4 Common John Deere LT 166 Problems + Troubleshooting

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These incredible lawn tractors can help farmers who want to operate on a low-scale basis. The mowers from John Deere are highly efficient, worth the price; the same applies to the John Deere LT 166 models.

But just like several other lawnmowers, the John Deere mower is also prone to some problems or issues along the line.

Some of the most common John Deere LT 166 problems worth mentioning include clutch problems, steering problems, vibration issues, etc.

This article will provide in-depth information on these issues and how you can troubleshoot them without seeking professional help.

Troubleshooting John Deere LT 166 Problems

Below are the different problems with John Deere LT 166 tractors in no particular order.

1. Engine Problems

Problems with the engine are one of the most common problems users complain about after using the John Deere mowers. Either the engine won’t start, is hard starting, runs unevenly, overheats or doesn’t work at its average speed. 

Not to worry, there are several ways you can quickly fix this issue. Common reasons why most of these happen result from wrong fuel or an empty fuel tank, a clogged fuel filter and a bad spark plug. Below are solutions to most of these issues.

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Engine Problems Solutions 
Empty fuel tank or a wrong grade of gasoline Please fill up your fuel tank and ensure that you get the correct grade of gasoline to fill it all up. 
Failing spark plugInspect the spark plug and change if necessary
Clogged fuel filterEnsure that you clean up the fuel filter to get rid of the dirt and debris surrounding it
Carburetor issuesCheck the carburetor 
Incorrect engine oil viscosity Change the engine oil to that with the appropriate viscosity.
Too fast idle Adjust the idle to the appropriate speed
crankshaft and camshaft bearings issuesCheck for the worn-out crankshaft and camshaft bearings.

2. Vibrating Machine

If your machine vibrates abnormally during operation and even before it Is used for a function, it is most likely to be an issue with the belt drive.

Some reasons your tractor wood vibrates include a worn-out belt drive, dirt or debris gathered around the tractor’s pulley and even a loose mower blade that could cause the vibration. 

These are the major issues that cause vibration, but to be sure, you troubleshoot the problem for the exact issue. You can fix this problem by replacing damaged belt drives and blades; if your edges are loose, you can tighten them back in place. 

3. Tractor Won’t Move

Sometimes even if your engine is running, your tractor would still refuse to move, and you shouldn’t worry too much because you can quickly fix this issue from your home.

Even if your tractor runs and your engine doesn’t move, it rendered the machine useless at that point. These problems happen due to a broken parking valve, pulling out of the spas bypass and a loose mower blade. 

You can fix this issue by adjusting the mower blade and replacing broken components like the parking valve and the mower blades. If you notice that your transmission oil is low, you should also top it off to aid transmission. 

4. Uneven And Uncut Grass Problems

After the operation, you notice that there are still streaks of uncut or unevenly cut grasses on your lawns. There are a lot of reasons why this happens, but the most common is due to a blunt blade.

Other reasons this might be happening include a damaged edge, clogged cutting deck, bagger too full, low mower deck and too much high speed used in mowing.

You can fix these problems by just sharpening or replacing the blades, cleaning up the cutting deck to free it from dirt and debris, emptying your bagger more frequently and also reducing the speed you use to mow. 

Some Common John Deere LT 166 Problems Solutions 
Problems with the headlights Replace the light bulb and also check on the light connectors 
Battery refusing to chargeCheck for defective cells and clean battery terminals and messy cables.
Belt slip during operationTighten loose belts and clean dirty pulleys 
Starter refusing to functionCheck for defective fuse, corroded battery contacts, uncharged batteries, wiring damage, and a faulty starter.
The exhaust came out with a black smoke. Inspect the choke, ensure you set it correctly and possibly replace the air filter. 

How to Maintain John Deere LT 166 Mowers

Source

Maintaining your machine works primarily with common sense. When you notice that your device is getting cranky or when it’s been a long time since you had it serviced, you must service it again, the manufacturers build the john Deere mowers with high-quality parts, but even with that, they cannot last forever.

The good news is that with adequate maintenance, you can extend the life span of your john Deere LT 166 mowers. 

You use some parts of the mower more often than others, such as the deck blades, engine, and air filters. You should check on these parts regularly to ensure they do not develop a fault you are unaware of. 

Apart from service, you can also apply some standard maintenance practices to keep your john Deere LT 166 mowers in check. Some common maintenance practices include:

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  • Checking for the leak, worn-out hoses and cables. Visual inspection is essential because you can identify the minor faults in your tractors
  • Check the radiator fluid level of your tractor. It is standard for losing fluid from your tractor sometimes, but in some cases, coolants gradually leak into the engine oils through faulty gaskets and cylinder o rings
  • Check the belt drives for any wear, tear or excess tension. It would help if you cleared dirt and debris from the surrounding areas. You should be able to handle this carefully so you do not end up breaking the radiator fins and damaging the seals
  • Ensure that you always top up your fuel tank. Operating your tractor with a low fuel tank is hazardous, and ensure that you do not continue with fuel from the previous season into the new season. 
  • Always check on your tire pressure. Doing this would only take one or two minutes of your time, and running your tractor with low tire pressure is not advisable because it increases the risks of your tires wearing over time
  • Lastly, check on your air filters. Ensure that your air filters are clear from dirt or debris; if you notice that your air filter is getting too old, you should replace it
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