John Deere 1025r Problems (All Reasons and Solutions)

The John Deere 1025r is a tractor that excels in any lawn work. Although the John Deere 1025r is a phenomenal tractor, it can face a few problems.

I’ll be discussing the problems of the JD 1025r and potential solutions in the article.

The John Deere 1025r faces problems regarding the mower deck, hydraulic, PTO, transmission, differential lock, etc. There may be a handful of sources for the problems. The PTO and the engine might be cooking up the problems. Different worn-out linkages and pumps (hydraulic, power steering) may create issues for your tractor as well. 

Stick with us because you’ll require much more information than this. Detailed reasoning and step-by-step solutions are waiting for you throughout the article.

John Deere 1025r Starting Problems 

Problems	Reasons	Solutions
Engine won’t start/turn over	Damaged fusible links  Bad starter relay Gear lever in neutral position Low/cold engine oil	Clean and regrease the links Replace the starter relay Shift gear into correct position Refill and warm up the oil

Problem 1: Engine Won’t Start/Turn over

Sometimes the John Deere 1025r’s engine may fail to crank and start. This problem can be annoying but it can be fixed.

Reasons:

Firstly, damaged fusible links of the tractor may cause this issue. The damaged links hinder the successful ignition of the engine. 

Secondly, bad starter relays may be a reason for this problem. Bad starter relays don’t spark well and the engine can’t start in that condition.

Thirdly, the wrong gear lever position can cause the 1025r engine not to start. Finally, low or cold engine oil may be an obstacle to starting the tractor.

Solutions:

To start off, you have to clean and regrease the fusible links off the John Deere 1025r. You can use regular grease to do this job.

Then, replace the starter relays. Remove the old starter relays and fit new ones in the same position.

Afterward, check the gear position of your JD 1025r. If it’s in a neutral position, the engine cannot start comfortably. Shift the gearshift lever to the lowest or the highest point for this case.

At last, check the engine oil level and its temperature. If the engine oil is too low, refill it.

Also, try warming up the engine oil by keeping the tractor running for a few minutes. That way, you can avoid cold oil stopping the ignition; especially in the winter season.

John Deere 1025r Mower Deck Problems

Problems	Reasons	Solutions
Mower deck won’t raise/lower	Leaking lift cylinder Incorrect mower deck adjustments Low hydraulic fluid level	Repair lift cylinder leakage Adjust the mower deck Refill hydraulic fuel tank
Mower deck won’t engage	Engine overheating Mid/rear PTO not working Worn-out mower bearings	Cool down the engine Repair the mid/rear PTO Replace the mower bearings

Problem 1: Mower Deck Won’t Raise or Lower

The mower deck of the JD 1025r might get stuck sometimes. It can be a real struggle to work with a movement-impaired mower deck.

Reasons:

The first cause behind this problem is a leaking lift cylinder. When the lift cylinder leaks, the mechanism of the mower deck starts to falter. 

Another reason for this issue is when the mower deck’s adjustment is incorrect. If the deck is too high or too low then it can restrict its movement.

The last reason for this issue is a low hydraulic fluid level. Without an adequate amount of hydraulic fluid, the mower deck cannot move.

Solutions:

Start getting rid of this problem by repairing the lift cylinder leakage. This video will definitely help you out with all the steps to do so:

For the 2nd solution, you need to adjust the mower deck. Here are the steps for adjusting the mower deck:

• First, locate the rock shaft lever and pull it forward. Leave a gap for the lever as the 3-point arms need to rest on the air.
• Afterward, adjust the height cut dial to the mower’s desired height. Also, turn the deck height knob to the ‘install’ position.
• Finally, adjust the rate of the drop knob. It should be below the driver’s seat and above the floorboards.

Lastly, you have to check the hydraulic fluid tank. If the level is too low, fill the tank with good-quality hydraulic fluid!

Problem 2: Mower Deck Won’t Engage

If the mower deck is not engaging at all, it can indicate something wrong with the deck system.

