John Deere S100 Problems FIXED (3 Issues Explained) (2024)

John Deere S100 is a trustworthy tractor to create the perfect lawn. This JD 100 series lawn tractor can tackle any long grass and turf. However, without proper maintenance, its older parts may show some unforeseen troubles.

What are the John Deere S100 problems? Several common issues are engine starting troubles, uneven mowing, belt slips/snaps, etc. These might be awful if you don’t service the lawn mower immediately. But proper maintenance will help you stop such issues before going beyond you. As you may experience these difficulties anytime, hence knowing the solution is essential.

No worries! This article will take you through the different problems of the S100 John Deere lawn tractor with their troubleshooting and associated replacement costs. Let’s dig out the facts.

Top 3 Issues of John Deere S100 Lawn Tractor

John Deere 100 series lawn tractor S100 introduces different unique features such as a sturdy frame, snow removal, powerful engine, infinite ground speeds for hydrostatic transmission, etc. However, you may face some issues due to malfunction of the parts or inadequate maintenance.

Some of the challenges that you may encounter with JD S100 are-

• Engine starting issue
• Belt slips/snaps
• Uneven mowing

Solutions to John Deere S100 Problems with Rebuilding Costs

After discussing the issues of the John Deere 100 series S100 machine, let’s talk about troubleshooting these common troubles.

1. Engine Starting Issues

Sometimes you may experience different types of engine problems with your John Deere S100 lawn tractor. Some of them are engine not starting, poor performance, hard start, overheating, backfires, etc. Actually, these problems are almost common in all 100 series JD lawn tractors.

Let’s troubleshoot S100 John Deere starting challenges step by step.

Step 1: Firstly, disengage the blades. After that check the battery terminals of the machine. Dirty battery terminals may hinder starting the engine frequently. Also, test the voltage of the battery using a multimeter. If the battery is bad, replace it.

Step 2: Then inspect the fuse and change it if this is blown.

Step 3: Be sure the lawn mower has adequate fuel and oil to run.

Step 4: When you are starting the lawn mower make sure you sit on the seat and push the brake. After pushing a good brake, the machine will fire during starting. Also, check the safety switch that is engaged when you push the brake pedal. Clean the terminals of the safety switch and plug it correctly.

Step 5: Now inspect the fuel filter. Replace it if it’s bad or clogged too much.

Step 6: Also make sure the spark plugs are connected rightly with the wires. If required change the spark plugs too.

Here is a table illustrating the replacement costs of different parts to fix the S100 JD machine.

The following video shows the troubleshooting method of the John Deere 100 series lawn tractor.

2. Belt Slips/Snaps

The mower drive belt issue is another common concern of the JD S100 lawn mower. Some owners complain about the belt slips problems and it may even snap within a short time.

A damaged drive belt will show different troubles including too much vibration. So, follow the steps below to fix the issue.

Step 1: The belt may slip due to wear and tear, incorrect belt tension, and debris in sheaves. Clean the sheaves if there is debris.

Step 2: If the belt is damaged, you may replace the transmission drive belt or check its warranty. It costs around 10 to 20 bucks.

Step 3: To change the mower drive belt, you need to remove the mower deck, capscrews with left and belt shields, left side sheaves, and mower belt.

The video below shows how to replace the JD S100 deck belt quickly.

3. Uneven/Rough Cutting

Sometimes your John Deere 100 series S100 might cause uneven mowing which is really frustrating. It may happen due to an unleveled mower deck, dull blades, or high-speed moving. Here are several tips to solve this issue.

Step 1: If the mower deck isn’t leveled properly, you need to level it well.

Step 2: Sharpen the blades if they get dull. Or replace the blades at about 30 bucks.

Step 3: Check the tire pressure. If they seem unequal, apply necessary pressure there and make them level.

Step 4: Inspect the mower wheels if they aren’t adjusted properly adjust them.

Step 5: Run the lawn mower to a moderate speed during the whole mowing session to avoid rough mowing.

Frequently Asked Questions

You may have more questions regarding the JD S100 lawn tractor. Here are a few of them with answers.

Q. What are the specs of the John Deere S100 lawn tractor?

A. Some of the key specifications of JD S100 are-

• Engine: Briggs & Stratton
• Engine power: 17.5 hp (13 kW)
• Transaxle type: TLT200 hydrostatic, two-wheel drive
• Fuel type: Gasoline
• Fuel tank capacity: 2.4 U.S. gal. (9.1 L)
• Weight: Mower, no fuel, 414 lb (188 kg)
• Maximum towing capacity: 500 lb (227 kg)
• Cutting width: Edge™ mower deck, 42 in. (107 cm)
• Wheelbase dimension: 48.9 in. (1242 mm)
• Forward speed: 0-5.5 mph (0-8.9 km/h)
• Reverse speed: 0-3.2 mph (0-5.2 km/h)

Q. How much is a John Deere S100 lawn tractor?

A. The price of the JD S100 lawn mower is 2399 USD without additional charges (like tax, delivery, etc.)

Q. What is the optional equipment of JD S100?

A. Some of them are the rear bagger, mulching systems, snow blower, front blade, spreader, sprayer, sun canopy, etc.

Q. How long is the John Deere S100 warranty?

A. The bumper-to-bumper of JD S100 provides 120 hour/2 year warranty.

Q. How often should you replace the JD S100 air filter, oil filter, fuel filter, and spark plug?

A. It’s recommended to change these parts every 50 hours.

Q. Is the John Deere S100 manual available?

A. Yes, the 100 series John Deere service manual is available for free.

Ending Words

Whenever you notice any John Deere S100 symptoms or problems, you should take appropriate action shortly. It’s also recommended to service the lawn mower properly.

Also, record the servicing date and replace the worn-out parts at the right intervals. Hopefully, you will get better performance from this lawn tractor. Happy mowing!