11 John Deere 1025r Problems Demystified

There is a reason the John Deere 1025r is rated as one of, if not the best, sub-compact utility tractors in the world.

It is easy to use, comfortable to ride, and you can run multiple implementations simultaneously, thanks to its versatile hydraulic system and impressive engine power.

However, even the best machines have faults. The good thing about this tractor is that most issues can be solved without contacting a tractor mechanic.

So, before you splash money on a hefty call-out charge, here are the most common John Deere 1025r problems and how to fix them.

Problem #1: John Deere 1025r Tractor Not Starting

We start our list with a panic-inducing problem. After spending thousands of dollars on a new tractor, the last thing you’d expect is engine problems.

Fortunately, the most common reason for this is something rather elementary. If you are new to John Deere sub-compacts, you might skip a step in the starting process.

First, you need to check that the PTO is off – this tractor won’t start if it’s on. Next, if it isn’t already, put the gearshift lever in the neutral position.

Afterward, step on the brake pedal, turn the ignition, and presto! If the engine doesn’t start, you should explore other causes, such as oil problems.

Different things can go wrong with the oil, but the worst is using the wrong oil type because this could cause severe engine problems if it’s not spotted early.

You would need to drain the oil completely and then replace it. As expensive as this sounds, it is still better than a faulty engine.

If the oil is cold, it could also prevent your engine from starting. Low oil levels or stale oil are two other issues that can prevent the engine from starting.

That is why it is very important always to check the dipstick daily and add more oil as necessary.

Read: John Deere 2025R troubleshooting

Problem #2: John Deere 1025r Tractor Overheating

Every owner, at some point, will experience an engine overheating. This applies not just to John Deere 1025r but to all tractors.

The reasons for the overheating engine will vary by the tractor. In this case, the most common cause is debris getting into the radiator, usually from brush hogging.

When this happens, the engine temperature light will come on the dashboard. To prevent this, check the radiator fins often and dust them off.

If your radiator screens are clean and you still have an overheating engine, the next step is to check the fan belt.

The primary function of the fan belt is to keep the engine cool, so if it isn’t placed properly or worn, it will cause overheating.

Finally, get the recommended coolant for your engine. With these covered, you shouldn’t have any more problems with overheating.

Problem #3: John Deere 1025r Tractor Mud Accumulation

If you use your John Deere 1025r to mow muddy areas, you may have noticed that the mower will stop working as it should. That’s because mud gets on the connector that links the drive shaft for the mower.

When this happens, the connector can no longer move properly or self-adjust, preventing the mower from working.

Fortunately, this is also an easy fix, as you only need to wash the undercarriage every time you work in muddy areas.

Of course, this problem isn’t limited to John Deere, as it affects all sub-compacts and mowers.

This is also not to say that you shouldn’t use it in muddy areas; you need to thoroughly clean and ensure no mud gets into the tractor’s hydraulic system by accident.

Problem #4: John Deere 1025r Tractor Tipping Over

When you hit the forums, one thing you will see quite often is that the John Deere 1025r is prone to tipping.

As a result, many people now believe this machine is unstable and should only be used as a lawn tractor.

Before we get to the solution, we must explain the source of this poor reputation. This is the first tractor many people will buy with a loader in the front.

Consequently, new users are unfamiliar with how much load this can bear and forget that it is a sub-compact utility tractor and isn’t designed for too much heavy lifting.

So, to prevent your John Deere tractor from tipping over, don’t carry loads too high for travel or heavy.

You also shouldn’t take sharp turns when carrying heavy loads or traveling on uneven roads.

Problem #5: John Deere 1025r Hydraulic Problems

The main reason you need a tractor is for the accessories, which in modern machines are all powered by the hydraulic system.

So, when you have hydraulic problems, your sub-compact utility tractor is useless.

Fortunately, you will find that even problems with the hydraulic mechanism can often be fixed easily. The two most common hydraulic problems are sluggish operation and no movement.

For example, the front loader might stop moving up or down, or any other part that relies on hydraulic fluid to function.

The first thing you need to do when you notice either of these is to check the hydraulic fluid level and top up if required.

If the hydraulic oil is fine, clean the connectors and check for leaks. Also, check and replace the hydraulic oil filters as needed.

If all else fails, you can then replace the entire hydraulic fluid. Ensure you only use pure hydraulic oil. After following these steps, your tractor’s hydraulics should be just fine.

Problem #6: John Deere 1025r Transmission Problems

Of all the John Deere 1025r problems, this is often one of the easiest to trace, with one important caveat.

If you keep up with the recommended oil and filter changes at the 50hr, 100hr, 200hr marks, etc., chances are you won’t experience severe transmission problems until your tractor gets old.

That said, a few users may complain about things like the tractor not moving even when the engine is on or that movement is jerky. To troubleshoot this, you need to check the following:

Shift lever position – when you start your engine in the neutral position, you may forget to put it in the high or low range to get it started. Don’t feel bad; we’ve all made this mistake.
Transmission oil level – one of the checks you should carry out daily before driving your tractor. It takes a few seconds to check, and it saves a lot of frustration.
Engine temperature – when you operate your John Deere 1025r in winter, you need to give the transmission oil some time to warm up before driving.

Did you know that the 1025R model shares the same transmission as the 1023E model? As a result, they may encounter similar issues.

If you’re interested in learning more about how the John Deere 1023E and 1025R compare, we invite you to read our informative article.

Problem #7: John Deere 1025r Tractor Fuel System Issues

So, you check your engine oil, transmission oil, and all the parts before starting your engine.

You also followed the right starting sequence mentioned in point 1, but your engine still doesn’t come on. Chances are there is a problem with the fuel system.

What gives?

This rare problem usually only happens when the tractor has been left idle for months.

