6 Most Common Problems with John Deere 240 Skid Steer
The John Deere 240 Skid Steer is a loader with an outcome of around 51 HP. It is compatible with a patented vertical-lift system. It comes with a 3-cylinder engine.
The John Deere 240 Skid Steer has electrical problems, parking brake, hydraulic lock and skid injector problems. It also has fuel filter choking often with the engine stalling and stopping sometimes. Ignition switch and drive issues are also common.
In this article, I will discuss all these problems with their respective solutions. You will also get an overview of the JD 240 Skid Steer from it’s real owners. So stay tuned!
Problems and Solutions at a Glance:
| Problems with John Deere 240 Skid Steer | Solutions |
| Electrical Problems | Address loose connections and replace switches. |
| Parking Brake | Replace broken springs, damaged solenoids etc. |
| Hydraulic Lock Issues | Replace the sensors. Take out the fuel filter and clean it. |
| Injector Problems | Replace fuel pump. Bleed fuel line and replace fuel. |
| Fuel Filter Choking | Clean inline fuel filter. Pick the right mesh rating. |
| Engine Stalling/Stopping | Troubleshoot architectural problems due to overheating of the skid steer. |
6 Common Problems with John Deere 240 Skid Steer and Their Solutions:
The John Deere 240 skid steer is a heck of a machine. But you may still experience some common problems with it. Here are some of the John Deere 240 skid steer problems and how to solve them.
1. Electrical Problems
The most common problems include the skid steer locking up. The parking brake and the booms may get locked. Often it would start back up after shutting it down in this case.
The instrument cluster may also go out entirely. In addition to locking the machine out, it might also start the starter.
The Fix:
There is likely to be a loose connection in the cluster. Replacing the instrument cluster might help. In addition, the ignition switch on this one is prone to short circuits. So replace that as well.
The JD 240 skid steer has a problem with the parking brake coming off. It is due to the seat safety switch triggered by the bouncing of the vehicle.
The brake wiring on this one is also prone to corrosion. So check and replace it if necessary.
2. Parking Brake
The parking brake is a nuance in addition to creating a plethora of electrical problems. It is prone to locking up due to broken springs and often degrades the wiring harness.
Unless you override the solenoids, the machine will be unusable. Unless the parking brake is disengaged and the lockout solenoids are disengaged.
It can also tear the skid loader and brake rotor with its gear apart. In addition to the parking brake not disengaging, you may also find the seat belt lights staying ‘on’.
The Fix:
Remove the roll cage and seat. Find a 1 to 1/2-inch long broken spring on the braking assembly. The brake will not fully release or disengage if the spring is damaged.
You can try changing the solenoids if they are damaged, seat switches and seat belt switches too. You may additionally need to change the wiring harness.
3. Hydraulic Issues
Early John Deere skid steer vehicles suffered from a deplorable hydraulic issue. It blew up everything being under tremendous pressure. In addition, the controls for tilting the bucket would be unreliable regularly. No matter how the pedal moves, the hydraulic system fills up.
Another issue seems to be the loader not going up. The booms might also cease to move and get locked. The light for ‘Hydraulic Restriction’ flashing is also common.
The Fix:
Seat or seat bar sensors may also be to blame. Additionally, if the Deere’s hydraulic pressure sensors go bad, the hydraulics will malfunction. It is a quite common problem.
Replace the sensors. Take out the fuel filter and clean it. Additionally, you can change the hydraulic fuel, make sure its filled with good quality fuel.
4. Injector Problems
Clogging of the fuel system and possibly the injectors frequently happens with John Deere 240 skid steer. It won’t be fully tacked up, and a severe vibration will accompany most RPMs.
The Fix:
The poor fuel pump is mostly to blame for the issue. If you replace it, the speed might return. The engine banging or vibration could, however, continue.
Try bleeding out the injector lines and refilling them to solve this. Maintain a clean fuel system at all times.
5. Fuel Filter Choking
With fuel filter choking, the skid steer would run and stall. You may or may not find any fuel lines and filter problems. However, if installed, the fuel pickup tube inside the tank may become clogged with algae or other debris, reducing fuel flow.
The throttle may not respond at all. When turning the engine on, it takes an eternity to reach maximum RPM. Running it at low RPM to let it warm up may make things slower. You may never reach full throttle.
The Fix:
Pull out the gasoline pickup and blow air in. Then, from the fuel water separator, make your way back to the tank.
Make sure the inline filter does not have a finer mesh than you need. This will be ensured by matching the rating of the mesh.
6. Engine Stalling/Stopping
This seems like a seemingly common problem with many brands. But it made it to this list because of an inherent 240 skid steer problem.
The symptoms include the motor shutting off after around 20 minutes of mowing. It will occasionally recover if you detach the PTO and reduce the RPMs, but ultimately you simply have to let it sit.
Common troubleshooting techniques may fail. For example, carburetor overhaul, fuel line cleaning, fuel pump, fuel filter, spark plug replacement, and ignition coil replacement, etc.
The Fix:
Once the Skid Steer has warmed up from years of operation, the tank changes form such that the tube that takes fuel up from the bottom of the tank does not reach the bottom.
Make two tiny holes extremely near the tube’s bottom so that the fuel can still escape even if it comes into contact.
What Majority of the Users Feel?
There were numerous warranty problems with the first 200-series Deere loaders. The Series II machines were allegedly more dependable and produced in Dubuque, Iowa rather than Tennessee.
The skid steer is popular among users. Despite their perception that the controls are a little stiff. But the latest generation has addressed this problem.
Avoid machines from the 1999 and 2000 model years. To do this, look at the serial number number plate. It is located on the right front part of the frame in the operator’s compartment.
The serial number will have 13 digits; you want the digit that is six digits from the end. Do not purchase the machine when that digit begins with a 1 or a 2.
Of course, as you are already aware, there are a few small issues including Ignition Switch and others. With the exception of the 240’s lack of a turbocharger, they were excellent machines overall.
Users like it generally. However, they advise purchasing a series II or later. The earlier iterations had issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What brand of skid steer is most reliable?
John Deere is the most reliable.
How many horsepower is a 240 John Deere skid steer?
The John Deere 240 skid steer is 51 HP.
What is the most comparable skid steer with the John Deere 240?
Bobcat HP MGT 240.
Which one is the best John Deere Skid Steer?
316GR Skid Steer is the overall best John Deere skid steer.
Final Thoughts
After extensive thought based on my research, I can give the verdict that the John Deere 240 are good machines. Especially when you are buying the second generation ones.
However, the issue of the parking brake and ignition switch may endure you expensive fixes. If the better features of the skid steer seem worthy to you, I would recommend that definitely go for it!
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