5 Common Problems with John Deere GT235 and How to Fix Them

The John Deere GT235 is a popular lawnmower subcompact tractor with a hydrostatic transmission, made for residential and commercial use. It is also a sought-after model for collectors, who prize its durability and reliability.

Yet, the machine can sustain some wear and tear over time, just like any other machine. Consequently, there are problems such as the engine not starting, difficulties running smoothly at high RPMs, or difficulty engaging the mower deck properly.

But that barely means you need to worry straight away if these issues begin to occur. Our comprehensive guide will give you all the information you need to fix common John Deere GT235 problems, so you can get back to work right away.

Quick Table for John Deere GT235 Problems, Reasons, Symptoms, and Solutions

The chart below overviews the top five John Deere GT235 problems, outlining their symptoms and short solutions.

5 Common Problems with John Deere GT235, Reasons, Symptoms, and Solutions:

Let’s now dive into the in-depth discussion about the common John Deere GT235 problems and how you can tackle them effectively.

1. The Engine Won’t Start

This is a common problem with the John Deere gt235. It can be caused by several things, but it’s typically either an issue with the fuel-to-air ratio or the ignition system. However, other factors may come into play as well. Let’s see what they are and what we can do about it.

Symptoms:

You know your mower won’t start when you notice the following.

• The engine won’t crank, or it cranks but doesn’t start
• Engine cranks and starts but won’t keep running

Causes:

Your John Deere gt235 might be unable to start for the following reasons.

• Stale or contaminated fuel
• Clogged fuel filter
• Faulty spark plug
• The air filter is clogged
• The carburetor isn’t working correctly

Solutions:

After you’ve figured out what may be causing your GT235’s engine to fail, you can try the following repair methods.

• Replace the fuel with fresh, clean fuel.
• Replace the spark plug and ensure that you’ve installed the new one correctly with the gap set to 0.028 inches (0.7mm).
• Clean your air filter and make sure that it’s not dirty or clogged up so that your engine has enough oxygen to breathe.

2. The Tractor Isn’t Running Well at High RPMs

One of the most common problems with the John Deere GT235 is that it won’t run as it should at high RPMs. This problem is often caused by worn brake pads, which are inexpensive to replace, and can be fixed in just a few easy steps. Let’s explore the symptoms, other possible causes, and related solutions.

Symptoms:

You may find that your tractor runs poorly at high RPMs by noticing the following signs.

• Loud knocking sound coming from the engine
• Bad smell coming from the engine
• Engine overheating
• Slower shifts and turns than usual

Causes:

Here are the possible causes why your gt235 is running poorly at high RPMs.

• Worn brake pads
• Blocked gas cap vent
• Belt slipping
• Clogged or wrong size air filter
• Air leak in the intake manifold

Solutions:

You can proceed with the following troubleshooting steps accordingly once the problem has been identified.

• Replace the worn brake pads.
• Check the belts for wear, and replace them if needed.
• Check for leaks in the intake manifold and repair if found any.
• Replace the air filter (and if it’s the right size, clean it)
• Remove debris from the fuel cap vent

3. The Mower Deck Doesn’t Engage Properly

The John Deere GT235 lawnmower uses a power take-off clutch to engage the mower deck blades. When the mower blades do not engage properly, it may be due to a faulty clutch, bad safety switches, or worn idler pulleys. You can perform a troubleshooting process on your John Deere GT235 to identify the issue and make repairs if necessary.

Symptoms:

The following symptoms will start showing when the mower deck doesn’t engage properly.

• Loose mower deck
• Fluid leaking from the mower deck belt area
• Blades are not moving when turned on
• No resistance during blade turns

Causes:

When your gt235 stops engaging the mower deck properly, one of the following may be the cause.

• Maladjusted clutches
• Compacted grass under the deck
• A broken belt tensioner
• Bad safety switches

Solutions:

If the problem is caused by any of the above causes, try troubleshooting it by following these steps.

• Replace the anti-scalp roller bearings, blades, and belt tensioner.
• Get the power take-off clutch adjusted, repaired, or replaced.
• Take the time to thoroughly clean the deck.
• Check for safety switches positions and adjust as needed; replace if it doesn’t help.

