John Deere 100 Series Transmission Problems and Their Fixes
There have been many reports that John Deere 100 series has a transmission problem.
Its transmission system has been facing a myriad of problems from transmission not engaging to abnormal gear shifting. But, don’t worry as most of the problems are easily fixable.
In this post, I’ll be mentioning some of the common problems on the 100 series transmission system and how to solve them. Be sure to read until the end, if you are having a problem with your machine then it is most likely to be solved in this post.
Why Problem Occurs in John Deere 100 Series Transmission System?
This lawnmower comes with a hydrostatic transmission system. Not only this system is critical but also it works differently than the regular ones.
In its case, the power is transferred from the engine to the pumps. These pumps use liquid pressure to run the machine. Operating parts in this mower are very distinct from others mowers.
Due to the use of critical technology, the transmission system often gets in trouble. For example, it would start behaving weirdly if air goes into the system. The parts are vulnerable and prone to mechanical errors. For these reasons problems frequently occur in this transmission system.
But it does not mean that this transmission system is subpar or below average. In fact, it’s the opposite. This system is designed to perform and last for a long time. What differentiates it from other systems is that it requires extra care.
5 Common John Deere 100 Series Transmission Problems and Their Solution:
Some of the common problems and their solution are discussed in this section.
1. Neutral, not engaging
When the neutral does not engage, it is easy to assume that the problem lies in the transmission system. Many users reported facing this problem. Once they turn off the lawnmower and put the gear to neutral, it does not engage. This problem is caused by the output shaft getting jammed.
You can solve it with a one-step procedure. Turn off the machine completely. Now try to move the output shaft in a different direction. Once it gets unjammed, the problem is most likely to be solved.
2. Lawnmower not moving after changing wheel
This one is not actually a transmission problem, but it certainly looks like one. Imagine you got a flat tire, then changed it in a hurry. Once you start the lawnmower, you notice it’s not moving. You might think there is some problem with the transmission but there is not. It is a very common problem among lawnmower users that is why it got a mention there.
What really happens is most of the time the user forgets to put the key that locks the tire and the axle. As a result, when you press the gas paddle, the axle keeps spinning but the mower does not move. So the solution is to check the tire setup thoroughly if you missed any critical parts.
You can also check this Youtube Video.
3. Sudden stop
Imagine you are mowing the lawn and everyone is going fine. Suddenly at the next moment, the lawnmower stops. Many users reported facing this issue. There is a high chance it is caused by faults in the transmission system.
The hydrostatic transmission system of this machine stops when there is any malfunction. Here is how to troubleshoot it.
Put on gloves and turn off the machine. You will face the risk of getting burned without gloves. Lower the deck and check the transmission drive belt. Make sure all of it is on the pulleys. Look for debris, stone, or sticks on the belt. Once you clear them out the machine should run again.
4. Gear getting stuck
Another common issue users face is the gear randomly getting stuck. It happens when the teeth of the gear do not fit in with the transmission bearings, as a result, the gear gets stuck. When this happens you won’t be able to change the gear to neutral or other steps. This is one of the serious problems of this transmission system.
When the gear gets stuck, you should call for professional help. Unless you are not experienced, you should not mess with the gearbox and transmission system connection.
5. Uneven Cut
Although most of the time uneven cut occurs due to dull blades faulty transmission can cause it too. Many reports have been filed where the transmission system was the culprit.
When the output shaft vibrates too much, it affects the wheel axles. When the blades shake uncontrollably, they produce uneven cuts.
Check the engine vibration when you start troubleshooting. Changing motor oil is most likely to solve this problem. If it does not help, you should take it to a professional.
Overall performance of John Deere100 lawn mower
This lawnmower can carry more than its weight. For a flat lawn, it can carry substantial weight. But this mower lacks performance when it has to pull a load. The air-cooled engine has an oil capacity of 1.4 liters.
This means you will have an easier time covering large lawns. The transmission system is a continuous variable transmission. So, you will have an infinite choice of ground speeds.
This machine is easy to clean and has comfortable seats. You will have a simple operating system at your disposal. It has 13 different cutting heights.
However, as there is no perfect product, this machine has some lacking too. This lawnmower is very loud and has a large turning radius.
Not to mention the transmission system that backfires when not used in the proper manner.
Bottom Line
John Deere 100 series lawnmowers are some critical pieces of machines that need extra care. To get the best performance and to avoid John Deere 100 series transmission problems you have to regularly diagnose the lawnmower. If you take proper care of it, it will reward you with superior performance.
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My E100 was in Kankakee river flood for about 12 hours. On garage. Got motor all cleaned up and running. Multiple oil changes, fuel filters. But now believe trans is flooded also. No drain plugs noticed. Any advice please. Joe
Hi Joe,
I’m truly sorry to hear about your E100 getting caught in the Kankakee River flood. Having the engine running again after such an event is impressive, but I understand your concern about the potential transmission damage.
Unfortunately, spending 12 hours submerged in floodwater makes transmission damage highly likely. While the engine might be running, contaminants and debris from the floodwater could be wreaking havoc within the transmission. This can lead to further issues down the road, and attempting to operate the vehicle could worsen the damage and create safety risks. I may recommend consulting a mechanic to get a further diagnosis on this specific situation.
I bought my jd102 5 speed second hand. When I go to shift it doesn’t shift smooth from 1 gear to the next. Trying to shift I have to goe passed the gear I want and hope to come back to it. It won’t shift from 1 st to second ect like it should. I have noticed when engine off it will shift smoothly one gear to the next. What could be issue?
Your JD102 5-speed’s shifting issues may be due to several factors. The clutch might not be fully disengaging, which can cause difficulty shifting gears while the engine runs. Check the clutch adjustment or for wear. Low or dirty transmission fluid can also be problematic; ensure it’s at the right level and clean. Inspect the shift linkage for wear or misalignment. Worn synchronizers can hinder smooth shifting. For hydraulic clutches, check the master or slave cylinder for leaks. Internal transmission issues like worn gears or bearings may also be the cause. Start with a clutch functionality test and fluid check, then inspect the linkage. If unresolved, consider a professional mechanic’s inspection. –Plant Native Team
I jacked my JD100 I could pull my axle out
That doesn’t sound good! It’s possible the axle needs proper alignment or replacement. A mechanic can help check if there’s deeper damage. Best of luck getting it fixed! -Plant Native Team