Usually, the deck system on 1025r is either hydraulic, independent, or mechanical. The reasons and solutions for this problem are listed below.

Reasons:

Firstly, your engine may be overheating. As a result, the mower deck mechanism will fail from the get-go.

Secondly, the mid-PTO or the rear PTO might be dysfunctional. Since the mower deck relies on PTO movement, you must diagnose it. 

Finally, the mower bearings may be worn-out. The mowing deck will lose rotary and other motions if the bearings are not working correctly

Solutions:

For the 1st solution, refer to the ‘overheating problems’ category below.

For the 2nd solution, check the PTOs of the 1025r. To activate the rear PTO, have the break on, gear in neutral, and be off the seat.

You must be in gear and on the seat to activate the mid-PTO. Also, you have to release the brake before turning on the PTO.

If the PTO still doesn’t turn on, check the seat switch. If the seat switch doesn’t work, replace it. If it works, consult a professional and check this problem out.

John Deere 1025r Hydraulic Problems 

Problems	Reasons	Solutions
Decreasing hydraulic pressure	Water in hydraulic oil Change in hydraulic fluid pressure Clogged pumps/hoses of the hydraulic system Faulty hydraulic pump	Drain hydraulic oil and refill it Adjust hydraulic pressure Change the hydraulic oil filters Remove and replace the hydraulic pumps

Problem 1: Decreasing Hydraulic Pressure

This problem of 1025r is a common one. Users have reported that the hydraulic mechanisms are slowed down in their tractors. 

Reasons:

Firstly, water in hydraulic oil can cause this problem as it changes the density of the hydraulic fluid. If you find the John Deere 1025r’s hydraulics not working properly, this may just be the issue.

Secondly, this problem can occur because of the change in the pressure of the hydraulic fluid. If the pressure is not sufficient/miscalibrated, the mechanism may slow down.

Thirdly, bad oil filters can be the root of this problem. The hoses may get clogged when the filters don’t do their job properly. Bad filters may also let water into the tractor’s system.

At last, a faulty hydraulic pump may be the reason for this issue. Bad hydraulic pumps basically disrupt the entire hydraulic mechanism, leaving the tractor partially faulty.

Solutions:

The first solution for this problem is to drain the hydraulic fluid completely. Follow the steps to do so:

• First, locate the drain plug on your JD 1025r and remove it. The fluid will drain out automatically.
• Finally, refill the 1025r with fresh hydraulic fluid.

The 2nd solution for this problem is to adjust the hydraulic pressure of the 1025r. It’s quite easy to do so, that too at your home. You can take help from this video guide if you wish:

The 3rd solution to this problem is to change the hydraulic oil filters of your tractor. Just replace the hydraulic oil with new ones.

The final solution for this problem is to remove the hydraulic pump and replace it. 

John Deere 1025r Rockshaft Problems

Problems	Reasons	Solutions
Rockshaft out of place	The Snap ring fell off Loose wheel bolts	Install new snap rings Tighten the wheel bolts
Rockshaft dropping under load	Damaged hitch cross shaft valve Misadjusted feedback linkage	Install new hitch cross-shaft valve Adjust feedback linkage

Problem 1: Rockshaft out of Place

Sometimes the rock shaft of the 1025r may not work properly. This usually happens when the rock shaft is out of place/displaced.

Reasons:

When the snap rings of the rock shaft fall out, this problem may arise. The missing snap rings cause the rock shaft to move left/right.

Also, loose wheel bolts can cause this trouble regarding the rock shaft. Not tight enough wheel bolts can actually cause the rock shaft to get stuck!

Solutions:

To fix this issue, you can start by inspecting the tractor’s snap rings. They must’ve fallen off if you cannot see the snap rings. In this case, you need to reinstall the snap ring. Do the following:

• Start by gathering snap ring pliers, a pry bar, and a new set of snap rings. 
• Then, use the pry bar to get the new snap rings into place. 
• Afterward, adjust the snap rings by using the pliers. 
• Finally, reinstall the tractor’s arms.

