The right agricultural equipment can help keep your lawn or garden in tip-top condition.
The John Deere X730 will help you tackle even high-obstacle lawns if you’re a homeowner or commercial landscaper. It’s one of the most powerful and reliable lawn tractors in the JD X700 series. But even the top-of-the-line machines have their fair share of problems. Many X730 owners have experienced cold starting issues, engine running rough, hard steering, belt slipping, and uneven cutting problems.
Herein, I detail how to troubleshoot the most common John Deere X730 problems. I’ll also share practical maintenance tips to keep your lawn tractor in good shape.
Contents
John Deere X730 Cold Starting Problems
Besides landscaping, JD X730 owners in cold regions use this lawn tractor for snow removal. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon to find the mower experiencing starting difficulties when temperatures go below 40°F.
Low temperatures are usually harsh on your lawn tractor’s engine, oil, and battery. It may take longer to crank and start the engine than in warmer temperatures. Sometimes, the engine won’t start despite cranking it several times.
The engine oil and fuel fall victim to frigid weather. Letting your tractor sit for a long time, especially in the cold, can cause the oil and fuel to thicken and lose their grade. Check the oil and fuel quality if your X730 has a cold starting issue. You may need to drain and change thick oil and fuel.
John Deere X730 oil change is an essential maintenance practice that will boost your tractor’s engine performance while extending longevity. You should also use high-quality oil to keep the engine running smoothly.
The battery drains quickly in cold weather and loses its ability to start the tractor. If that’s true with your X730’s lawn tractor, remove the battery and charge it in your garage. You’ll also need to remove and store the battery somewhere warmer in winter. This hack will help keep the battery strong and ready for use.
Another trick many owners use is parking their mower in a heated garage. And then adding a winterizing additive in the fuel tank to keep the fuel more resilient through the cold months.
Engine Running Rough
A well-maintained engine should run smoothly without creating excessive noise or vibration. However, if you neglect your JD X730 routine maintenance, the lawn tractor may make loud noises or vibrations. An engine that runs rough will also cause the overall performance to deteriorate.
If your engine runs rough, the cooling fins or the air filter might be clogged. Examine these components and give them a thorough cleaning if they’re dirty. Replacing damaged fins or an air filter can also solve the problem.
A faulty or loose spark plug can’t produce the required spark to ignite the air-fuel mixture. The defective plug will cause the engine to run rough and perform poorly. Examine the plug and ensure it’s not loose. If the spark plug has signs of damage, replace it.
Defects in the fuel system can cause several John Deere X730 problems, including the engine running rough. Clogged fuel lines can block fuel flow into the combustion chamber.
Examine the lines, including their carburetor for clogs. Clean a clogged carburetor with a carb and choke cleaner. Then, use a fuel injector cleaner to remove sludge or clogs in the fuel lines.
Hard Steering
Steering problems in your lawn tractor may occur due to poor maintenance and improper handling. Over time, the steering may become stiff and difficult to turn while mowing. This problem is prevalent when turning your X730 at low speeds.
The most possible cause of this issue is insufficient steering oil. Damaged piston seals or rods may cause leakage and reduce the oil level. Check the steering oil level and top it up if needed. If there’s a leak in the system, examine the piston seals and rod and replace them if broken.
Air trapped in the tractor’s hydraulic steering system can make the steering hard to turn. The air may seep into the system while fixing oil leaks or replacing the steering pump. Open the bleed valve to force any trapped air out of the system.
A defective hydrostatic steering unit may also cause the steering to become stiff. In this case, take your lawn tractor to a repair shop to have the unit inspected and repaired or replaced.
Lastly, ensure the lawn tractor tires are properly inflated. Incorrect tire pressure, particularly low pressure, can cause the steering to feel stiff. Examine all the tires and adjust the pressure accordingly.
Slipping Belt
The John Deere X730 deck drive belt transfers power from the engine to various moving parts. However, with regular usage and improper maintenance, the belt might fail to do its work. The most common symptom of a failing belt is when it keeps slipping.
This belt might slip due to excessive wear or damage. A worn-out or damaged belt will lose tension and slip while mowing. In this case, you can remove the worn belt and install a new one.
Your lawn tractor belt might slip if the pulley or the sheave is dirty. Inspect the pulley and the sheave and clean them if necessary. Adjust the tensioner if the belt appears loose. Ensure to tighten the belt properly without causing too much strain on the motor.
Uneven Cutting
Uneven cutting is a common problem in lawn tractors. And like many John Deere X730 problems, the uneven cutting problem may result from neglecting your tractor’s routine maintenance.
The leading cause of uneven cuts is blunt or damaged blades. Over time, mower blades get blunt due to regular use. They may also hit hard objects and get damaged. So, always examine the blades and sharpen them if blunt. If you have worn or defective blades, replace them.
A low mower deck height is another possible cause of uneven cutting in this lawn tractor. Before cutting the grass, adjust the height appropriately. Then, ensure you have a clean cutting deck by removing any stuck debris.
Lastly, don’t use the mower to cut grass if you have a low tire pressure issue. Inspect the tires and inflate them as recommended. Worn or damaged tires need replacing to keep them properly inflated.
Maintenance Tips
These tips will help improve your John Deere X730 performance and extend its longevity:
- Clean the mower deck and blades after use
- Sharpen the blades
- Change the spark plugs regularly
- Replace the fuel filter when needed
- Change the oil as required
- Use high-quality oil
- Clean the air filter
- Keep the tires properly inflated
- Disconnect and store the battery for winter
John Deere X730 Specs
| Features | Specs |
| Engine | V-twin liquid-cooled |
| Engine power | 25.5 hp |
| Fuel type | Gasoline |
| Fuel delivery | Electronic fuel injection |
| Max forward speed | 8.5 mph |
| Max reverse speed | 6 mph |
| Brakes | Internal wet brakes |
| Steering type | Hydraulic power |
| Front tires | 18×8.5-5 |
| Rear tires | 26×12-12 |
| Equipment mounting | Optional 3-point hitch (category 1) |
| Max towing capacity | 1,000 lbs. |
| Turning radius | 25” |
| Mower cut height | 1 to 5.25” |
| Cutting width | 48” |
| U.S. warranty | Four-year or 700-hour bumper-to-bumper warranty |
Wrapping Up
Hopefully, we’ve helped you understand how to troubleshoot the most common John Deere X730 problems. As you’ve seen, most of these problems occur due to improper handling or maintenance of the lawn tractor.
So after addressing the issues, always inspect and maintain the lawn tractor to keep it running over the years. Work closely with a professional technician to help troubleshoot the most daunting JD X730 issues.
Miller Davis: Expert Mower & Tractor Mechanic 🛠️🚜 ASE Certified | Passionate Problem Solver
Meet Miller Davis, your go-to mower and tractor mechanic. ASE certified with a passion for precision, I ensure your equipment runs at its best. Let’s keep those engines humming!
