Thank you! My grandfather passed away so it’s up to all the granddaughters to help grandma with lawn care. Their lx277 has been giving us some start up trouble. Carb is gunked up but I figure I should do a whole tuneup while I’m at it.
Just serviced my LX277. Followed all your steps except for cleaning the carburetor. I also sharpened my blades. I literally watch a step, paused the video, went outside and completed the task and then came back inside to watch the next step! Thanks so much!
Succinct. Clear. Excellent photography. You show where things are before going in for close ups. No extra editorializing, just excellent information. Assumes nothing but not condescending. Thanks!!
John Deere 2002 LX277/ 42" deck, both in pristine condition with 700 hours. Other than regular maintenance the only repairs one electric pto switch, Reverse module, blades, and belts.
Sold my gt275 got a GT225 and a Onan 316 I’m restoring now. Nice video, all mower owners should watch this. The only thing I would add is to replace or sharpen the blades. Clean 185 by the way
I have a John Deere LT160 with a Kohler motor. I still found your video super helpful even though it's a different engine. I could identify the corresponding parts on my engine. It's great to have the whole process laid out clearly! Thanks!
Thanks for this video I'm French, near to Paris and i just buy the same model of John Deere, The maintenance by professionel is expensive and i wanted to do it myself Thanks to you i can do it easily
Always put a drop of anti seize on the spark plug, a drop of oil on the oil filter seal. to replace fuel filter use vice grip to pinch the fuel line shut
Thanks for this. I've done hundreds of tune-ups on cars but never on a lawn tractor. To answer your question, I have a D110 that I've had for 8 years that's never had a tune-up. That will be remedied this year.
I've got a John Deere lawn tractor. I bought my first JD in 1996, ran it for 20 years then sold it to get a hydrostatic, it was still running perfectly. Bought my second JD in 2016 and so far just normal maintenance.
I appreciate the reply, all fluids are in good shape, upon further review of the situation, once the sun came up and I was able to see, I found a spring that the hook had broken loose, it was connected to a piece above the two pulleys at the middle area of the drive belt. When the spring came loose, it created a lack of tension on the drive belt, we got the spring, removed the deck and installed, got it back together and I finished mowing my yard, not a minute later it started to pour down rain:-) thanks for the reply!!! I found your maintenance video helpful for the future!!!
excellent simple instruction. anyone who has never done this should be able to accomplish this on their own. I'm going to attempt this afternoon. if you dont hear from me it was successful and I say again Thanks....
I loved your video I have a John Deere 165 hydro pretty much the same setup as your 185 thank you so much for your excellent video step by step perfect instructions. Nice and simple that I can follow. This is my first Rider and I love it old school and all have a blessed day 👏
You just saved yourself over $100.00 ! Some Techs will charge you to pick up the mower, do the same tune up you did and deliver the unit for approximately $150.00 plus parts. Good job. Nice mower.
I have been servicing my JD 185 Hydro for last 30 years. I picked up new tips after watching this great video. Another area, I recommend, is the cleaning of all electrical contacts. They get rusted and corroded over time and may stop the engine from starting. Thanks.
Just about to take delivery of a new X304 here in the UK. Paying almost £4k for a a new mower freaked me a little but watching your video gives me the confidence to tackle the regular maintenance jobs. Thanks - keep up the good work!
Have JD160. Been trying to get it started. Trying one thing at a time with no luck. Pretty sure it's the carburetor and have been looking for carb cleaning instructions for the JD. You've been most helpful in showing the carb cleaning. Thanks.
Found a 185 like this one online for sale. Thanks for this video, it's helped me decide to buy it. Looking forward to more videos about this mower, the one I'm getting has a 38 inch deck. Thanks again!
Nice job 👌💪👍😀👌 wow this was 7 years ago. I just got me a John Deere D170 last week and wanted to know if I got everything done. Greese fittings and all. Thank you coming from Connecticut
Good video. I have a couple of tips to add. First when changing the spark plug, check the new one's gap. Look up the spec in the owners manual. Usually the new plug is in the ballpark but since you have a new plug going in, make sure it is right on. As far as using compressed air, I would not use it to clean the air filter. It is best to tap the paper part (frame) on something like a trash bin rim. This works well. Using the air could rip the paper and let dust through. You may not even know it is ripped. Of course it may be advantageous to just replace it with a new filter. The same goes for the carb. The air may lodge dust where it could do damage.
