John Deere S100 Problems FIXED (3 Issues Explained) (2024)

John Deere S100 is a trustworthy tractor to create the perfect lawn. This JD 100 series lawn tractor can tackle any long grass and turf. However, without proper maintenance, its older parts may show some unforeseen troubles.

What are the John Deere S100 problems? Several common issues are engine starting troubles, uneven mowing, belt slips/snaps, etc. These might be awful if you don’t service the lawn mower immediately. But proper maintenance will help you stop such issues before going beyond you. As you may experience these difficulties anytime, hence knowing the solution is essential.

No worries! This article will take you through the different problems of the S100 John Deere lawn tractor with their troubleshooting and associated replacement costs. Let’s dig out the facts.

Table of Contents

Top 3 Issues of John Deere S100 Lawn Tractor

John Deere S100 Problems FIXED (3 Issues Explained) (1)

John Deere 100 series lawn tractor S100 introduces different unique features such as a sturdy frame, snow removal, powerful engine, infinite ground speeds for hydrostatic transmission, etc. However, you may face some issues due to malfunction of the parts or inadequate maintenance.

Some of the challenges that you may encounter with JD S100 are-

  • Engine starting issue
  • Belt slips/snaps
  • Uneven mowing

Solutions to John Deere S100 Problems with Rebuilding Costs

After discussing the issues of the John Deere 100 series S100 machine, let’s talk about troubleshooting these common troubles.

1. Engine Starting Issues

Sometimes you may experience different types of engine problems with your John Deere S100 lawn tractor. Some of them are engine not starting, poor performance, hard start, overheating, backfires, etc. Actually, these problems are almost common in all 100 series JD lawn tractors.

Let’s troubleshoot S100 John Deere starting challenges step by step.

Step 1: Firstly, disengage the blades. After that check the battery terminals of the machine. Dirty battery terminals may hinder starting the engine frequently. Also, test the voltage of the battery using a multimeter. If the battery is bad, replace it.

Step 2: Then inspect the fuse and change it if this is blown.

Step 3: Be sure the lawn mower has adequate fuel and oil to run.

Step 4: When you are starting the lawn mower make sure you sit on the seat and push the brake. After pushing a good brake, the machine will fire during starting. Also, check the safety switch that is engaged when you push the brake pedal. Clean the terminals of the safety switch and plug it correctly.

Step 5: Now inspect the fuel filter. Replace it if it’s bad or clogged too much.

Step 6: Also make sure the spark plugs are connected rightly with the wires. If required change the spark plugs too.

Here is a table illustrating the replacement costs of different parts to fix the S100 JD machine.

JD S100 Replacement PartsCost (USD)
Battery50 to 80
Fuse5
Fuel filter10
Spark plug15 to 30

The following video shows the troubleshooting method of the John Deere 100 series lawn tractor.

2. Belt Slips/Snaps

The mower drive belt issue is another common concern of the JD S100 lawn mower. Some owners complain about the belt slips problems and it may even snap within a short time.

A damaged drive belt will show different troubles including too much vibration. So, follow the steps below to fix the issue.

Step 1: The belt may slip due to wear and tear, incorrect belt tension, and debris in sheaves. Clean the sheaves if there is debris.

Step 2: If the belt is damaged, you may replace the transmission drive belt or check its warranty. It costs around 10 to 20 bucks.

Step 3: To change the mower drive belt, you need to remove the mower deck, capscrews with left and belt shields, left side sheaves, and mower belt.

The video below shows how to replace the JD S100 deck belt quickly.

3. Uneven/Rough Cutting

Sometimes your John Deere 100 series S100 might cause uneven mowing which is really frustrating. It may happen due to an unleveled mower deck, dull blades, or high-speed moving. Here are several tips to solve this issue.

Step 1: If the mower deck isn’t leveled properly, you need to level it well.

Step 2: Sharpen the blades if they get dull. Or replace the blades at about 30 bucks.

Step 3: Check the tire pressure. If they seem unequal, apply necessary pressure there and make them level.

Step 4: Inspect the mower wheels if they aren’t adjusted properly adjust them.

Step 5: Run the lawn mower to a moderate speed during the whole mowing session to avoid rough mowing.

Frequently Asked Questions

You may have more questions regarding the JD S100 lawn tractor. Here are a few of them with answers.

Q. What are the specs of the John Deere S100 lawn tractor?

A. Some of the key specifications of JD S100 are-

  • Engine: Briggs & Stratton
  • Engine power: 17.5 hp (13 kW)
  • Transaxle type: TLT200 hydrostatic, two-wheel drive
  • Fuel type: Gasoline
  • Fuel tank capacity: 2.4 U.S. gal. (9.1 L)
  • Weight: Mower, no fuel, 414 lb (188 kg)
  • Maximum towing capacity: 500 lb (227 kg)
  • Cutting width: Edge™ mower deck, 42 in. (107 cm)
  • Wheelbase dimension: 48.9 in. (1242 mm)
  • Forward speed: 0-5.5 mph (0-8.9 km/h)
  • Reverse speed: 0-3.2 mph (0-5.2 km/h)

Q. How much is a John Deere S100 lawn tractor?

A. The price of the JD S100 lawn mower is 2399 USD without additional charges (like tax, delivery, etc.)

Q. What is the optional equipment of JD S100?

A. Some of them are the rear bagger, mulching systems, snow blower, front blade, spreader, sprayer, sun canopy, etc.

Q. How long is the John Deere S100 warranty?

A. The bumper-to-bumper of JD S100 provides 120 hour/2 year warranty.

Q. How often should you replace the JD S100 air filter, oil filter, fuel filter, and spark plug?

A. It’s recommended to change these parts every 50 hours.

Q. Is the John Deere S100 manual available?

A. Yes, the 100 series John Deere service manual is available for free.

Ending Words

Whenever you notice any John Deere S100 symptoms or problems, you should take appropriate action shortly. It’s also recommended to service the lawn mower properly.

