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How to Grease a John Deere Lawnmower, step by step

Are you looking for a way to maintain your lawnmower’s performance? Look no further. We have a detailed guide that will make greasing your lawnmower straightforward. You can count on us for reliable information.

How to Grease a John Deere Lawnmower:

To grease a John Deere mower, park on level ground. Locate and grease nipples on the axle and wheels. Lower deck, grease blade brake, idler pivots. Grease lift arm, rock shaft pivots. Lift deck, grease drive shaft joints. I recommend John Deere grease and grease every 25 mowing hours.

Learn how to prolong your lawnmower’s life with our comprehensive guide. We provide a straightforward approach to greasing your machine, ensuring it stays in top condition. Don’t miss out on these essential maintenance tips. Continue for more details!

Contents

Step-by-Step Procedure for Greasing a John Deere Lawnmower:

Before applying grease, let’s look into the type of grease that should be used. John Deere recommends grease for parts involved in high-speed movement and grease for other parts.

● The best Grease For High-Speed lawnmower parts:

For John Deere lawnmower components actively involved in high-speed movement, John Deere recommends the John Deere Multi-purpose SD Polyurea Grease or the John Deere Multi-purpose HD Lithium Complex Grease.

The high-speed parts for which these greases are recommended are:

  • The Mower Spindle
  • Bearings from the rear axle of the mower
  • Universal joints of the mechanical four-wheel driveshaft

● The best grease For Other lawnmower parts:

John Deere recommends the John Deere Multi-purpose HD Lithium Complex Grease or John Deere Moly High-Temperature EP Grease for the rock shaft, deck lift cylinders, deck lift arms, tie rod, etc.

These components of a John Deere lawnmower are not directly involved in high-speed operations. The manufacturer prefers the greases mentioned here. Other general-purpose greases with an NLGI grade 2 rating.

Moreover, wet applications require special greases. Consult the user manual or the provider for further info on special greases. Let’s start with the greasing procedure for a John Deere Lawnmower’s different components with the correct grease arranged.

Understanding the importance of greasing a John Deere lawnmower is fundamental. With my two decades of experience, I can attest that regular greasing significantly reduces friction between moving parts, preventing premature wear and tear.

● Greasing the John Deere Lawnmower Front Axle and Front Wheels:

Follow the steps given below to grease the front axle and front wheels:

– Step 1: Park the Mower

Park your John Deer mower in an open, flat area. Use the parking brakes to ensure the mower does not start rolling while greasing the different parts. Also, turn the wheels such that they are facing straight ahead.

– Step2: Grease the Front Axle

All components requiring grease have grease nipples where the grease can be added. All you need to do is find the nipple on each element and put the grease in it.

The grease nipple of the front axle is located directly underneath its middle section. Put the end of the grease gun in the nipple and pump the gun’s handle until there is pressure in the handle. Then, remove the end of the grease gun from the nipple.

– Step 3: Grease the Front Wheels

The grease nipple is located on the inside of each wheel. Locate the nipple, place the end of the grease gun in the nipple, and pump its handle. Remove the grease gun when you feel pressure on the handle. Perform this procedure for both front wheels.

– Step 4: Grease the Front Wheel Shaft

The final step is to grease the nipples at the front of both wheel shafts beside the tires. Put the end of the grease gun in the nipple and pump the handle until grease starts coming out of the bushing. Perform this procedure for both front-wheel shafts.

● Greasing the John Deere Lawnmower Mower Deck:

Follow the steps given below to grease the deck of your John Deere lawnmower:

– Step 1: Lower the Mower Deck

Lower the deck of your John Deere mower to the lowest setting.

– Step 2: Grease the Blade Brake Pivot

There are two brake blade pivot nipples, one on the deck’s right and the other on the left. Spray the two-blade brake pivots with the grease recommended by the manufacturer or with an all-purpose grease.

– Step 3: Grease the Deck Idler Pivot

There is a deck idler pivot to the left of the right-hand blade spindle. Locate this pivot point and spray it with the grease recommended by the manufacturer or an all-purpose grease.

