How to Start a John Deere Riding Mower

How to start a john deere mower

John Deere riding mowers have been around for decades and are a popular sort of tractor-style lawn mower. In John Deere’s 100 series, there are many distinct kinds of riding mowers and lawn tractors, but the technique for starting them all is essentially the same. Keep in mind that the location of items on your individual type of mower may vary somewhat, so be sure you know where everything is by reading your handbook or looking at the labels on the tractor itself before trying to start it.

Starting the Engine

1. In a well-ventilated place, start the engine. Never start the engine in a confined place where fumes cannot escape. If you’re planning to start the engine in a garage or other enclosed location, start the mower outdoors or open any doors and windows to allow air in.

• If you are unable to provide proper ventilation where the mower is housed, you may connect a pipe extension to the exhaust pipe and run it outside to deflect the exhaust fumes away from you.

2. Insert the key into the ignition of the mower. Insert the key into the slot located to the right of the steering wheel. But don’t turn it yet.

• When you insert the key, it will immediately be in the stop position.

3. Unlock the parking brake by depressing the brake pedal all the way. Place your foot on the brake pedal and fully squeeze it to release the parking brake. To unlock it, pull down on the parking brake lever located underneath the ignition. Maintain a firm grip on the brake pedal.

• Depending on the model, the brake pedal may be situated on the left or right side of the mower.

4. Place the throttle lever in the choke or half-speed position. If the engine is cold, turn the throttle to the left of the steering wheel into the choke position. If the engine is still warm, set it to half-speed.

• Some riding mower models include a choke knob rather than a choke setting on the throttle. If this is the situation with your mower, set the throttle to half-speed and remove the choke knob.

5. For up to 5 seconds, turn the key to the start position. For no more than 5 seconds, turn the key all the way to the right. If the engine does not start after 5 seconds, wait 10 seconds, then turn the key to the start position for another 5 seconds.

• Repetition of this procedure till the engine starts.
• It is critical to only turn the key to the starting position for 5-second periods. If you keep it there for too long, you risk damaging the starter.

6. After the engine starts, let the key return to the run position. Once the engine is going, remove the key. When you let off of the key, it will immediately return to the run position.

• The run position is directly to the left of the start position, second from the left.

7. Before moving, let the engine running at half-speed for 2 minutes. Allow the engine to idle for 2 minutes to warm up. After 2 minutes, begin working the mower.

• Allowing the engine to idle for more than a few minutes at a time might cause engine damage. If you are going to be away from the mower for more than 2 minutes, switch it off and then restart it when you are ready to use it again.

Turning Off the Engine

1. Idle for 30 seconds with the throttle lever in the slow position. Reduce the engine speed by lowering the throttle lever. Allow the engine to idle for at least 30 seconds before shutting off the mower.

• This reduces the quantity of unburned gasoline that enters the engine before the engine is turned off.

2. Turn the key all the way to the stop position. To stop the engine, turn the key all the way to the left. Don’t take out the key just yet.

• When you correctly turn the key to the stop position, you will hear the engine stop.

3. Put the parking brake on. Compress and hold the brake pedal. To lock the parking brake, pull up on the parking brake lever found beneath the ignition, then remove your foot from the brake pedal.

• When the parking brake is applied, the brake pedal remains squeezed.

4. Take the key out of the ignition. Take out the key and put it somewhere secure. When you’re not using the mower, never leave the key in the ignition.

• If you leave the key in the ignition and it is mistakenly switched to the headlights on position, you will rapidly drain your mower’s battery.