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John Deere X370 is a popular lawn tractor, even though it was only released by the John Deere brand in 2016 and is still in production. From 2016 until 2020, the tractor used a Kawasaki FS600V engine in what can be termed the first phase.
However, from 2021 till date, John Deere made some changes to the tractor, called the second phase.
If you have owned a John Deere X370 before, you should know that poor engine performance, battery, and tractor rattling are the machine’s most common and significant faults. There are many reasons why this part fails and many other ways to correct it.
This article will state some of the common John Deere X370 problems you are most likely to face, their causes, and solutions.
John Deere X370 Problems
Some significant problems you would encounter with your John Deere X370 problems include;
1. Engine problems

Poor engine performance is mainly caused by too much-clogged dirt in the fuel or an old fuel system. Sometimes, the primary reason your john Deere engine would develop problems is the wrong fuel you used; all you have to do is replace fuel with fresh, stabilized fuel.
If this is the case with your John Deere X370, you should check for any of these solutions.
Some standard fuel solutions include;
- Changing your fuel supplier if you notice too many issues with the present supplier
- Ensuring that your fuel is not blended with alcohol. Fuel blending causes gums and vanishes deposits in your fuel, especially if this fuel has been in stock for too long
- Obtain fuel from another supplier before suspecting machine problems
- Changing the entire fuel and replacing it with a fresh batch
Some other common sub-reasons why your engine would not start include:
See Also: Kubota B7610 Problems
Engine problems | Causes | Fixes |
The engine refuses to start | The brake pedal is not depressed, Mower/PTO is engaged, and a defective key switch. | Ensure that the PTO and brake pedal are set correctly and that the key switch works perfectly. |
Engine finding it difficult to start | Either the Carburettor needs to be appropriately adjusted, or the plugged fuel filter is dirty. You can also check your spark plug, electrical connection, and engine oil. Improper or stale fuel. | Ensure that you adjust the carburetor appropriately and keep the fuel filter and spark plug clean. Ensure that you make use of quality fuel also. |
Engine running unevenly | Plugged cooling fins and loose electrical connections. Clogged fuel line or fuel filter loaded with dirty fuel. | Ensure that your electrical connections are fine. |
Even overheats | Engine air intake screen plugged. Cooling fins plugged. Engine oil is low or too high. | Ensure that you check your cooling fins and that they are working correctly, and adequately change your engine oil. |
The engine misses the underload
This problem is mainly caused by faulty spark plugs, clogged or dirty fuel filters, and stale fuel. You can feed all these problems all by yourself without having to pay for services.
All you have to do is replace all faulty spark plugs and also ensure you clean up the fuel filters for debris and dirt. If you notice that the fuel tank’s fuel is stale or dirty, then ensure that you empty the fuel tank and replace the fuel with a new one.
Engine vapor locks
There are a few reasons why this happens with the engine of your john Deere x370. Some of the reasons include a plugged fuel tank, dirt in your fuel filter, and a plugged-in fuel filter. The solution to this problem is very easy.
All you have to do is check on your fuel filter and vent and ensure it is not clogged. If you notice any dirt or debris around this area, do well to get rid of it and if there is a need, get yourself a new fuel filter.
Engine overheats
An overheating engine is a very abnormal situation that you must treat urgently to prevent more significant issues. Some common reasons this happens are plugged-in cooling fins, engine oil level being too low or too high, operating your engine too slowly, and a plugged engine intake screen.
To fix these issues, ensure that your cooling fins are free of dirt or debris by cleaning them. Also, if you notice that your engine oil level is too low or too high, ensure you get it to an adequate amount. Keep your engine at a steady speed, as that can also build up the heat in the engine.
The engine will not idle
This issue results from your spark plug needing to be more gaped or adequately operating your device with a faulty spark plug. You can fix this issue by replacing your spark plug when you find out that they have gone bad or properly spicing your spark plug.
Engine knocks
Engine knocking is a common issue with most models of John Deere mowers. Some common reasons why this happens are stale fuel or using fuel with a low octane rating. Operating your machine at a low engine speed and the oil level can result in a knocking sound from your device.