Mark L @ I use air compressor all time as it cleans it properly,I just reduce the psi and do it not so close to paper element 😉 For foam filter part I wash with pamolive in sink!
Thanks so much for posting this informative video! I just got a 185, am trying to get it running and this gave me a fast and pictorial review of basic system maintenance. I really appreciate it!
I have a John Deere D140. Good video. Now ready to go outside and get mine ready for the mowing season. Here on the river in Montana I find, and this may be true for others as well, that I tend to blow alot of dust so important to check and clean the air filter on a regular basis.
Nice job. Going to try on my LT180 which is hard starting. Not sure what problem is... changed fuel filter, plugs and cleaned air cleaner. Now going to check the choke cable. Thanks.
Great video! the first one I have watched of yours but I will be watching more of them. Thank you. I also check plug gap before installing plugs and I clean the outside of carb before removing it for yearly maintenance. When I change any oil filter I fill it 1/3 full of oil on horizontal mounted and 3/4 full on vertical mounted filters to get oil pressure up faster on first startup.
Great video. I have a John Deere LA100. I will complete your suggestions and see if she starts. It cranks but won’t turn over. Changing the fuel filter was my next move.
From an old Mt man ... Great job just tell newbies to make sure no leaks once done, Obvious to us but some are going to do this stuff for first time. I'm at a new place and in need of my first riding mower. Need a garden tractor with locking diff. Narrowed down to a few but the X570 with that nice K72 Diff is at the top. Thanks
I have a John Deere L100. Going to attempt this next weekend because the repair shop is booked out a month. Plus I just want to see if I can do it. Your video makes it look doable--Pray I don't ruin a good manicure...Lol! I'll report back.
I have a John Deere LT 180. This is the first time I am attempting to do the preventive maintenance on it. I purchased the kit from our local John Deere store, but I may try to buy the oil and filter from an auto parts store instead next time.
Thanks for the informative maintenance video. I know not much about carb's or repairing them with kits, but I'm sure I could learn even at 77. I just bought a used LX-277 made in 2001 I think. It has enough safety equipment on it way back then - bet the new ones have even more. Most of the older ones have cracked hoods - I pop-riveted mine with a piece of galv. sheet metal to strengthen it. Thanks again.
Yep not many of the older ones in good condition unless the owners took care of them and stored them inside. The outside elements can really do some damage on a machine. The sheet metal will really help with the hood and if you add some John Deere paint colors then no one will know the difference. Hope my video helped, thanks for watching!
I have the LA175 there's some differences between the 175 and the one you have there's no nut on the drain plug it just kind of turns and twist off type of deal like I said there's a few differences but nothing I couldn't figure out the video was cool thank you I hated to see my friend keep having to pay $200 for someone to come out and do that it took me all of 30 minutes to do everything and she was paying $200 for some guy to come and do it thanks again
Thanks for the great info! Nice to have it all in one vid. Now my new (old) 425 should be much less scary next time I pop it open. That maintenance kit sounds like a good start; I don't know the last time the previous owner did all of this, and I'm a summer behind it myself.
My stable has all John Deere lawn tractors. 1988 Model 111 38" deck, 1988 185 Hydro 46" deck, 1994 265 46" deck, 1997 STX38 38" Black deck , and 2004 L110 42" deck. The 111, STX38, and 185 Hydro are recent acquisitions.
Thank you, I have a 185 hydro that I bought at the end of the summer. Started yesterday, stalled and wouldn't start again. Now I have an idea where to get started with it.
I have a john Deere lx176 1991 model with that same engine. It's not one of those cheap ones from like Home Depot or lowes. This one was bought at a john Deere dealer brand new. It's a very reliable tractor, I've had to replace very few parts on it like the starter and the wiring harness for the lights.
I just bought a used JD LA115 Great Video! if I may just a suggestion. I use needle pliers with a piece of fuel line hose on the tips to safely pinch my brake lines when working on my car. I figure the same thing can be done when replacing the gas filter to save fuel from spilling. Please keep the JD videos coming. Thanks
Nice video and thanks for posting. You've clearly taken good care of your tractor and those Kawasakis are terrific engines. Kinda sad to see JD go to B&S for their homeowner-grade lawn tractor motors over the last several years, but they seem to be holding up well. It's amazing that I can get a 42" D105 with more features and horses today for about $1000 less than my mom paid for an STX46 in 1996.
