Photo: John Deere
The John Deere 1025R is a popular choice for small-scale farmers looking to complete a variety of jobs.
This sub-compact utility vehicle works with versatile attachments to reduce the need for multiple machines.
However, this tractor does run into some problems with the following:
- Hydraulic system decreases speed
- Transmission prevents engine from working
- Engine will not start or is overheating
- Malfunctioning brakes
- Faulty steering
- Battery and electrical system problems
- Mowing deck does not lift properly or is unlevel
Does it sound troublesome? Many of these problems are easy to fix yourself. Here’s how.
Main Topics
1. Hydraulic System Decreases Speed
The John Deere 1025R is prone to hydraulic system problems. One complaint is that the tractor’s operation speed slows down over time, dragging or becoming sluggish.
This may happen due to water in the hydraulic oil, which changes the oil density and pressure, or a clogged oil filter.
Solutions
A slowed hydraulic system is easy to remediate:
Drain the hydraulic oil and fill it back up with fresh oil designed for use with this machine. This model uses 3.5 gallons (13.2 liters) per minute of hydraulic fluid.
Also, check the oil filter and replace it for optimal performance.
2. Transmission Prevents Engine From Working
In the John Deere 1025R, transmission issues could be the result of low or cold transmission oil, or the shift lever is in neutral.
Solutions
Add more oil if the transmission oil is low.
If the weather is too cold, start up the engine and let it sit in idle for a couple of minutes. The idling engine will circulate the oil and lubricate the system.
Shift into gear, keeping your foot on the brake for another minute. The tractor will now be warm and ready to drive.
Alternatively, you could use an engine block heater adapter. This device allows the engine to start up faster in cold weather.
Check your shift lever to ensure it is not in neutral.
If the engine doesn’t start after troubleshooting, the problem could be a faulty Power Take-Off (PTO) switch that needs replacement.
3. Engine Will Not Start Or Is Overheating
The engine may struggle to start or not start at all due to the wrong gearshift position or incorrect oil type. Oil could also be old or stale.
Engine overheating is likely the result of exposure to extreme temperatures, a dirty radiator, or a misaligned fan belt.
Solutions
Change the oil to rule out lubricant problems and make sure the gear is in the right position.
For overheating engines, check the radiator and screen first. Clean them if needed, including the radiator fins. Make sure the fan belt is tightened.
Check the coolant and top up (or change the coolant with a fresh one) if the level is low. Otherwise, the combined heat between the hot engine and air could cause leaks and heat accumulation that is too much for the engine to handle.
To fix an overheating problem on the go, reduce the engine speed to help bring the temperature down.
You should also keep your tractor in a shed or garage when not in use to protect it from extreme temperatures and debris.
4. Malfunctioning Brakes
A braking system that is taking a long time to respond could be a deadly issue. Brake malfunctions can happen due to age, wear and tear, or an issue with brake production. This tractor may also be prone to brake problems when riding on steep hills.
Solutions
Fix any braking issues as soon as you notice them. Check and adjust the brakes as indicated in the user manual.
If you’re not sure what to do or can’t fix the problem, contact your dealer or service center to have the brakes replaced or repaired.
Always check the brakes when performing regular maintenance and make sure they work correctly before riding the tractor.
5. Faulty Steering
Steering is another essential mechanism. Faulty steering can result from a bad oil filter, a worn-out steering mechanism, or the tires are not inflated correctly.
Solutions
Check and replace the oil filter.
Consider your driving path and change it up. An over-cranked steering is going to wear out fast and require professional repair or replacement.
Inflate the tires and correct their pressure according to the John Deere 1025R manual.
6. Battery And Electrical System Problems
A drained battery or one that has corroded terminals will create operational issues. Corroded terminals may create resistance that results in a poor connection or low or insufficient current that could damage other electrical components.
Solutions
As with anything electrical, use caution when handling. Make sure that the battery connections are on correctly. Keep the terminals clean to prevent corrosion.
