John Deere 1025R Problems — Main Causes + Solutions

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Owning a power tool like a John Deere diesel tractor is a huge help for small-scale farmers, but it’s also common to encounter transmission and hydraulic problems with this specific unit.

From my experience with the John Deere 1025R, I’ve compiled a list of frequent problems and the handy solutions I use to get my tractor back up and running efficiently.

Main Problems with John Deere 1025R Machine + Solutions

A John Deere 1025R machine encounters problems caused by a lot of factors. While some are simple issues, knowing how to troubleshoot them is important to keep your machine back on the road and running. 

hay baler attached to John Deere 1025R

Some of the common issues are hydraulic oil problems, transmission, brakes, and faulty engine problems. 

Problem #1: Engine Issues

John Deere is one of the best tractor brands, often regarded as a friendly machine, especially for farmers, but not when its gas engines are in a disarray. 

I’ve come across instances where its gas engines can act up. Engine troubles tend to be a recurring theme with problematic tractors, and they can indeed snowball into more significant issues down the line.

The Engine Won’t Start

Faulty gearshift lever positioning can be at fault as to why your John Deere 1025r won’t start. The gearshift level should be in the high or low range, and if it falls short between these two, the John Deere engine won’t start

John Deere 1025R engine view

To avoid this, always check how your gear level is positioned before starting your engine. 

Oil Filter Won’t Function

Running your machine on a dirty oil or fuel filter will cause problems with your engine. Improper tire inflation on the other hand can prompt slow braking, both of which you want to avoid. 

Solution

To avoid engine problems, always ensure that you check your batteries and that all the connections are correctly made. Loose wires will ignite problems on your engine, and keeping it clean and tight prevents possible problems. Damaged batteries should be replaced immediately. 

Problem #2: Overheating Engine

Temperature affects a machine’s engine, and it’s a fact that most workers aren’t aware of. I’ve seen firsthand how it can lead to overheating. And let’s not forget about accumulated debris on the radiator fins; that’s another culprit I’ve observed causing engines to heat up more than they should.

John Deere 1025R engine overheat

Apart from these common reasons, another cause of overheating engines is poor fan belt adjustment. To prevent this, make sure that your belt is always in a taut position. 

Solution

One paramount on John Deere engines is the regular cleaning of the radiator fins. Doing this regularly will prevent the accumulation of debris, which often is the trigger of overheating engines. 

Also, keep your fan belt tight and invest in a coolant especially if you’re using your engine frequently. 

Problem #3: Transmission Problems

Leaking transmission fluid is one of the common problems people experience with their John Deere machines. What’s worse is that you can’t move your machine even if the engine is running. 

John Deere 1025R transmission fluid change

Transmission problems are often a complication of a faulty gearshift lever or stubborn oil. Both these can trigger your machine to stop running. Luckily, here are quick fixes you can make:

Neutral Shift Lever Positioning

Check the neutral shift lever position. It should be in a high or low-range position all the time. 

Cold Transmission Oil

From my time working with machinery, I’ve learned the importance of keeping the oil warm for smoother fuel movements. Especially in winter, it might take some patience, but I can’t stress enough how crucial it is to avoid leaving your transmission oil cold. Doing so can prevent a host of complications down the line.

John Deere 1025R transmission oil change

Low Transmission Oil Level

Always check your oil tank, and if the oil falls below the minimum fluid level, then you should fill it out right away, as not doing this can spark damage or faults on your engine. As much as possible, don’t leave your transmission oil low.  

Solution

Inspect the gearshift lever and check how it is positioned. Keep the lever upward or downward, instead of leaving them in a neutral position. If the problem still persists, you can check the oil level. There should be enough oil to run the machine, or it will stop and cause issues.

Problem #4: Brake Malfunction and Steering Issues

Brake problems are nuances you should avoid as they can prompt accidents if not taken care of right away. You’ll notice brake problems in form of squeaking sounds produced by your JD tractor.  