The 2nd solution for this problem is tightening the wheel bolts. You can use a lug wrench to do so. Make sure the John Deere 1025r’s wheel bolt torque is around 70 ft-lbs.

Problem 2: Rockshaft Dropping under Load

The John Deere 1025r’s rock shaft occasionally drops. This can be really problematic as it limits the heavy-duty work at your disposal. 

Reasons:

The first reason for this issue is a damaged hitch cross-shaft valve. When the shaft valve is damaged, it cannot function under pressure. Another cause may be a misadjusted feedback linkage. 

Solutions:

To mitigate this issue, you must install a new hitch cross-shaft valve on your JD 1025r. Replacing it with a new one will solve this problem in no time!

After that, try adjusting the feedback linkage of the JD 1025r. To do that, tighten the upper and lower limit stop screws according to the manual. It will be in the operator’s manual or the service tech manual.

John Deere 1025r Transmission Problems

Problems	Reasons	Solutions
Brakes not engaging	Low disc brake oil Worn-out brake pads	Refill disc brake oil Replace brake pads
Power steering not working	Faulty power steering pump Damaged power steering belt	Replace the power steering pump Replace the power steering belt

Problem 1: Brakes Not Engaging

This issue can be annoying and risky at the same time. When the brakes don’t engage, the tractor is too risky to operate.

Reasons:

The brakes of the JD 1025r need brake oil to work properly. When the disc brake oil is too low this issue can happen. 

Additionally, worn-out brake pads are a common reason for the brakes to not engage.

Solutions:

Start by checking the disc brake oil tank of the 1025r. If the level is low, refill it. Always try to have 60-70% of the tank filled up.

After that, inspect the brake pads. If the brake pads are worn-out or too thin, replace them. 

Problem 2: Power Steering Not Working

Power steering is a vital part of the John Deere tractor lineup. Nevertheless, it fails to work sometimes.

Reasons:

Faulty power steering pumps are the most common reason for this issue. If the power steering pump isn’t working, the mechanism won’t work either.

Another cause of this problem is a damaged power steering belt. Without the belt, the power steering can’t function properly. 

Solutions:

To solve this, check the power steering pump. If the pump’s not functioning properly, replace the pump entirely. It should restore the functionality.  

You have to also check out the power steering belt. If the belt is worn-out, torn, or damaged in any way, it needs replacing. Replacing the belt is inexpensive, so don’t stress.

John Deere 1025r PTO Problems

Problems	Reasons	Solutions
PTO not engaging	Worn-out seat switch and dash cluster Loose connections on the PTO solenoid Worn-out shaft linkages and rings	Replace seat switch and dash cluster Tighten and replace the PTO solenoid connections Replace the shaft linkages and rings
Broken PTO switch	Worn-out switch Heavy pressure applied on the switch	Replace the PTO switch
Stuck PTO shaft	Dry PTO shaft Loose or damaged set screws	Grease the PTO shaft Tighten and replace the set screws

Problem 1: PTO Not Engaging

The mid and rear PTO is essential for the JD 1025r, so it must function. However, there may be instances where the PTO does not engage.

Reasons:

Firstly, worn-out seat switches and dash clusters can be a reason for the PTO not to engage. Since the PTO activates by the seat switch, a faulty seat switch may be a problem.

Secondly, loose connections on the PTO solenoid may cause this problem. Lastly, worn-out shaft linkages and rings may be the reasons. 

Solution:

To solve this issue, check the seat switch and dash clusters. Check if the PTO engages while you are seated. If it doesn’t, replace the seat switch. 

Also, replace the dash clusters if they’re not working. You can easily verify this by inspecting the speedometer while running the tractor.

If the speedometer needle doesn’t move when accelerating, the dash cluster needs replacement.

To replace the dash cluster:

• First, turn the 1025r off and disconnect the battery.
• Then, remove the steering wheel and the boot around the steering pedestal.
• Afterward, remove the bolts holding the dash cluster in place.
• Then, proceed to the back of the panel to remove the dash cluster. After removing, place the new cluster.
• Finally, put back the bolts, boot, and steering wheel. Don’t forget to connect the battery as well!
  