● Greasing Other Components from a John Deere Lawnmower:

Follow the guidelines given below to grease other essential components of your John Deere lawnmower:

I’ve seen many common mistakes when it comes to greasing lawnmowers, such as over-greasing, using the wrong type of grease, and neglecting to clean grease fittings before application.

– Mower Lift Arms, Lift Cylinders, and Rockshaft:

Park the mower with the parking brakes applied. Lower the deck thoroughly. Locate the lift arm pivot joint and the rock shaft pivot joint of the front deck. Spray these pivot joints with the John Deere Moly High-Temperature EP grease or the John Deere HD Lithium Complex Grease.

Repeat this procedure for the side deck lift arm pivot joint and lift cylinder pivot joint on both sides of the lawnmower. Use the same grease as mentioned above for these pivot joints, too.

– Rear Axle Pivot Point and Rear Tie Rod:

There is a grease fitting/nipple on the left side of the rear axle. Locate this fitting and grease it with the John Deere Moly High-Temperature EP Grease or the John Deere HD Lithium Complex Grease.

Once done with greasing the rear axle pivot point, grease both ends of the rear tie rod with the same greases mentioned above.

– Drive Shaft:

You should completely lift the mower deck to grease the drive shaft. Once the mower deck is raised, engage both side deck transport locks. Then, lubricate the drive shaft’s front and rear universal joints with the John Deere Multi-purpose SP Polyurea Grease or the John Deere HD Lithium Complex Grease.

– Hydraulic Steering Cylinder:

The hydraulic steering cylinder is located at the rear of a John Deere lawnmower. Find the steering cylinder and spray both ends with the John Deere Moly High-Temperature EP grease or the John Deere HD Lithium Complex Grease.

● Things to Keep in Mind:

If you intend to grease your John Deere lawnmower, keep the following essential things in mind:

  • Clean before: Clean the grease fittings/nipples before and after applying the grease with a rug. This is to prevent contamination.
  • Temperature and moisture: The greases recommended by the provider are most effective in a specific temperature and humidity range. You don’t need to worry too much about the temperature part because the temperature range is, for most grease, pretty wide (-22 to 275 F). If you intend to work outside the prescribed ranges, especially for moisture, consult your service provider for special-use lubricants.
  • Use different grease types: Always use the proper grease for the correct part. A general-purpose grease is generally not recommended for high-speed applications.
  • Check the manual: The grease fittings/nipples may be in different models. For the most accurate location of all grease fittings, consult the manufacturer’s manual or your service provider.

● When and how often to Grease a Lawnmower:

Greasing is an essential maintenance routine. The thin layer of lubricant between moving parts considerably reduces friction.

Reduced friction means reduced machine heating, smooth operation, and less wear and tear. Thus, regular greasing enhances a John Deere lawnmower’s performance and service life.

We recommend thoroughly greasing your John Deere lawnmower every 25 hours. 

There are specific signs indicating a lawnmower needs greasing, such as squeaking noises, difficulty maneuvering, or visible wear on moving parts. Recognizing these signs early can prevent major issues down the line.

Remarks

Proper lubrication is essential for moving parts of all machines, and your sound-quality John Deere zero-turn mower is no exception to this rule. As a resident owner, get the recommended John Deere greases and grease your mower yourself.

The greasing procedure is straightforward and can be completed in 20 minutes. You’ll need a tool and some water to apply the grease.

When you grease your mower, make sure to reach all of the bearings. A hose can help get some of the more difficult spots. Regular greasing of these parts ensures the smooth operation of your mower.

The Importance of Smooth Operation in Lawn Mowers

This smooth operation and longevity are essential if you have a zero-turn mower, as these mowers have more moving parts. Optimal maintenance, including regular greasing, will ensure your mower works smoothly and lives longer.

So, remember to perform regular greasing on your mower. It ensures smooth operation and longevity of your mower and enhances the overall performance of zero-turn mowers. The guidelines provided in this blog post will help you through the procedure.

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  1. Scarlett Stevens says:

    Thank you for the detailed instructions, it’s very helpful.

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      I’m glad you found the instructions helpful, Scarlett! Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any more questions. Happy greasing!

  2. Marilyn Johnston says:

    Is there a specific temperature range I should be aware of when greasing?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Marilyn, when greasing your lawnmower, ensure to use the correct type of grease recommended by John Deere. Consult the manual for specific temperature ranges. Happy greasing!

