John Deere LX280 Specs & Review

John Deere LX280 Technical Specifications
Manufacturing Years 2004 to 2005
Engine Kawasaki FH580V 4-stroke vertical V-twin cylinder air cooled gasoline engine
Transmission Tuff Torq K62 belt-driven hydrostatic transmission
Engine Capacity 35.7 cubic inches (585 cc)
Cylinder Bore 2.92″ (74 mm)
Piston Stroke 2.69″ (68 mm)
Rated Power 18 hp (13.4 kW)
Max. Forward Speed 6 mph (9.6 kph)
Max. Reverse Speed 3.2 mph (5.1 kph)
Steering Options Two wheel steering or all wheel steering (LX280AWS)
Brakes Internal wet disc brakes
Front Tires 16×6.50-8
Rear Tires 22×11.00-10
Wheelbase 49″ (1240 mm)
Compatible Mower Decks 42″ mid-mount 2-blade and 48″ mid-mount 3-blade
Cutting Height 1.5-4″ (38-102 mm)
Cut Positions 13 positions
Lift System Mechanical lift system

Why doesn’t the engine start or why does it start hard?

  • No gasoline in tank – Fill gasoline up
  • Improper fuel grade – Use correct fuel grade
  • Air in fuel system – Bleed fuel system
  • Spark plug wire is loose or disconnected – Check spark plug wiring connection, repair or change
  • Spark plug is damaged – Install new spark plug
  • Fuel filter is clogged – Fuel filter needs changing
  • Faulty safety switch – Change damaged switch
  • Carburetor problems – Carburetor diagnostics required
  • Engine has bad compression – Check cylinder block and change wear parts
  • Throttle cable is worn or adjusted improperly – Change cable or adjust correctly

Why does the engine run unevenly?

  • Air intake grill is clogged – Need to wash or clean
  • Defective ignition system – Inspect ignition system and change failed components
  • Choke cable is faulty or stuck – Change or clean the cable
  • Air filter is dirty – Clean or replace air filter
  • Fuel pump is dirty or defective – Clean or install new fuel pump

Why does the engine start but stall immediately?

  • Damaged spark plug – Replace spark plug
  • Dirty or faulty carburetor – Clean or change carburetor
  • Damaged ignition coil – Change ignition coil as required
  • Valve springs are loose or broken – Valve springs need to be changed
  • Valves are stuck – Valves need to be cleaned

Why is the engine overheating?

  • Engine oil level low – Check oil level and add oil as required
  • Engine overload – Load reducing is recommended
  • Air intake screen is blocked – Need to wash or clean
  • Carburetor fuel mixture is too lean – Set the carburetor properly
  • Ignition timing is wrong – Set the ignition timing properly
  • Incorrect valve setting – Adjust valves correctly

Why is there engine knocking or noise?

  • Low octane fuel – Change gasoline
  • Excessive engine load – Reduce the load
  • Lack of engine oil – Fill the crankcase with engine oil
  • Wrong adjustment of low idle speed – Correct idle adjustment
  • Fuel pump is clogged or faulty – Clean or install new fuel pump
  • Crankshaft or main bearings are worn out – Repair or replace defective parts
  • Valve clearance is incorrect – Check and adjust
  • Piston rings or cylinder bore are damaged – Change faulty components

Why is there a lack of engine power?

  • Carburetor is dirty or incorrectly adjusted – Carburetor needs to be adjusted correctly or cleaned
  • Air filter is blocked – Service or replace air filter
  • Clogged or defective fuel pump – Check fuel pump and replace if necessary
  • Defective ignition system – Check ignition and replace faulty components
  • Cylinder head gasket is blown – Install new cylinder head gasket
  • Burned or stuck valves – Replace or clean valves
  • Worn or bent push rod – Install a new push rod
  • Damaged cylinder block components – Defective parts need to be replaced

Why does the engine use too much fuel?

  • Choke is not fully open – Check choke cable and adjust it
  • Incorrect carburetor main jet adjustment – Adjust main jet as required
  • Defective or loose spark plug – Tighten or change the spark plug
  • Stuck, worn, or burned valves – Clean or change valves
  • Sleeve, rings, or piston are damaged – Change defective parts
  • Valve clearance is improper – Adjust valve clearance

Why is there excessive oil consumption?

  • Seals or gaskets are wearing excessively – Replace worn parts to avoid leaks
  • Valve stems or guides are damaged – Need to replace the valves
  • Damaged or seized piston rings – Replace piston rings
  • Damaged piston or cylinder liner – Check piston and liner, replace as required
  • Blocked breather hose or pipe – Clean or change

Why are there hydrostatic transmission noises?

  • Bent or unadjusted speed control pedal linkage – Replace or adjust linkage
  • Transmission overloaded – Reduce transmission load
  • Insufficient oil level or contaminated oil – Add oil to proper level or pour fresh transmission oil
  • Defective or worn transmission parts – After disassembling and inspection, change defective components

Why is it hard to shift?

  • Shift linkage is loose or broken – Service or change the linkage
  • Worn or seized hydrostatic pump – Replace or repair pump
  • Worn or misadjusted transmission shift control parts – Adjust properly or change

Why is there a loss of power in the transmission?