What a great video. I bought an old 185 hydro just like yours a year ago and am just now learning how to do all the basic maintenance and troubleshooting. This video really helps. Can you or anyone direct me on how to remove and sharpen the blades and how often that needs to be done? Also, where is the best place to get all of these parts- fuel filter, spark plug, etc?
Great Video,currently own an LX172 (even older) remarkably similar. Current issues w/carb. already explored air-cleaner/fuel filter,and replaced them. Carb bowl has had crap in it,and the o-ring on the banjo bolt has crumbled away. May have gotten in carb. will look for carb adjustment videos in a bit. Wish me luck...
I have the exact same mower as you John Deere 185 Hydro. I got mine used about 25 yrs ago. My neighbor has replaced his riding mower 4 or 5 times. Mine keeps going. I’ve had to have the starter rebuilt twice. When you changed the spark plug did you gap the new one? If so…what gap?
Thank you! My grandfather passed away so it’s up to all the granddaughters to help grandma with lawn care. Their lx277 has been giving us some start up trouble. Carb is gunked up but I figure I should do a whole tuneup while I’m at it.
Just serviced my LX277. Followed all your steps except for cleaning the carburetor. I also sharpened my blades. I literally watch a step, paused the video, went outside and completed the task and then came back inside to watch the next step! Thanks so much!
Succinct. Clear. Excellent photography. You show where things are before going in for close ups. No extra editorializing, just excellent information. Assumes nothing but not condescending. Thanks!!
Just an 88’ 185 hydro and it’s a beast. Thanks for the video, it’s has been extremely helpful
with the help of your video, this newbie was able to do the entire tuneup kit by herself! Thanks so much!!!
very cool! you are welcome!
Where do I buy a tune up kit? I'm a newbie girl myself
John Deere 2002 LX277/ 42" deck, both in pristine condition with 700 hours. Other than regular maintenance the only repairs one electric pto switch, Reverse module, blades, and belts.
I have an LX186 , very few videos for that model
I enjoyed watching this video, did help with my issues, good job.
thank you! and nice mower
Great video, brief, and covers all necessary steps in a short video
Sold my gt275 got a GT225 and a Onan 316 I’m restoring now. Nice video, all mower owners should watch this. The only thing I would add is to replace or sharpen the blades. Clean 185 by the way
I have a John Deere LT160 with a Kohler motor. I still found your video super helpful even though it's a different engine. I could identify the corresponding parts on my engine. It's great to have the whole process laid out clearly! Thanks!
The best on TH-cam. Straightforward to the point. Now, my jd mower runs much better. Many thanks...
Thanks for this video
I'm French, near to Paris and i just buy the same model of John Deere,
The maintenance by professionel is expensive and i wanted to do it myself
Thanks to you i can do it easily
Always put a drop of anti seize on the spark plug, a drop of oil on the oil filter seal. to replace fuel filter use vice grip to pinch the fuel line shut
Thanks for this. I've done hundreds of tune-ups on cars but never on a lawn tractor. To answer your question, I have a D110 that I've had for 8 years that's never had a tune-up. That will be remedied this year.
I've got a John Deere lawn tractor. I bought my first JD in 1996, ran it for 20 years then sold it to get a hydrostatic, it was still running perfectly. Bought my second JD in 2016 and so far just normal maintenance.
I appreciate the reply, all fluids are in good shape, upon further review of the situation, once the sun came up and I was able to see, I found a spring that the hook had broken loose, it was connected to a piece above the two pulleys at the middle area of the drive belt. When the spring came loose, it created a lack of tension on the drive belt, we got the spring, removed the deck and installed, got it back together and I finished mowing my yard, not a minute later it started to pour down rain:-) thanks for the reply!!!
I found your maintenance video helpful for the future!!!
Thats great you got it working! It always seems to rain when you are almost done mowing. Thanks for watching!
Just picked up a 1990 John Deere 170. Going to tune her up. Thanks for the info
excellent simple instruction.
anyone who has never done this should be able to accomplish this on their own. I'm going to attempt this afternoon. if you dont hear from me it was successful and I say again Thanks....