John Deere 1025R fixing brake

Brake leaks and malfunctioned steering systems can be deadly, so it’s best to troubleshoot once these telltale signs happen. This way, you avoid encountering related John Deere 1025R problems in the future. 

Solution

Regularly inspect your oil filter as damaged filters can cause brake issues. A damaged one can lead to brake troubles. And speaking of brakes, another piece of advice I’ve picked up over the years: keep an eye on those tires. Underinflated tires can be a sneaky culprit behind brake failures.

Problem #5: Hydraulic System Malfunction

Hydraulic problems are common with John Deere tractor models simply because a tractor will lose speed and performance throughout use, like most engines. 

Alterations in your oil and pressure cause the hydraulic mechanism to malfunction, compromising the engine’s performance. 

John Deere 1025R hydraulic system

It’s also easy to determine if the hydraulic system is what’s causing your problem, because it gets too noisy, and moves slower. This may be caused by burning fluid, or a clogged filter, or may also be a result of using the wrong hydraulic fluid.  

Bad Machine Performance

Altering the hydraulic fluid pressure can compromise the performance of John Deere tractors. To fix it, inspect the hydraulic oil filters, and regain its performance by draining and filling the hydraulic fluid. 

Slow Operation

When pure hydraulic oil alters the density and pressure of your John Deere unit, it will cause the speed to decrease. Often too, its speed will deteriorate due to prolonged use. To correct this problem, simply drain the tractor’s hydraulic system, and replace it with the correct oil.

Solution

You don’t need a professional to fix a hydraulic problem. Simply drain the hydraulic system, replace it with the right fluid, and refill it accordingly. You can also reset and use the same step if you see that there’s nothing wrong with your fluid at all. 

Problem #6: Electrical System Issues

One of the common causes of electrical system issues is damaged batteries. When I spot corroded terminals or find that a battery just isn’t holding up, I know it’s likely to introduce high current resistance and lead to electrical issues.

John Deere 1025R electrical system

Solution

Clean the terminal often to avoid corrosion, and always ensure that the electrical belt is tight. Replace faulty batteries to prevent connection problems. 

Factors To Consider

Problem #7: Deck Leak

If you’re one of the unlucky ones who get a JD 1025R with deck leaking oil, frustration would have been eating you up. Chances are, you bought a tractor that has a faulty hydraulic cylinder causing the annoying leaks. 

John Deere 1025R deck leak

Even simple problems in the hydraulic system can be annoying, moreover, deal with unnecessary leaks. 

Solution

Seek mower models that are compatible with compact utility tractors. It also comes with mulching kits, to match your machine. 

Problem #8: Fuel System Issues

A steering column, system, faulty engine, and faulty fuel filters are common culprits to defective fuel systems. Inflating your tire improperly can also be a reason. 

John Deere 1025R fuel system

Unlike the common reasons, this fuel system problem doesn’t cause effects right away. Instead, it deteriorates your machine over time, causing clogs, poor performance, and efficiency. 

Solution

The best way to fix a fuel system problem is to tap a mechanic or professional because trying to fix it on your own with very little knowledge will cost you your prize tractor. This will prevent any damage to occur on your John Deere Tractor.

Other John Deere 1025R Issues That You Need To Watch Out For

Loader and Tiller

When I bought my John Deere 1025R tiller and loader, I too faced issues with the hydraulic system, as many others have. It seems to be a common occurrence.

attaching tiller to John Deere 1025R

The fluid driving the machine’s motion often causes difficulties, causing it to slow down and cause problems with the tractor. A faulty steering system is often caused by the following:

PTO Problems

Often, wrong installation or blown fuse can cause a faulty PTO [1] clutch or hydraulic pump. This happens due to clogged hoses, fittings, and broken solenoids. Change the brakes on the PTO and ensure that the hoses are clean. 

I’d suggest hiring a mechanic to tackle these frequent issues. However, from my experience, regular cleaning and maintenance can often prevent these problems from cropping up.

Rockshaft Problem

The rock shaft turns half to lift cultivators. If you have loose rings, it can cause the rock shaft to be shaky. 

