The hum of a John Deere lawn mower is a familiar sound of summer, signifying well-kept lawns and a touch of pride in ownership. But what happens when you need to move your mower around the garage or into your shed? You can’t just push it! This is where understanding how to put your John Deere in neutral comes into play. This article will guide you through the process, ensuring you can confidently navigate your mower with ease, whether it’s a push mower, riding mower, or a zero-turn.
Putting a John Deere lawn mower into neutral is a crucial safety measure and essential for moving it around without engaging the blades. Different models have slightly different methods, so it’s essential to consult your specific owner’s manual. This article will cover the general principles and common methods for putting John Deere mowers in neutral, ensuring you can move your machine safely and efficiently.
Understanding Neutral Gear
Before diving into the specifics, it’s essential to understand the purpose of neutral gear. In essence, neutral disengages the transmission, allowing the engine to run without transmitting power to the wheels. This is vital for several reasons:
- Safety: Neutral prevents the mower from moving unexpectedly when you’re not in the operator’s seat, reducing the risk of accidents.
- Maneuverability: By disengaging the transmission, you can easily push or pull the mower into position without the need for the engine to be engaged.
- Maintenance: Neutral allows you to perform maintenance tasks such as cleaning or replacing parts without the mower moving.
How to Put a John Deere Push Mower in Neutral
Putting a John Deere push mower in neutral is a simple process:
- Locate the control lever: This lever is usually located on the top or side of the mower deck.
- Engage the control lever: Move the lever to the “Neutral” position. This will disengage the transmission, and the mower’s wheels will no longer be powered.
- Confirm: Gently try to push the mower forward or backward. If it moves freely, you’ve successfully put it in neutral.
Important note: While the control lever is the most common method, some John Deere push mowers might use a different type of control system. Always refer to your owner’s manual for specific instructions.
How to Put a John Deere Riding Mower in Neutral
Putting a John Deere riding mower in neutral is slightly more involved, but the process is straightforward:
1. Disengage the blades:
- Locate the blade engagement lever: This lever is usually on the control panel and might have a symbol like a blade or a “Mower” label.
- Pull the lever back: This will disengage the blades, stopping the cutting action.
2. Engage the neutral position:
- Locate the gear shift lever: The lever is typically on the control panel and has positions for “Forward,” “Reverse,” and “Neutral.”
- Move the lever to the “Neutral” position.
3. Confirm:
- Gently try to move the mower forward or backward: If it moves freely, you’ve successfully put it in neutral.
- Note: Some models might have a “Park” position for the transmission.
How to Put a John Deere Zero-Turn Mower in Neutral
John Deere zero-turn mowers offer excellent maneuverability, but they require slightly different steps for putting them in neutral:
1. Disengage the blades:
- Locate the blade engagement lever: This lever is usually on the control panel and might have a symbol like a blade or a “Mower” label.
- Pull the lever back: This will disengage the blades, stopping the cutting action.
2. Engage the neutral position:
- Locate the drive control levers: These levers control the speed and direction of the wheels.
- Move both drive control levers to the center position: This will disengage the drive system, putting the mower in neutral.
3. Confirm:
- Gently try to move the mower forward or backward: If it moves freely, you’ve successfully put it in neutral.
Troubleshooting Tips
If you’re having trouble putting your John Deere mower in neutral, consider these troubleshooting tips:
- Check your owner’s manual: The manual provides detailed instructions and diagrams specific to your model.
- Inspect the control lever or shift lever: Ensure the lever is moving freely and isn’t stuck or obstructed.
- Check for debris or dirt: Clean the control lever or shift lever area for any debris that might be preventing proper engagement.
- Lubricate the control lever or shift lever: If the lever feels stiff, apply a light lubricant to help it move more smoothly.
Safety Precautions When Moving Your John Deere Mower
Moving your John Deere mower, even when it’s in neutral, requires caution. Keep these safety tips in mind:
- Disengage the blades: Always disengage the blades before moving the mower.
- Use a safe lifting technique: If you need to lift the mower, use proper lifting techniques to avoid injuries.
- Be aware of your surroundings: Pay attention to obstacles and ensure a clear path for moving the mower.
- Wear appropriate footwear: Wear sturdy footwear with good grip to prevent slips and falls.
Conclusion
Putting your John Deere lawn mower in neutral is an essential skill for any owner. By understanding the process and following these tips, you can safely move your mower around your property, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience. Remember to refer to your specific owner’s manual for detailed instructions and troubleshooting guidance tailored to your model. With a little practice, you’ll be maneuvering your John Deere like a pro in no time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about putting a John Deere lawnmower in neutral:
Q1. Why is it important to put my John Deere lawnmower in neutral?
Putting your John Deere lawnmower in neutral is important for several reasons. First, it prevents the mower from moving unexpectedly when you are not actively driving it. This is especially important when you are working on the mower, adjusting settings, or parking it. Second, it helps to extend the life of your mower’s transmission. By allowing the transmission to rest when not in use, you reduce wear and tear on the gears and other components.
Q2. How do I put my John Deere lawnmower in neutral?
The process for putting your John Deere lawnmower in neutral will vary slightly depending on the model. However, most John Deere lawnmowers have a neutral position on the transmission lever. To engage neutral, simply move the lever to the neutral position. You should feel a distinct click when the lever engages neutral.
Q3. What if my John Deere lawnmower doesn’t have a neutral position?
If your John Deere lawnmower does not have a neutral position, you can still safely operate the mower. However, you will need to be extra careful when starting and stopping the mower. Before starting the engine, ensure the blades are disengaged and the mower is in a safe location. When stopping the mower, allow the engine to idle for a few minutes before switching it off.
Q4. Can I start my John Deere lawnmower in neutral?
No, you should never start your John Deere lawnmower in neutral. Starting the mower in neutral can damage the transmission and potentially cause the mower to move unexpectedly. Always ensure the mower is engaged in a gear before starting the engine.
Q5. How do I know if my John Deere lawnmower is in neutral?
The easiest way to determine if your John Deere lawnmower is in neutral is to check the transmission lever. The lever should be in the neutral position, and you should feel a distinct click when it is engaged. If you are unsure, you can also attempt to move the mower. If it does not move, then it is likely in neutral.
Q6. Can I leave my John Deere lawnmower in neutral while parked?
It is generally recommended to leave your John Deere lawnmower in neutral when parked. This helps to prevent the mower from rolling away, especially if it is parked on an incline. However, you should also engage the parking brake if your mower is equipped with one.
Q7. My John Deere lawnmower is stuck in gear. How do I fix it?
If your John Deere lawnmower is stuck in gear, it may be a simple matter of debris or dirt blocking the transmission lever. Clean the lever and surrounding area with a brush and compressed air. If that doesn’t work, the transmission may need to be serviced by a qualified mechanic. Avoid attempting to force the lever, as this could damage the transmission.