Donna Shane You are welcome!
I loved your video I have a John Deere 165 hydro pretty much the same setup as your 185 thank you so much for your excellent video step by step perfect instructions. Nice and simple that I can follow. This is my first Rider and I love it old school and all have a blessed day 👏
Excellent how to video. You made it so simple to understand and follow for all parts of the tune up. Thanks much!
you are welcome!
185 j.d. hydro, thanks for the info. I just bought it and it is my first rider
You just saved yourself over $100.00 ! Some Techs will charge you to pick up the mower, do the same tune up you did and deliver the unit for approximately $150.00 plus parts. Good job. Nice mower.
Yep you got it!
I have been servicing my JD 185 Hydro for last 30 years. I picked up new tips after watching this great video. Another area, I recommend, is the cleaning of all electrical contacts. They get rusted and corroded over time and may stop the engine from starting. Thanks.
What spark plug did you use
Just about to take delivery of a new X304 here in the UK. Paying almost £4k for a a new mower freaked me a little but watching your video gives me the confidence to tackle the regular maintenance jobs. Thanks - keep up the good work!
Great video. Haven't ran my 185 in over a decade. This is helpful and hopefully it'll start up
Same engine as my JD 260 and JD GT275. Had no idea how to clean the carburetor, this was extremely helpful.... thank you very much!
Have JD160. Been trying to get it started. Trying one thing at a time with no luck. Pretty sure it's the carburetor and have been looking for carb cleaning instructions for the JD. You've been most helpful in showing the carb cleaning. Thanks.
+Vic U you are welcome, good luck!
This is the best-prepared instructional video I have ever seen. I have the same model tractor.
LA135 is my John Deere model and following this video for maintenance my first time.
Looking to tune up my L118 mower fairly soon. Your video has inspired me to get it done. Thanks for your videos, very helpful and much appreciated.
+Michael Rodriguez you are very welcome!
I have a craftsman lt1000 with a briggs and Stratton motor, its old, sturdy, and reliable. love it
Found a 185 like this one online for sale. Thanks for this video, it's helped me decide to buy it. Looking forward to more videos about this mower, the one I'm getting has a 38 inch deck. Thanks again!
You are welcome, nice mower!
Your videos are excellent! The best I've seen yet... and I've watched a lot of videos on John Deere mowers! Keep up the good work!
Thank you very much!
Nice job 👌💪👍😀👌 wow this was 7 years ago. I just got me a John Deere D170 last week and wanted to know if I got everything done. Greese fittings and all. Thank you coming from Connecticut
Good video. I have a couple of tips to add. First when changing the spark plug, check the new one's gap. Look up the spec in the owners manual. Usually the new plug is in the ballpark but since you have a new plug going in, make sure it is right on. As far as using compressed air, I would not use it to clean the air filter. It is best to tap the paper part (frame) on something like a trash bin rim. This works well. Using the air could rip the paper and let dust through. You may not even know it is ripped. Of course it may be advantageous to just replace it with a new filter. The same goes for the carb. The air may lodge dust where it could do damage.
Mark L @ I use air compressor all time as it cleans it properly,I just reduce the psi and do it not so close to paper element 😉
For foam filter part I wash with pamolive in sink!
I have a john deere lx176 with the 44 piranha deck it has been a great mower. Great video btw
Thanks so much for posting this informative video! I just got a 185, am trying to get it running and this gave me a fast and pictorial review of basic system maintenance. I really appreciate it!
you are welcome!
Great video, I have a john Deere ltr166 It is new to me so I am in the process of learning the ins and outs of it. Take Care, Bob
thanks, glad to help!
Thanks, we are trying to service few mowers at my dad‘s place and couldn’t find the oil drain plug. Once we found it silly we didn’t see it before.
You are very welcome!
I just picked up a JD D-170 at the end of last summer. Great video Ryker, thanks
You are welcome!
LT180 - very helpful video, waiting for my maintenance kit to arrive from Amazon.
I have a John Deere D140. Good video. Now ready to go outside and get mine ready for the mowing season. Here on the river in Montana I find, and this may be true for others as well, that I tend to blow alot of dust so important to check and clean the air filter on a regular basis.
1990 JD 170 - Thank you for the video!
you are welcome!