4. The 3-Point Hitch Won’t Lower

The 3-point hitch on your John Deere GT235 will likely experience some glitches after a few years of use, but not all problems require professional service. Here’s what to expect and what to do about it.

Symptoms:

You can tell if your 3-point hitch will not be lower by these symptoms.

• The up/down control lever or rocker switch stopped working
• The lift arms are stuck in an upward position and will not lower
• The lift arms are stuck in a downward position and will not raise back up

Causes:

If these problems exist, you might be having difficulty lowering your John Deere’s 3-point hitch.

• A broken chain or cable
• A faulty or disconnected wire, or a bad relay
• Stuck rock shaft control valve or relief valve
• A restricted, kinked, or disconnected line
• Inadequate circulation of hydraulic fluid throughout the system

Solutions:

If you have troubles with your 3-point hitch, you can try the following fixes.

• Replace the hydraulic pump.
• Tighten the connection between the electric clutch wire harness and the lift cover switch.
• Replace the faulty relay.
• Check for faulty cables and lines in the hitch and replace them as needed.
• Have a professional repair the rock shaft control valve.

5. The Battery Drains Idle

In the John Deere gt235 when the battery drains idle, it indicates that the battery is not getting enough power to run. This can cause many problems, including short-circuiting the battery and causing it to drain even faster. It can also damage the electrical system in your car, which could lead to costly repairs.

Symptoms:

There are mainly two ways to tell if your gt235’s battery is draining idle.

• The battery runs down while the John Deere gt235 is not in use.
• The battery does not hold a charge.

Causes:

An intermittently draining battery can be caused by several factors, including

• The battery is not fully charged
• Charging cable not connected properly
• Battery connections are corroded
• The starter relay is failing
• Short in the electrical system

Solutions:

You can try the following fixes when you have identified the cause.

• Reconnect charging cable.
• Check and clean the terminals, or replace them if they’re damaged.
• Check and clean any cables leading to the battery to ensure they’re securely attached, then reconnect them if necessary.
• Replace the loosened alternator belt with a new one.
• Replace the battery if it’s defective or no longer takes charge.

FAQs.

Below, we’ve pieced together this list of frequently asked questions and answers regarding the John Deere GT235 and related issues.

What is the life expectancy of the John Deere gt235?

John Deere tractors will last for about 15 years or more in most cases. However, this is subject to many factors, including how much you use your tractor, the weather conditions it is exposed to, and how well you take care of it.

What is the best way to clean my gt235?

The best way to clean your machine is to use a pressure washer and a soft rag or brush. You should use a commercial cleaner and degreaser for stubborn stains or ground-in dirt. Additionally, we recommend using an air compressor to clean out debris from the deck.

My gt235’s blades will not cut cleanly through the grass but rather tear it up instead. What should I do?

Your blade may be dull or bent—if it’s bent, it will need to be sharpened on a bench grinder to get it even again to cut cleanly through grass blades. If it’s too dull to be sharpened and still usable, you can buy new ones from John Deere directly or many hardware stores.

Is the John Deere GT235 suitable for mowing hilly terrain?

The short answer is “yes,” but only if it’s properly equipped. The GT235 is not equipped to handle inclines or declines right out of the box; you’ll need to order and install high-back seats and an optional differential lock before taking on hills with this machine.

How do I know when my tractor’s transmission needs to be serviced?

The easiest way to tell is if your tractor has trouble shifting gears. You can also check for leaks, as transmission fluid may leak out of the filter or drain plug if not regularly serviced.

Conclusion

Hopefully, this John Deere GT235 troubleshooting guide will help you get through issues such as an engine that won’t start and any other issue that may interfere with your work. As you’ve probably discovered, these problems can quickly get out of hand, especially when performing jobs requiring manual labor.

But knowing how to handle these issues will help you avoid calling in unnecessary help. Rather than investing a lot of money in expensive repairs, familiarizing yourself with the solutions to John Deere GT235 problems can save you a lot of money in the long run.

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