Perhaps you didn’t take it out during winter, so the fuel has been sitting in the tank for too long and has now clogged the filter.

Worse still, this could be because you used the wrong fuel. The John Deere 1025r is a diesel engine, just like all sub-compact utility tractors, so petrol will mess up the fuel system.

If it’s neither, the problem could be with the fuel lines, steering system, or even the hydraulic oil. For this, you will need the assistance of a tractor mechanic.

Problem #8: John Deere 1025r Tractor Brakes and Steering Problems

This is one of the most serious John Deere 1025r problems and one you should be quick to resolve.

Unlike hydraulic or engine issues, faulty brakes and steering problems can be extremely dangerous. The only reason this is lower on our list is that it isn’t very common.

When it does occur on newer John Deere tractors, it is usually a result of a flat tire, a loose steering wheel, or problems with the oils – hydraulic oil, engine oil, or transmission oil.

If your tires and oils are fine, contact a mechanic immediately.

Problem #9: John Deere 1025r Tractor Electrical System Problems

Electrical problems are a nightmare for any automotive because they usually require the help of a specialist.

However, on low-tech implements like compact utility tractors, electrical system problems usually stem from the battery, hence are a lot easier to identify.

When you turn on your tractor, and none of the lights come on, it could mean a faulty battery.

Other causes could be that the battery isn’t charging or has corroded terminals. These problems lead to high current resistance, which lowers voltage and causes the battery to heat up.

As serious as this sounds, remember that this is a rare problem. To prevent it from happening or to correct resistance issues, ensure that you check the battery connections often.

You should also clean the terminal and ensure the electrical belt is positioned correctly.

If your terminals and connectors are fine and you still have a problem with the electrical system, you might need to inspect the ignition fuses and relays.

Faulty batteries are a serious problem, so don’t hesitate to change your batteries when necessary.

Read more on John Deere 3039r Problems to learn more.

Problem #10: John Deere 1025r Tractor Mower Deck Problems

The main reason people get a John Deere 1025r tractor is for mowing. So, when you are getting an uneven cut, that could be frustrating.

But fear not. While there are many reasons why your mower isn’t cutting evenly, they are all pretty easy to fix.

Some of the reasons are:

Uneven gauge wheels

The four gauge wheels need to be at the same height, and they also need to be at least ⅜ inches from the ground.

Flat tires

All the tires on your John Deere tractor and the gauge wheels should be at the same level. Improper tire inflation could ruin all of your hard work, so you should always keep an eye on it.

Deck adjustments

When you mount the mower deck, you need to ensure the couplings are at the right height

Mower blade issues

If you mow on stony land or do some brush hogging, you could damage one or more of the blades. The other problem with the blade is not screwing it on properly.

Stepping on the mower deck

This can not only cause uneven mowing but also damage the connectors for the deck. Also note that the hydraulic fluid connectors are close to the mower deck, so you need to be careful with that too.

As promised, all of these are pretty easy to diagnose and fix. Of course, replacing a mower blade isn’t fun, but it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg with a John Deere 1025r.

Problem #11: John Deere 1025r Tractor Fan Belt Issues

Finally, we come to the last of our John Deere 1025r problems. One of the things you should learn when you buy a tractor is how to change the fan belt.

This small, serpentine bit of rubber is critical to your engine’s survival, but you don’t need to call out a mechanic to help you change it.

If your engine is constantly overheating and it’s not because of debris accumulation or low oil level, it might be due to a faulty fan belt.

You need to check your fan belt every two to three months for cracks and tears. The belt can be ruined by extremely hot weather and debris that flies into the radiator fins.

Fortunately, new belts are reasonably priced and only take a few minutes to change.

Troubleshooting JD 1025r problems

Problem	Cause	Solution
Hydraulic System Leaks	Hose or seal issues	Inspect hydraulic hoses and seals regularly. Replace damaged components as needed.
Electrical Problems	Wiring or sensor malfunctions	Check the electrical connections and wiring. Replace faulty sensors or damaged wiring.
Transmission Issues	Gearbox problems	Have the transmission inspected by a qualified technician. Repair or replace any faulty components.
Engine Performance	Fuel or air intake issues	Ensure regular maintenance, including air filter and fuel filter replacement. Check for fuel quality.
PTO Problems	Mechanical or electrical faults	Examine PTO components for damage or loose connections. Repair or replace any faulty parts.
Battery Drainage	Electrical system issues	Investigate and fix any electrical drains or parasitic loads. Disconnect the battery when the tractor is not in use.
Steering Troubles	Worn steering components	Check and replace worn steering parts. Ensure proper lubrication of steering components.
Belt Wear	Tension or misalignment	Adjust belt tension and check pulley alignment regularly. Replace worn or damaged belts.
Front Loader Attachment Problems	Hydraulic or control issues	Inspect hydraulic lines and connections for leaks. Check control valves and solenoids for proper functioning.
Fuel System Issues	Contaminated fuel or clogs	Use clean, quality fuel and replace fuel filters regularly. Clean fuel lines and injectors as necessary.
Tire and Wheel Problems	Punctures or misalignment	Monitor tire pressure, repair punctures promptly, and ensure proper wheel alignment. Regularly inspect tire condition.

John Deere 1025r Problems Summary

With so many John Deere 1025r problems, it is a fair question. Before we give our verdict, there are a few things you need to bear in mind.

The first is that anything man-made will have at least a few issues. The second is that most owners never encounter half of these problems, and finally most of these problems can be solved in minutes.

However, one trick is knowing John Deere Gator models by year first to have a foundational understanding of the evolution and features of the machine.

The fact is the John Deere 1025r is arguably the best lawn tractor and one of the best sub-compact tractors for small-scale farmers.

If you follow the owner’s manual and only use it as recommended, you should enjoy your tractor for many years without major hiccups.