You can fix this issue by getting fuel of the correct grade and filling it into your mower. Also, do not overload your engine; only operate your machine when the engine oil level is low. Once you ensure all these, you should be able to fix the knocking issue for a long time.
Engine stops or misses when operating on hillsides
This usually happens when your fuel tank needs more fuel, or the operator raises the seat off. Your mower would need more fuel to power the engine to the hillsides.
You can fix this issue by ensuring that your fuel tank is always filled before any operation, not just when you operate close to hillsides.
Excessive fuel consumption
Whenever you notice that your mower keeps consuming more fuel than usual, your choke needs to be fully open. This problem can be frustrating, but it is bound to stop once you’ve handled your choke correctly.
Mower releasing Black exhausts smoke
Your mower is not supposed to be giving off black exhaust smoke, but when this happens, it results from the air filter being dirty or soaked with oil. You should clean your air filter after every operation to prevent issues like this.
2. Common Electrical Problems with John Deere X370
The starter does not work or will not turn the engine on
- The brake pedal is not depressed
- The mower is engaged, so disengage the mower
- Battery terminals are corroded- clean the battery terminals or replace the battery
- Battery not charging- charge your battery
- Transmission is reversed- take it out of reverse
- Blown fuse- replace the fuse
- The fuse in starting circuit is blown-see your authorized dealer
The battery will not charge
- Dead cells in the battery- replace your battery
- Battery cables and terminals are dirty- clean the battery cables and terminals
- Low engine speed or excessive idling- increase the engine speed
The lights do not work
- Light plug disconnected- reconnect the light plug
- Loose or burned-out bulb- fix or replace the bulb
3. Common Machine Problems for John Deere X370

The tractor vibrates too much or rattles excessively
- Attachment drive belts worn or damaged- replace the drive belts
- Traction drive belt damaged or worn- replace the traction belt
- Dirt on drive sheaves- replace the sheaves
The tractor will not move with the engine running
- Parking brake locked- disengage the parking brake
- Transmission hydraulic oil level low- fill up the hydraulic oil
- The freewheeling lever is engaged- disengage the freewheeling lever
The machine moves with the engine running and hydrostatic control in neutral
- Linkage out of adjustment.
The mower lift will not latch in the transport
- The deck is adjusted too high- Move the deck-leveling knob to the next higher position and level the deck.
4. Common Mower Problems for John Deere X370
Discharge chute plugged
- Travel speed too fast- move at a slower rate
- Grass too long- ensure that you move twice
- Grass too wet- operate with your mower when the grass is not too wet
- Engine rpm is not at wide open throttle
- Restricted airflow- check on the air filter
- Belt installed incorrectly- reinstall the belt
Patches of grass uncut
- Travel speed too fast- move at a slower speed
- Engine rpm is not at wide open throttle
- The mower deck needs cleaning
Belt slipping
- Debris in sheaves- clean up the sheaves
- Worn belt- replace your worn-out belts
- Belt tension is incorrect- reset your belt tension
Too much vibration
- Debris on mower deck or in sheaves- clean your mower decks and sheaves
- Damaged drive belt- replace the belt drive
- Damaged sheaves or sheaves out of alignment- replace or reset the position of your sheaves.
- Blades out of balance- align your blades
Blades scalping grass
- Cutting too low
- The mower wheels need to be adjusted correctly
- Turning speed too fast
- Ridges in terrain
- Rough or uneven terrain
- Low tire pressure
The tachometer drops out of the best-cut zone
- The engine rpm is too low
- Travel speed too fast- reduce the travel speed
- Debris wrapped around mower spindles- clean up the mower spindles
- Adjust cutting height to remove only 1/3 of the grass at a time
Uneven cut
- Mower deck not leveled properly- set the mower deck at the right level
- Travel speed too fast- reduce the travel speed
- Blades are dull- sharpen the blades
- Mower wheels not adjusted correctly- readjust the mower wheels
- Tire pressure unequal- reduce the amount of air in the giant tire
- Adjust cutting height to remove only 1/3 grass at a time
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