Also, record the servicing date and replace the worn-out parts at the right intervals. Hopefully, you will get better performance from this lawn tractor. Happy mowing!

Wesley Thomas

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Hi! I’m Wesley Thomas, a mechanical engineer with over 5 years experience in the garden and heavy machinery. I'll guide you to fix lawn tractors and mowers issues as well as other machineries used in lawn projects. Read my blogs and make your mowing and lawn projects easier.

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John Deere S100 Problems FIXED (3 Issues Explained) (2024)

FAQs

What are the most common problems with John Deere tractors? ›

The main gremlins with 30-series John Deere tractor engines are head gaskets and emissions-reducing add-ons such as the EGR valve and cooler. Serious engine failures are rare, but they can happen, particularly if the driver doesn't spot the early warning signs.

How often should I change the oil on my John Deere S100? ›

And a cooler running engine and better filtering helps increase engine oil life. John Deere's recommended oil service for 100 Series Riding Lawn Tractors1, is to change the System every 50 hours or once a season, whichever comes first. Remember, the System replaces a portion of your engine oil.

What is the life expectancy of a John Deere riding mower? ›

How long will a residential lawn mower last? The average residential mower is used for 1-2 hours per mow with 35 cuts per year. Based on that usage, a lower-quality line of residential mowers is expected to last 450-500 hours, while a John Deere residential lawn mower will last around 1,000-1,500 hours.

What is the most popular tractor John Deere ever made? ›

In 1963, the 3010 and 4010 were replaced by the 3020 and 4020, both of which were offered with a powershift transmission designed by a former Ford employee. The 4020 is one of the most popular tractors Deere & Company has ever made.

What is the lifespan of a John Deere tractor? ›

The average lifespan of a tractor is 4,000 or more hours. Low hours on a tractor are pretty much anything less than where the warranty runs out. If you are buying a used tractor, then consider the hours in comparison to what the warranty covers in terms of hours.

How often should I grease my John Deere riding lawn mower? ›

Even with regular use of your mower, you may only need to grease the spindles once a month. If you mow professionally, you may need to grease the spindles every other week or so. However, if you only mow occasionally, you may need to grease the spindles less frequently.

How often do you change hydraulic fluid on a John Deere? ›

Changing the hydraulic fluid or hydraulic oil is quite simple and very similar to changing the engine oil. Most tractor manufacturers recommend the following: Check hydraulic fluid levels every 50 hours of use and add oil if necessary. Change the transmission hydraulic fluid and filter.

What is the warranty on a John Deere S100 lawn tractor? ›

An exclusive 2-year or 120-hour single-source, bumper-to-bumper warranty* is included for all John Deere 100 Series Tractors. The warranty is hassle free, with John Deere handling the service and paperwork.

What causes a John Deere not to start? ›

It may be that your cold start system is malfunctioning, your fuel injectors are dirty, or you've got a faulty switch. Whatever the problem, John Deere service technicians are trained to diagnose the issue and get your equipment back up and running quickly.

Why does my John Deere tractor keep stalling? ›

Tractor may be starving for fuel.

Sometimes the fuel cap prevents the fuel tank from breathing. The fuel tank can develop a vacuum. This could cause fuel to stop running to the engine – causing it to stall.

Is 500 hours a lot for a riding mower? ›

Most riding mowers last between 500-700 hours, although some can run for as much as 1,000 hours if cared for and maintained properly.

What is considered high hours on a John Deere tractor? ›

However, other aspects of the machine, like the transmission, clutches, hydraulics, and more may need to be replaced to keep the tractor in good running order. A general rule of thumb is that 2,000 to 2,500 hours is well broken-in while anything above 35,000 hours is considered high.

Do John Deere mowers hold their value? ›

This means that if anything goes wrong with your mower, you can rest assured that it will be fixed at no additional cost to you. Buying a John Deere mower is a good value because they are built to last, offer excellent performance, require low maintenance, hold their resale value well, and come with a warranty.

How many hours is too much for a John Deere tractor? ›

A newer tractor (within the last 15 years or so) will count clock hours regardless of engine speed. An older tractor depends on the speed at which it was running. When it comes to purchasing a used tractor, the engine should still work after 5,000 to 10,000 hours.

Is John Deere or Kubota a better tractor? ›

John Deere vs Kubota: A Comparison

Comparing models within similar horsepower ranges, it's clear that both brands deliver solid engine power. However, John Deere's consistent performance across models is a testament to its superior engineering.

What is the most dependable tractor? ›

John Deere- In business since 1837, John Deere is the largest tractor manufacturer in the world. It is also considered a cultural icon. According to a 2021 Progressive Farmer Reader Insights survey, it enjoys any brand's highest customer loyalty rating. As they say, “Nothing runs like a Deere.”

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