• Another solution you may try is checking the PTO solenoid connections. The PTO might not get power if any connection is loose/unplugged. So, connect all the wires and tighten them properly. If the PTO is still not engaging, you may replace the solenoid.
  

For the last solution, look at the shaft linkages and the rings. If they’re worn out or damaged, replace them as soon as possible.

Problem 2: Broken PTO switch

When the PTO switch doesn’t click either way or work properly, it can be a bummer.

Reasons:

Firstly, this problem may occur when the PTO switch itself is worn-out. It can happen naturally after a long time of usage (100-200 hours).

Secondly, the switch might be broken when a great amount of pressure is applied to it. The switch is only built for small-medium pressure.

Solution:

The only solution to this problem is to replace the PTO switch with a new one. To replace the PTO switch-

• First, take a putty knife and remove the switch bracket. Push the knife under the bracket and pull out both sides. 
• Then, shift all the wirings to the new switch. Use a screwdriver to loosen up the wires. After connecting the wires to the new switch, tighten them up too.
• Finally, put the PTO switch back in its place. You will hear a clicking sound when the teeth of the switch lock in. 

Problem 3: Stuck PTO Shaft

When the PTO shaft doesn’t budge, it can throw you off big time. You may lose control of the PTO when this problem occurs.

Reasons:

PTO shafts being dry is the number one reason for this issue. If the shaft is not greased enough, it cannot freely move.

Another reason for this problem is loose or worn-out or damaged set screws. If the set screws cannot hold the shaft, the shaft may not move properly.

Solutions:

For the 1st solution, you have to grease the driveshaft of the PTO. It will help get rid of the ‘dry’ state. To do that-

• Firstly, clean the PTO shaft and remove dirt and debris.
• Secondly, use a grease gun to lubricate the shaft. You can use a multipurpose grease for this purpose.
• Finally, clean off the excess lube and you’re good to go.

For the second 2nd solution, check the set screws holding the shaft in place. If it’s loose, tighten it. If it’s damaged or too rusty, replace the screws.

John Deere 1025r Differential Lock Problems

Problems	Reasons	Solutions
Differential lock not engaging	Brake pedal out of adjustment Brake discs worn-out Misadjusted differential lock linkage Rear wheels to close to the ground	Adjust the brake pedal Replace brake discs Adjust the differential lock linkage Jack the rear wheels

Problem 1: Differential Lock Not Engaging

The differential lock slipping issue of the John Deere 1025r can be annoying and dangerous. It can improperly engage for several reasons.

Reasons:

Firstly, it can happen when the brake pedal is misadjusted. Secondly, this issue may arise if the brake discs are worn out.

Thirdly, misadjusted differential lock linkage may cause this problem. Lastly, if the rear wheels are too close to the ground, the differential lock won’t engage.

Solutions:

The first solution to this problem is to adjust the brake pedals. Follow the steps below to do so-

• First, park the tractor on even ground and turn off the engine.
• Afterward, engage the parking brake by pulling on the lever.
• Then, remove the rear right wheel and disengage the parking brake.
• After that, loosen the lock nut and rotate the brake rod. Adjust the brake rod so that the free play is around 2.9 inches.
• At last, tighten the lock nut and brake rod lock nut. Keep the torque range within 17-22 ft-lbs.

For the second solution, you have to check the brake discs. If the discs are worn-out, replace them with new brake discs.

For the third solution, you have to adjust the differential lock linkages. Here are the steps:

• Firstly, loosen the flange nuts of the 1025r.
• Secondly, push the differential lock arm forward and adjust the linkage length. Keep the spring of the linkage at its minimum free play to do so.
• Thirdly, tighten the flange nuts.
• Finally, pull the differential lock arm to its normal position. Also, release the lock.

The final fix for this problem is jacking up the rear wheels. You can do it easily by using the jack at the midpoint of the rear wheels.