This is perfect, I have the same 185 Hydro. Couldn't figure out where the oil drain plug was. Thank you!
+William Eggers you are welcome!
Thanks TheRyker! This will be my second tune up for my D110. I needed a refresher so I wouldn't forget anything. You had some good tips! thanks!
Glad it helped you and you are welcome!
I have a 170 (circa 1989). Never felt comfortable checking the carb. Thanks for the video.
Thank you for all the videos. It really helps me learn how to take care of my JD L111.
you are welcome!
Very informative to this first time lawn tractor owner.
you are welcome!
Solid instructional video. Thanks for taking the time to pull it together!
Excellent video. I have a 165 and love it. Your video shots, narration and editing are perfect.
I have a JD LX178 and love it. Found this to be very helpful.
Nice job. Going to try on my LT180 which is hard starting. Not sure what problem is... changed fuel filter, plugs and cleaned air cleaner. Now going to check the choke cable. Thanks.
Great video! the first one I have watched of yours but I will be watching more of them. Thank you. I also check plug gap before installing plugs and I clean the outside of carb before removing it for yearly maintenance. When I change any oil filter I fill it 1/3 full of oil on horizontal mounted and 3/4 full on vertical mounted filters to get oil pressure up faster on first startup.
Great video. I have a John Deere LA100. I will complete your suggestions and see if she starts. It cranks but won’t turn over. Changing the fuel filter was my next move.
Great video, I have JD 110, bought in used 35 hrs, up to 75 hrs after two seasons, time to do yearly maintenance!
Thank you for making this video! Very helpful and easy instructions. I'll comment again once we try to do the tune up!
From an old Mt man ... Great job just tell newbies to make sure no leaks once done, Obvious to us but some are going to do this stuff for first time. I'm at a new place and in need of my first riding mower. Need a garden tractor with locking diff. Narrowed down to a few but the X570 with that nice K72 Diff is at the top. Thanks
thanks!
Thank you Ryker for trackor info
you got it!
Nice job! I have a Troy-bilt pony 2007, and just did my tune up on it, and runs like a top!!
nice! Always good to get it running like it should!
Hey nicely done. Suggestion, fill your oil filter before you thread it on, this will prevent dry spots when cranking and starting first time.
good idea
I have a JD 111 tractor that I hope to have running this weekend. I'm getting the snowblower attachment as well
I picked up an old 160 for free just needed a fuel pump and a coil she runs perfect now
nice
I have a John Deere L100. Going to attempt this next weekend because the repair shop is booked out a month. Plus I just want to see if I can do it. Your video makes it look doable--Pray I don't ruin a good manicure...Lol! I'll report back.
Charity Cannon You got it, its easier than you think!
I have a John Deere LT 180. This is the first time I am attempting to do the preventive maintenance on it. I purchased the kit from our local John Deere store, but I may try to buy the oil and filter from an auto parts store instead next time.
Thanks for the informative maintenance video. I know not much about carb's or repairing them with kits, but I'm sure I could learn even at 77. I just bought a used LX-277 made in 2001 I think. It has enough safety equipment on it way back then - bet the new ones have even more. Most of the older ones have cracked hoods - I pop-riveted mine with a piece of galv. sheet metal to strengthen it. Thanks again.
Yep not many of the older ones in good condition unless the owners took care of them and stored them inside. The outside elements can really do some damage on a machine. The sheet metal will really help with the hood and if you add some John Deere paint colors then no one will know the difference. Hope my video helped, thanks for watching!
You are the 185 hydro sensei! Thanks so much for the great info
I have the LA175 there's some differences between the 175 and the one you have there's no nut on the drain plug it just kind of turns and twist off type of deal like I said there's a few differences but nothing I couldn't figure out the video was cool thank you I hated to see my friend keep having to pay $200 for someone to come out and do that it took me all of 30 minutes to do everything and she was paying $200 for some guy to come and do it thanks again
Thanks for the great info! Nice to have it all in one vid. Now my new (old) 425 should be much less scary next time I pop it open. That maintenance kit sounds like a good start; I don't know the last time the previous owner did all of this, and I'm a summer behind it myself.
Great, glad to help
Good video for tuning up my John Deere 185 Hydro
You are welcome!
Got a John Deere L100, found the video vey useful.........thanks.
Thats great, glad it helped, good mower!
