Question's on a John Deere 425

[leftybob]

I just purchased a used 96 JD-425 which has the drive shaft drive and also a shaft driven mower. My question is, it seems to take a little more horsepower to power the mower than my JD-345 does. Is this common? It runs great but when the mower is disengaged you get a surge in speed. Also the gas gauge doesn't work but I'm not used to one anyway.

 

[CCWKen]

I would pull the deck off and check all the idler and spindles for free movement. A seized idler pulley will usually produce smoke (burning belt) but the bearings may be rough or tight. The spindles may need to be greased and/or there may be string or debris wrapped around spindle shaft(s) and dragging on the hub.

 

[beenthere]

Surge in speed, meaning rpm of engine??

As mentioned, check the deck...but also check out your Kawasaki...plugs, compression,

My JD 425 doesn't do that..so something isn't right. Hope it is just the deck.

 

[leftybob]

Both tractors have the 48" deck. You may have it right with the govenor. It also looses power when mowing up a slight incline. I want to remove the mower and check bearings and idler pulleys. 345 has the 18hp and the 425 has a 20hp. both water cooled Kaw.

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96 John Deere 425
95 John Deere 345
93 Cub Cadet 1863
83 Ford 1100
51 Ford 8N