John Deere 1025r Overheating Problems

Problems	Reasons	Solutions
Overheating regularly	Blocked radiator fans Fan belt misadjusted/loose	Clean the radiator fans Adjust/tighten the fan belt

Problem 1: Overheating Regularly

It’s normal to see the temperature light in the gauge turning red in the JD 1025r. However, when it regularly happens, it may indicate issues. 

Reasons:

The 1st reason is blocked radiator fans. When the radiator fans are blocked, the engine gets no helping hand in cooling.

The 2nd reason is a misadjusted or loose fan belt. Even if the fans are working, they might not be efficient enough to cool the engine off.

Solutions:

To solve this issue, you must start by cleaning the radiator fans. Get rid of all the dust and debris stuck inside the fan and give it a clean. Use compressed air cans and a pressure washer to do these tasks.

Another fix for this problem is tightening or adjusting the fan belt. Here are the steps-

• Firstly, locate the belt and twist it. The fan belt must be replaced if it is damaged or torn. If the belt is too loose, you need to tighten it. 
• Secondly, loosen the belt even more by tweaking the alternating mounting using a wrench. 
• Thirdly, start tightening the belt using the adjustment fastener. After small adjustments, check the belt tension. If the belt is firm, you’re good to go!

John Deere 1025r Electrical Problems

Problems	Reasons	Solutions
Headlight not turning on	Damages in the wiring harness Worn-out battery	Repair and replace the wiring harness Replace battery
Engine not getting power	Worn-out battery Corroded/damaged battery connections	Replace battery Clean and replace the battery connections

Problem 1: Headlight Not Turning on

Headlights of any vehicle are fatal to operate. Still, sometimes you may inspect the headlight of the JD 1025r not turning on.

Reasons:

Any damage in the wiring harness can cause this issue. A damaged small wire that’s responsible for the headlight connection’s enough to create this problem.

Another reason for this problem is a worn-out battery. Worn-out batteries fail to supply power to the electrical systems of the tractor.

Solutions:

The first solution to this problem is to repair and replace the wiring harness. Inspect the wiring harness of the tractor.

If there are small damages to the wires, fix them by using heat shrink tubes. However, if there’s too much damage, replace the wires. 

Another solution will be to replace the worn-out battery. Firstly, try and charge the battery to its full capacity.

Then, give another shot of turning on the headlights. If the headlights don’t turn on, replace the battery with a new one!

Problem 2: Engine Not Getting Power

The battery is responsible for many things in a combustion engine. The basic electrical functions may fail if your engine doesn’t get enough power from the battery.

Reasons:

The 1st reason for this problem is a damaged or worn-out battery. The 2nd reason behind this problem is corroded or damaged battery connections.

Both of these reasons are sufficient to block the battery power from getting to the engine.

Solutions:

You can solve this problem by testing and replacing the battery. Refer to the 1st solution of problem 1 of this category!

Additionally, cleaning and replacing the battery connections can help mitigate this trouble. Start off by disconnecting and connecting all the wires. 

After that, clean the wire connections to remove the dust and corrosion. If that does not work, you need to replace the wirings. 

FAQs

What is the difference between a 1023 and a 1025R John Deere tractor?

A few differences between a 1023 and a 1025r revolve around horsepower, control lever, etc. The John Deere 1023e has a 10% HP surplus. On the other hand, the 1025r has a better control lever.

How much can a 1025R tractor lift?

The maximum lift capacity of a John Deere 1025r tractor is approximately 836 lbs. Note that it is applicable when the tractor is at its full height (72 inches).

Does the 1025R have 4WD?

Yes, the John Deere 1025r has a 4-wheel drive option. It has 2WD and 4WD options available to adjust it to your needs!

Conclusion

Hopefully, the discussion above was helpful enough to assist and fix the john deere 1025r problems.

A pro tip would be to always look out for the different warning lights in the gauge. Knowing the limits and small issues beforehand will help you mitigate and prevent the bigger problems!

Have a great day!