Replace the battery and follow instructions to keep it charged when not in use for longer periods (such as in winter).
Check that the electrical belt is tightened.
7. Mowing Deck Does Not Lift Properly Or Is Unlevel
Lifting and leveling mowing deck issues often result in uneven cutting. You may also damage the undercarriage of the lawnmower, causing premature wear and tear.
Solutions
Check the tire pressure to ensure the tires are evenly balanced.
If this is not the case, the video below shows you how to adjust the mower deck for even cutting:
John Deere 1025R Features
Owning a John Deere 1025R comes with pros and cons. Most cons above are easy to fix at home. Below are a few of this machine’s features and benefits.
Features
- Engine: This tractor has a Tier 4-compliant, 24.2 horsepower diesel engine with a speed of 3,200 revolutions per minute.
- Transmission: With a standard, hydrostatic, 2-speed transmission, the John Deere 1025R can go from 4.5 up to 9 miles per hour.
- Power Take-Off and Lift: The power take-off (PTO) is 12.8 kilowatts with 17.2 horsepower. Additionally, this machine can lift up to 758 pounds.
- Hydraulics: This tractor can be fitted with different hydraulic options based on user preferences such as a rear-hydraulic kit or a selective-control valve.
John Deere 1025R Attachments
Several attachments are available to meet the versatile needs for farming tasks.
- Hitches: Two kinds of iMatch Quick Hitches are available to quickly connect for towing different kinds of implements.
- Weights: These can be added to gain better traction and grip and are available in 50- or 75-pound weights. Each weight comes as a kit with brackets and mounting hardware.
- Hood Guard: Users can keep the elements at bay with a standard or deluxe hood guard. An umbrella and plastic canopy are also available for weather protection.
- Tire Options: Users can choose turf or industrial tires depending upon the terrain. Turf tires distribute the weight over a large area, while industrial tires provide more traction.
- Lights: Lights can be added so users can operate in low- and dark-light situations. These can be attached to the rear and front. Warning and working light brush guard kits are also available from the brand.
Pros
- Low-emissions engine
- Easy to change direction and speed
- The most compact tractor from John Deere
- Sturdily constructed
Reviews
John Deere 1025R reviews can help you decide whether this tractor is good or bad for your needs.
Users praise key features like the engine performance, ease of use, premium setup, and tilt steering, as well as how this tractor works for them to complete smaller projects. Overall, users like the John Deere 1025R for a great combination of reliability, size, and features.
Problems include brake setup and sporadic problems with the systems mentioned above. However, most users found it easy to fix their 1025R John Deere themselves.
Recall of the 2017 John Deere 1025R
Some John Deere 1025Rs that were manufactured from March to October 2017 were recalled. These machines were rolling over on slopes causing dangerous situations for their users. If you are buying a used tractor, make sure that it is not from this recalled lot.
FAQs
How many hours does a 1025R last?
A maintained John Deere 12025R’s engine generally lasts 8,000 to 10,000 hours.
Refer to your user’s manual for parts that need replacing before reaching this large number of hours. For example, the M131803 air filter should be replaced every 400 hours.
With proper maintenance, tractors like John Deere 1025R have a life expectancy of 25 years or more.
Who makes the 1025R transmission?
Early models of the John Deere 1025R transmission were made by Yanmar. Over time, the company has built its own design and production team in Georgia.
Which is better – Kubota or John Deere 1025R?
It depends on what you’re looking for. John Deere 1025R has a greater weight lifting capacity than Kubota and is generally more comfortable to ride in. First-time tractor riders may also find it easier to operate. Overall, most users find John Deere 1025R to be a better choice.
Conclusion
The John Deere 1025R is a nice option for small-scale farmers looking to do various jobs. Sure, the tractor is not perfect and a series of problems could arise. However, most of them are easy to fix on your own. We hope this guide can help you troubleshoot your tractor.