Have the same mower! A real workhorse. I also have a JD LX176 wth the auto transmission. Go Big GREEN.
nice!
JD 170. I love it. Old, small, very reliable.
My stable has all John Deere lawn tractors. 1988 Model 111 38" deck, 1988 185 Hydro 46" deck, 1994 265 46" deck, 1997 STX38 38" Black deck , and 2004 L110 42" deck. The 111, STX38, and 185 Hydro are recent acquisitions.
John Deere 214. Getting ready to do some maintenance on it for this season. It sat for about 5 years so it needs quite a bit.
oh def needs some work then, good luck and thanks for watching!
Thank you, I have a 185 hydro that I bought at the end of the summer. Started yesterday, stalled and wouldn't start again. Now I have an idea where to get started with it.
D125 ! Thank you sir, outstanding “how to” video !!!
My pleasure!
I have a john Deere lx176 1991 model with that same engine. It's not one of those cheap ones from like Home Depot or lowes. This one was bought at a john Deere dealer brand new. It's a very reliable tractor, I've had to replace very few parts on it like the starter and the wiring harness for the lights.
nice
Good informational video. I have a john deere x355 from 2016
nice
Hi, I have a LX172. Love your videos, so precise and professional work., Thank you!!!
Great mower, Glad you like them, thank you very much!
I have the same John Deere you have I watched this video and it helped me with mine
Now I have the oil and oil filter and the fuel filter and the spark plug changed on mine
thats awesome!
Same here I watch it about every other year, thanks for the great video.
Great video! I’ve got a John Deere 175 Hydro.
nice!
Thanks for the video lots of knowldedge. I used to have a JD 170 hydro but transmission blew. So Im runnin a craftsman lt2000 for now.
+Osmosis Bones ok, you are welcome, nice mowers
I just bought a used JD LA115
Great Video!
if I may just a suggestion.
I use needle pliers with a piece of fuel line hose on the tips to safely pinch my brake lines when working on my car. I figure the same thing can be done when replacing the gas filter to save fuel from spilling.
Please keep the JD videos coming. Thanks
+Paul Cruz yes you are correct, glad it helped and thanks for the tip!
Nice video and thanks for posting. You've clearly taken good care of your tractor and those Kawasakis are terrific engines. Kinda sad to see JD go to B&S for their homeowner-grade lawn tractor motors over the last several years, but they seem to be holding up well. It's amazing that I can get a 42" D105 with more features and horses today for about $1000 less than my mom paid for an STX46 in 1996.
What a great video. I bought an old 185 hydro just like yours a year ago and am just now learning how to do all the basic maintenance and troubleshooting. This video really helps. Can you or anyone direct me on how to remove and sharpen the blades and how often that needs to be done? Also, where is the best place to get all of these parts- fuel filter, spark plug, etc?
I have had great experience buying parts from Weingartz.
I have a John Deere L110. Great video!
Great Video! I have a hydro 165! Need to repaint/put new engine in
nice
Great model with kwak motor & solid mower deck,👍🍻
Oil change was over due tho :/
John Deere LT180. Great video!!
Always replace the air filter
Great Video,currently own an LX172 (even older) remarkably similar. Current issues w/carb. already explored air-cleaner/fuel filter,and replaced them. Carb bowl has had crap in it,and the o-ring on the banjo bolt has crumbled away. May have gotten in carb. will look for carb adjustment videos in a bit. Wish me luck...
It sounds like you know what you are doing so you should be just fine, glad I could help!
I have the exact same mower as you John Deere 185 Hydro. I got mine used about 25 yrs ago. My neighbor has replaced his riding mower 4 or 5 times. Mine keeps going. I’ve had to have the starter rebuilt twice. When you changed the spark plug did you gap the new one? If so…what gap?
D125 John Deere. Thanks for this!
JD155. Really appreciate your video! Very helpful!
you are welcome!
This was a very well explained video. I am selling my JD L-110 and I wish to do a tune up before doing so. Thanks.
Thank you! Thats a great idea!
Very good video, thank you for the instructions.
Thanks for the video. Very helpful. I have a John Deere 170 riding mower. It’s very similar to yours.
you are very welcome!
Great video RykerDane. I have JD L111. Thanks!
nice mower!
I have a john deere 180, runs great!
Great video man!
very good lesson learned.