John Deere 1025R rockshaft working

Replacements can be a little hefty, and this specific problem requires the expertise of professionals. Don’t try to save it by yourself, because replacing the shaft is dangerous if done erroneously. 

Overview of John Deere 1025R Design and Specs

In order to identify your mower’s problems, it’s paramount to familiarize yourself with the construction design and features of John Deere. A John Deere 1025R is a farm machine tractor that yields a 24.2hp diesel engine and runs at a speed of 3200 revolutions per minute. 

Must-Read: Know More About Lawn Mower Insurance 

What makes John Deere 1025R even more unique is its compactness and functionality. Here, I’ll lay out the specifications for your reference: 

FeaturesSpecifications
Bore and Stroke80x84mm 3.15×3.31in
Engine Speed3200rpm
Engine Power24.2PS 23.9hp SAE J1995
Transmission StandardHydrostatic-two Range
Hitch TypeLimited Category 1
Steering Hydraulics13.2L/min 3.5 GPM
Power Take-Off (PTO)12.8kW 17.2h

Is John Deere 1025R a Good Tractor Machine?

While there are numerous complaints about John Deere 1025R problems, I still recommend investing in a John Deere 1025R because it has excellent features, and most of the issues are fixable. 

The quality of this tractor machine remains superb and it doesn’t disappoint especially for fieldwork. Speaking of quality, check out this John Deere S100 lawn tractor review next! 

What Most Users Say About the John Deere 1025R

The 1025R is one of the most versatile machines you’ll encounter in the market, and this has left users in awe of its efficiency and compactness. 

operating a John Deere 1025R

It can run multiple implementations simultaneously, and of all the equipment from the John Deere company, the JD 1025R is one of the bests in terms of capability and performance. 

Another feature most users consider is the lighter 1025R which fits mowing jobs perfectly. While it has a few issues, these are also straightforward and aren’t brought about by problems with the manufacturer, instead are common with power tools. 

The well-liked feature of the JD 1025R is its tilted steering wheel. In fact, you can turn a John Deere lawn mower into a Turbo Go-Kart!

FAQ

How long can a John Deere 1025R tractor last?

John Deere 1025R can last up from 6,000 to 8,000 hours, and it is almost comparable to how long gas-engined JD tractors can run. Unlike most tractors, it doesn’t need much-unplanned downtime before or after mowing, provided that you keep it in good shape. 

How fast is the John Deere 1025R?

In the A range, it runs at a speed of 4.5 MPH, while in the B range can run as fast as 9MPH. 

How heavy can a John Deere 1025R tractor lift?

The maximum weight a John Deere 1025R tractor can lift is up to 758 lbs.

What is the meaning of “R” in the 1025R?

The R indicates more whistles and bells in a 1025R. 

Can a faulty battery cause an electrical issue in the 1025R?

Faulty batteries are the common cause of electrical problems. In some cases, a weak or damaged battery can also cause fluctuations in the electrical system, which may affect the overall performance and reliability of the tractor.

Therefore, always make sure that your battery connections are correct and replace damaged batteries immediately. 

Is John Deere 1025 tractor US made?

John Deere 1025R tractors are made in the USA, and its main office is located in Moline, Illinois. The company has four manufacturing areas – mainly Georgia, Tennessee, Iowa, and Wisconsin. 

Next Read: Best of John Deere Riding Mowers 

Conclusion

Despite John Deere 1025R problems that most users encounter, it’s undeniable that it remains the most seamless and best tractor brand in the market. 

I’ve explored the common faults experienced and have identified optimal solutions to these challenges. I hope this knowledge assists you in maintaining your lawn tractor and maximizing its functionalities.

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Robert Johnson is a passionate furniture maker & carpenter, sought after for his knowledge on the craft.
You’ve probably seen his down-to-earth wisdom in USA Today, Bobvila, Family Handyman, and The Spruce, where he has shared commentary and guidance on various woodworking topics.

Robert is the brain behind Sawinery, where he aims to share tips, tricks, and a passion for all things carpentry.

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