  • Transmission oil level is low – Check and refill the transmission oil
  • Faulty or worn drive sheave – Change sheave
  • Shift linkage is unadjusted or damaged – Adjust correctly or replace linkage
  • Speed control pedal linkage is damaged or out of adjustment – Replace or adjust linkage

Why does the transmission leak?

  • Broken transmission gaskets or seals – Install new gaskets or seals
  • Final drive shaft leaks – Change shaft seals
  • Transmission housing is cracked – Replace damage housing or transmission assembly

Why is there excessive mower vibration?

  • Drive sheave of mower deck is dirty or worn – Service or replace sheave
  • Loose or defective drive belt – Adjust belt tension or install a new belt
  • Unbalanced or warped cutting blades – Balance or change as needed
  • Loose blade bolts tightening – Bolts should be tightened

Why is the discharge chute constantly plugged?

  • Mowing speed is too high – Use a slower speed
  • Long grass – Need to set low cutting height
  • Engine rpm is too low – Adjust choke to full opening
  • Mower cuts too low – Need to set high cutting height
  • Drive belt installation is not correct – Reinstall drive belt properly

Why are grass patches not cut?

  • Clogged mower deck – Need to clean the mower deck
  • Blades are not sharp – Sharpen the blades
  • Worn or damaged blades – Blades must be changed
  • High mowing speed – Need to slow down
  • Cutting level is too low – Use a higher cutting height
  • Filled bagger – Bagger must be empty

Why are the blades scalping the grass?

  • Bumpy or unleveled lawn – Lawn needs to be leveled
  • Low cutting height – Use a higher cutting height
  • High ground speed – Need to slow down
  • Improperly leveled mower deck – Deck needs to be adjusted properly
  • Blades are bent or worn – Change the blades
  • Tires are not properly inflated – Inflate tires correctly

Why is the cut uneven?

  • Low tire inflation – Need to inflate tires
  • Deck level is not correct – Adjust mower deck level properly
  • Blades are not sharp – Need to sharpen the blades
  • Bent or worn blades – Blades must be changed
  • Deck is plugged with grass – Clean mower deck as required
  • Deck housing is broken – Replace or rebuild mower deck
  • Mower spindle is bent or loose – Install new spindle or repair it

Why won’t the battery charge?

  • Electrical cable connections are loose or corroded – Tighten or clean connections
  • Electrical terminal connectors are faulty – Terminal connectors need to be changed
  • Faulty cell in battery – Use a new battery

Why does the starter motor turn slow?

  • Battery power is low – Battery needs to be recharged
  • Battery does not hold charge – Service battery or change it
  • Faulty battery terminals or disconnected cables – Connect cables properly or replace terminals

Why won’t the starter crank?

  • Battery is low or faulty – Charge or change the battery
  • Battery wires are disconnected or incorrectly connected – Check wires and connect correctly
  • Battery power is low – Battery is drained, recharge it
  • Spark plug worn or incorrectly gapped – Clean, gap or change spark plug
  • Starter motor or solenoid is defective – Repair starter or replace solenoid

The John Deere LX280 is a lawn tractor manufactured by the renowned brand, John Deere. Designed to cater to the needs of homeowners and small-scale farmers, this tractor is a blend of power and functionality.

Key Specifications:

The LX280 boasts a Kawasaki FH580V 4-stroke vertical V-twin cylinder air-cooled gasoline engine with a capacity of 35.7 cubic inches (585 cc). It delivers a rated power of 18 hp (13.4 kW). The tractor employs a Tuff Torq K62 belt-driven hydrostatic transmission and has a wheelbase of 49″ (1240 mm).

Performance:

With a maximum forward speed of 6 mph (9.6 kph) and a reverse speed of 3.2 mph (5.1 kph), the LX280 offers smooth and efficient performance. Its power ensures that tasks are completed efficiently, and its hydrostatic transmission provides seamless gear changes.

Features:

The tractor comes with two steering options: two-wheel steering and all-wheel steering (LX280AWS). It also features internal wet disc brakes for effective stopping power. The mower deck compatibility includes 42″ mid-mount 2-blade and 48″ mid-mount 3-blade options, providing versatility in mowing tasks.

Reliability:

John Deere is known for its reliable machinery, and the LX280 is no exception. However, like all machines, it might face some issues. The provided content lists common problems and their solutions, indicating that while issues might arise, they are generally fixable.

Value for Money:

Considering the brand reputation, the specifications, and the versatility of the LX280, it seems to offer good value for its price. However, a direct comparison with similar models in the market would provide a clearer picture of its value proposition.

Pros and Cons:

  • Pros: Powerful engine, versatile mower deck options, reliable brand, hydrostatic transmission for smooth operation.
  • Cons: Potential for common issues as listed on the website, might be pricier than some competitors.

Best Suited For:

The John Deere LX280 is best suited for homeowners with medium to large lawns or small-scale farmers. Its features and power make it ideal for regular lawn maintenance, mowing tasks, and light farming activities.

The John Deere LX280 lawn tractor is a powerful and versatile machine that lives up to the brand’s reputation. With its range of features and the backing of a trusted brand, it’s a worthy investment for those in need of a reliable lawn tractor. While it might face some common issues, the provided solutions indicate that they are manageable. Overall, the LX280 is a commendable machine that delivers on its promises.