problems with jd x320

VanFoley · Mar 31, 2010

fyrflyr, sorry but all I can offer you is my condolences. It is tough paying
>4K for something that is at the dealership more than mowing your lawn. I do find it odd that when somebody has a otherwise good machine that when they have problems, it is usually more than one component that they are having problems with. Makes you wonder if there really is something to the old saying "most of been built on a Monday or Friday". Keep us updated and best wishes.

ctlguy · Mar 31, 2010

There has been some issues on the x300 series with the electronic control unit failing, thus no sparky (am135490). This is unfortunate but there have been failures similar to Deere's Ignitor issues from the late 90's (which was of course blamed on the vendors). On the really old subject of backfire at shutdown the increasing of the throttle at shutdown has been the fix for many years now. It seems to work fine once it is ingrained into your shutdown procedure. We have had better luck with fuel issues if you DO NOT use ethanol blended fuel. Stick with either the low grade regular or hi grade try to stay away from mid grade (if it is an ethanol blend). This may not be an entirely correct statement but seems to help I personally blame the backfire issue on todays fuel degrading the needle and seat, again may not be correct but my opinion. Good luck sorry you have had so many problems it can be frustrating.

Frankg1 · Apr 17, 2010

I would NEVER again buy a JD product. I have a 14PB mower trouble free for 15 years. I have X320 Premium Lawn Tractor, purchased new from the dealer. At 150 hrs the PTO clutch went out, $300 to fix. At 174 hrs the lever for the transmission that allows you push it went out. I opened the transmission up to see if there was a catch and nothing. I finally took the machine to the JD dealer and they said they can not rebuild the transmission, but would put a new one in for $1400. Customer service at JD is sorry for my experience but stands behind the technical experts called their dealer. The Tuff Torq transmission at one time was put together in a factory, correct? Then why can't it be reassembled? I think this is a way to get more money from customers that own these green Lemons. Could I not find a garage mechanic that could fix this? Thoughts anyone?

VanFoley · May 3, 2010

Frankg1, Call Tuff Torq. They are very customer oriented and if you tell them what problem you are having, they may be able to walk you through a quick fix. Their website is www.tufftorq.com and they have a number listed under contacts. I belong to another forum too, www.mytractorforum.com, and many members there call TT and comment on how ready they are to help.

If you need a new one, then you can get one directly from TT for $746.53. They are easy to install. I know it is a tough pill to swallow because it is their product failing on your 4 grand machine but I think you just got a bad unit. I paid alot of money for my x320, used though, and would very upset at such an early failure. I have so many friends who have $1000.00 mowers that have lasted 7, 8, some 10 years. I wouldn't mind spending a grand for a 5 year tractor myself. I would NOT be happy at spending 4 grand for a 5 year tractor.

I truely believe the JDs are some of the better mowers out there but if you are dead set against them this round, check out Simplicity. But remember, they get their transaxles from Tuff Torq as well. i think to have a good 20 year machine, you have to get a garden tractor with a much stouter transaxle. The transaxles seem to be the first component to fail on most mowers, especially ones with premium motors like Kawasakis.

pony4me · Sep 25, 2011

Just found this thread after doing an online search for JD X320 problems. Mine has been crap since we bought it. It has less than 50 hours on it, and somehow, the oil drainplug came off while mowing, causing the engine to run without oil, thereby destroying it. We contend that the drainplug had to be defective in some way for this to happen, and our dealer agreed, but JD will not replace the engine under warranty saying that it's our fault and we should have known the drain plug vanished. We are furious as we now have to pay $2500 for a replacement engine. So, tractor experts, how do I insure that the drainplug is always in there? Mirror? Someone hanging off the side of the mower watching it? (Seems unsafe, doesn't it???) Optional Genuine John Deere Drainplug Sensor? Or is just another way to screw the consumer?

My JD40 was fine. 1953 model, and never a drainplug problem. Same for the JD770 which we bought new around 1990 (upon retiring the JD40) and is still going strong. Seems like Deere wouldn't mess around with a loyal customer, but I guess the times they are a changin'.

jenkinsph · Sep 25, 2011

pony4me

Very unfortunate I must say and sorry for your loss and expense..

When you take a new machine home it is necessary for you to perform visual inspections to the machine. Not saying it is all your fault or Deere or Kawasaki maybe just bad luck. I would have thought that a Kawasaki engine would have a low oil pressure shutdown.

ChuckinNH · Sep 28, 2011

If there wasn't oil spilled all over the top of the mower deck, and mixed in with the cut grass it would seem that the tractor was shipped to you with no drain plug installed. Of course that also means that neither the dealer, service tech, or you ever pulled the dip stick. First man in the line that starts a new engine without checking the oil bears the responsibility in my eyes.