Take-Off lever or switch. You may find that this PTO switch or clutch is not engaging. It means that the mower’s blades will not work without the necessary power.
Eventually, the clutch won’t be fast to engage. So how to fix it? Find it out below!
Solutions to Fix it
For the PTO clutch issue, look into the connecting wires. If the problem is in the wire, replace and reattach the wiring.
In case you see no apparent wiring issues, you may need to change the clutch.
10. The Mower is not Starting
Don’t worry if your John Deere X320 mower is not starting. It could be due to several reasons. For instance, the filters are clogged and dirty, or the spark plug isn’t well-tightened. On the other hand, a dead battery is also responsible for power issues. And without the necessary power, a mower won’t start.
Solutions to Fix it
To fix this problem on your X320, you have to detect where the issue is and change the fuel filters, battery, or spark plugs accordingly. Then, you can even charge the battery.
Final Thoughts
The John Deere X320 is a versatile mower packed with several valuable features. But like any other machine, the X320 can also malfunction, and you may face the issues mentioned above. The most common ones include the engine not starting and the transmission slipping.
The issues are annoying, but most of them are easy to fix. This article has discussed most of the possible X320 issues and easy solutions to fix them. If the problem persists, you can always avail yourself of professional help. You can get your sturdy machine back on track quickly and enjoy mowing!
FAQs
This engine-powered garden and lawn tractor is powered by a four-stroke gasoline engine, promising a 44.3 cubic-inch displacement. The engine can render 25 horsepower at 3,600 rpm.
Moreover, thanks to its hydrostatic transmission, you can maneuver the mower in all directions at any speed.
Hydrostatic transmissions consist of mechanical parts like a drive and differential axle and metal or rubber hoses through which the fluid passes. However, a broken hose, clogged filter, or failure of any mechanical part will give rise to hydrostatic transmission issues in your mower.
The key advantage of hydrostatic transmission is high efficiency and compactness. And their main downside is high cost, especially where it uses high-efficiency units.
