The John Deere 1025r might as well have a category of its own since it’s neither one of those compact utility tractors nor a regular tractor but falls somewhere in between.
This is actually one of the reasons John Deere is very much loved among small-scale farmers, even though we cannot say this model is without fault.
Many users have reported that among the John Deere 1025r problems are hydraulic, transmission, and even engine issues. Without further ado, let’s dive into the specifics of every common issue behind the 1025r model of John Deere tractors.
The most common problems with John Deere 1025rÂ
Table of Contents
Before we start digging into the main problems of this lawn tractor, it’s worth remembering that the more a machine is doing well on the market, the more issues may arise from the user experience.Â
This doesn’t necessarily mean that the machine is bad, it’s just a matter of probabilities.
Many first-time farmers tend to 1025r compact utility tractors because of their comfort and reduced size, among other advantages. However, no machine is perfect and John Deere tractors are no exception.
Luckily, in this short guide, we will address each and every common problem that 1025r users have encountered, and we will also address a few possible solutions you can try at home, as troubleshooting this compact tractor is not as hard as it may seem.
1. Engine problems
Let’s start off with probably the most common issue you can encounter, but also the easiest troubleshooting tip.
Many users seem to have a hard time starting this compact tractor or cannot manage to start it at all. That’s alarming considering that lack of power means your brand new 1025r tractor is basically useless.
But fear not, because fixing this common issue is really a no-brainer. An engine that doesn’t start usually has the gearshift level positioned in the wrong way, most commonly in the neutral position.
The easy fix for this one is to always make sure the level is either in the high or low range before you start the tractor.
Another common issue behind starting problems for utility tractors lies within the oil type. It may be you feed your tractor with the wrong oil, or the oil has gotten very old and stale.
This can lead to various problems as the right oil viscosity is essential for the good functioning of your 1025r tractor. Poor viscosity means poor movements, and we definitely don’t want that to happen while we work in our fields.
The bottom line is to always make sure your hydraulic oil is refilled with the right type for your machine.
2. Hydraulic problems
Since we mentioned hydraulic issues, let’s proceed with the second type of common problem you may encounter with this type of sub-compact utility tractor.
Like most machines in the same category, the 1025r also uses a hydraulic system to drive fluids. This source of energy is essential, but apparently not the easiest to work with.
Many users have reported a couple of main issues, specifically poor performance and decreased speed over time.
As for the first issue, it’s easy to improve the performance of the 1025r tractor by simply draining the hydraulic fluid and refilling it whenever necessary. In fact, the problem may arise because of the altered pressure of the hydraulic fluid.
For the same reason, do check the hydraulic oil filters and consider replacing them to improve performance.
On the other hand, when there’s water in the hydraulic oil, altering pressure and density, your compact tractor might be losing speed as time passes.
Similar to what is described above, you can fix this problem by draining out the hydraulic system and making sure to refill it with the right type of oil prescribed for your machine. And make sure it’s pure!
3. Debris accumulation
Given the type of job your compact tractor is bound to do, it would be naive not to expect some debris-related issue. It would be like having a lawn mower and never removing the debris from inside of it.
The interesting component, in this case, would be the radiator fins. In the radiator fins, it’s easy to have an accumulation of debris that might lead to an overheating engine.
When the engine starts overheating on a regular basis, you can be sure the lifespan of your tractor is compromised for good, so make sure to clean your radiator fins regularly.
In the case your engine overheats and you need a quick fix, you can use coolant to bring the temperature back down. Decreasing the speed of the tractor will also help in this sense.
4. Fan belt issues
Another reason why the engine of a John Deere 1025r tractor is overheating lies in the fan belt. This is something most people don’t immediately consider, but it’s actually rather important.
Luckily, troubleshooting and fixing this issue is also quite easy and straightforward. You just need to make sure that your fan belt is always tight and well-positioned.
As for debris accumulation, if you need to cool down the engine quickly after fixing the fan belt, a coolant might come in handy.
5. Brakes and steering problems
There’s probably no need to mention that any problem related to the brakes and steering wheel could potentially become a deadly issue when using your tractor, or any machine for that matter.
Both mechanisms should be quickly responsive, so if you notice that they take longer time to respond than what’s normally necessary, stop the machine and fix the issue before resuming your work.
Usually, we can trace brakes and steering problems of the 1025r tractor back to one of these causes:
- Loose steering wheel
- Oil filter issues
- “Flat” tires
Now, of course, a compact tractor won’t have flat tires, but they might be inflated incorrectly, which is something you should absolutely check on a regular basis.
Luckily, all of these issues are easily fixed by either repairing the faulty component or replacing it completely, so you won’t need to throw away your machine even if all of them happen at the same time.
6. Transmission problems
Another common, engine-related issue that users of the John Deere 1025r have reported is related to its transmission. In fact, in some cases, the machine doesn’t move even when the engine is up and running perfectly fine.
Before you start panicking about the mechanic fee, you can rest assured that in most cases, this is an issue you can easily fix by yourself.
Transmission problems are usually related to one of these causes:
- Gearshift lever in a neutral position: we’ve already addressed this problem in the first section. The gearshift lever should be either in the high or low position for the engine to start comfortably.
- Low oil: keep an eye on your oil level – if it’s below the minimum requirement, the engine won’t start. Make sure to keep it refilled with the right type of oil.
- Cold oil: as with most machines, the engine works better when it’s warmed up. In this case, when the transmission oil is cold, especially in winter, the engine might have some problems starting. To avoid this, wait a few minutes until the transmission oil is properly warmed up before proceeding.
7. Electrical system problems
Finally, some users report electrical system problems with this model from John Deere tractors. Usually, electricity-related problems spur from battery issues.
Either batteries are faulty, cannot recharge, or have corroded terminals which lead to high current resistance.
The best thing to do if you realize you have defective batteries is to replace them right away. However, sometimes it’s just a matter of faulty connections, so make sure all battery connections are correct.
Corrosion is a big issue, but it’s also super easy to prevent by cleaning the terminals regularly.
Last, but not least, the electrical belt should be tight at all times, so make sure to check that as well.
John Deere 1025r Problems: are they a deal-breaker?Â
Definitely not! This compact tractor from John Deere is a fan-favorite among farmers because despite being on the smaller side, it has excellent loader performance and extra comfort.Â
Sure, the price tag might scare you, but it’s a good investment in the long run.
In fact, despite users reporting various issues with the 1025r model, including engine, hydraulic, transmission, and electrical issues, these are all quite common problems with this machine type.
Furthermore, they’re easily troubleshot and fixed on the spot without the need for professional (and therefore expensive) help.
It’s also worth noting that most issues can be prevented by practicing good maintenance routines and cleaning the tractor on a regular basis, so make sure to keep an eye on that.Â
Marvin is an expert in farming equipment with a strong background in agricultural engineering. He graduated from Kansas State College of Agriculture, where he received a degree in Agricultural Engineering and specialized in farm equipment design and maintenance.