  3. Jar Perry says:

    Can I grease my lawnmower more frequently than every 25 hours?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Yes, it is recommended to grease your lawnmower every 25 hours to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Stick to this schedule for the best results.

  4. Anne James says:

    What are the consequences of not greasing a lawnmower regularly?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you for your question, Anne! Not greasing a lawnmower regularly can lead to increased friction, overheating, and damage to components. Regular greasing ensures smooth operation and prolongs the mower’s life.

  5. Stephanie Duncan says:

    How do I know if I’m using the correct type of grease for each part?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you for your question, Stephanie. We recommend using John Deere grease for each part of your lawnmower as outlined in our detailed guide. Follow the instructions for reliable maintenance.

  6. Vernon Graham says:

    This is so helpful, I’ve been looking for a guide like this!

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you, Vernon! We’re glad you found our guide helpful. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you need any more information. Happy greasing!

  7. Warren Turner says:

    Do you have any tips for cleaning the grease fittings?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Warren Turner, for greasing grease fittings, ensure you use the right John Deere grease for each specific part. Clean the fittings before application to prevent contamination. Happy greasing!

  8. Earl Parker says:

    Appreciate the recommendation for the type of grease to use.

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you for your feedback, Earl! I’m glad the recommendation was helpful. Let me know if you have any more questions about maintaining your lawnmower.

  9. Ray Romero says:

    What should I do if I miss a scheduled greasing session?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Don’t worry! Just make it a priority to grease your lawnmower as soon as possible. Regular maintenance is key to keeping it in top condition. Stay on top of it!

  10. Steve Griffin says:

    I never knew greasing a lawnmower was this important, thank you for sharing.

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you for reading and finding our information helpful. We’re glad you learned something new about maintaining your lawnmower. Happy mowing!

  11. Janet Gilbert says:

    Clear and easy steps to follow, thank you.

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you for your feedback, Janet Gilbert! We are glad you found the steps easy to follow. Feel free to reach out if you have any more questions.

  12. Dwight Sutton says:

    I didn’t realize regular greasing could make such a difference, thanks for the info.

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thanks for reading! We’re glad you found the information helpful. Keep up with regular greasing to maintain your lawnmower’s performance. Happy mowing!

  13. Sofia Berry says:

    Is there a specific brand of grease that you recommend for lawnmowers?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you for reaching out, Sofia. I recommend using John Deere Multi-purpose SD Polyurea Grease or the John Deere Multi-purpose HD Lithium Complex Grease for your lawnmower. Happy greasing!

  14. Calvin Howell says:

    Very informative, I feel confident greasing my lawnmower now.

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you, Calvin! We’re glad you found the information helpful for greasing your lawnmower. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any more questions. Happy mowing!

  15. Jonathan Lane says:

    I never knew greasing a lawnmower was so important, thank you for educating us.

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you for your feedback, Jonathan! I’m glad you found the information helpful for maintaining your lawnmower. Remember to grease it every 25 hours for optimal performance.

  16. Bella Barnett says:

    Thank you for the step-by-step instructions.

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you, Bella! We’re glad you found the instructions helpful. Remember to grease your lawnmower every 25 mowing hours for optimal performance and longevity.

  17. Tonya Fisher says:

    Is it possible to over-grease the lawnmower components?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you for your question, Tonya! It is possible to over-grease lawnmower components, so be sure to follow manufacturer’s guidelines and only grease as recommended for optimal performance.

  18. Flenn Riley says:

    Can I use any type of grease gun for greasing my lawnmower?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Yes, you can use any type of grease gun for greasing your lawnmower, but we recommend using John Deere grease for best results. Happy greasing!

  19. Isaiah Nichols says:

    Great guide, very detailed!

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you, Isaiah! We’re glad you found the guide helpful. Remember to grease your mower every 25 hours for optimal performance. Enjoy a well-maintained lawnmower!

  20. Frances Pearson says:

    How do I know when it’s time to replace the grease in the lawnmower components?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Hi Frances, you’ll know it’s time to replace the grease in your lawnmower components every 25 mowing hours. Thanks for reading our guide on how to grease a John Deere lawnmower!

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