The 757 zero-turn lawnmower is durable and tough. It has big wheels—perfectly suited for rough terrain and a Kawasaki 250 hp engine that offers plenty of power to accomplish tasks quickly.
Its 60 ft long deck also allows easy access to much ground quickly.
Unfortunately, John Deere’s 757 model is no longer in production, which means it can be tricky to get original replacement parts… which is the least of the problems.
Here are more John Deere 757 problems, causes and solutions.
John Deere 757 Problems
Oh, John Deere 757, you sleek green machine, but alas, even the mightiest has flaws.
Join us as we dive into the realm of “John Deere 757 Problems,” where we uncover the quirks and quirksome woes that can plague this powerful mower.
1. Engine Backfiring Frequently
The gasoline formula has been changing over the years. Today, manufacturers add fewer additives to fuel, resulting in cases of engines overheating.
Engines end up generating excess heat—more than normal cylinders can withstand. You know what follows, right? More cases of gasoline cause engine detonation.
Solution
The solution (or preventive measure) is using A-grade gasoline. It’s better to spend more on quality gasoline than risk a detonation.
Quality fuel burns slowly and efficiently and generates less heat than cheaper gasoline.
Watch what goes into your fuel tank. Go for the best grade if you want to be safe and protect your 757 from engine problems.
Read: 7 John Deere L120 Troubleshooting
2. Failed Blade Clutch
An overheating engine affects other components, e.g., the blade clutch. Excess heat from an overheating engine causes the crankshaft to heat as well. You end up with a failed blade clutch.
You also expect to end up with this problem if excess heat ends up causing the hoses to stretch and wires to break. It eventually leads to blade clutch failure.
Solution
Ensure there’s no leakage in your JD 757 cylinders. Check your hoses and wires, too. You want them in perfect condition.
If they’re affected, do replace or have them replaced. Seek professional help if you’re not experienced.
Related: John Deere 3025e Troubleshooting
3. Lean Running Condition
When we talk about an engine running lean, we mean there’s excess air—you have poor air-to-fuel ratio.
As with most engines, JD 757 requires a good balance of air and gasoline for combustion to happen properly and for the gasoline to burn efficiently.
We call this (balance) stoichiometry. If your John Deere 757 mower’s lean running happens more than often, the engine will heat.
This problem is common in mowers that have been used for at least two years. It’s not common in new mowers.
The culprit is residual fuel that has been sitting in the engine for months on end or the dirt and debris that has accumulated in the engine.
Solution
All you need to do is clean your engine and the other components by wiping off the dirt and debris.
It’s also a good idea to clean your 757 lawnmower every once in a while—once a month is OK. That way, you’ll avoid any build up and keep your engine and parts in perfect condition.
See: John Deere La145 Troubleshooting
4. Fuel Delivery Problems
If you’re experiencing unusual fuel delivery problems with your lawnmower, especially poor fuel delivery, the most likely culprit is a clogged carburetor.
And how does this happen? When you give your JD 757 more throttle, the air gets forced through the venturi tube in your carburetor, resulting in excess fuel being drawn into the engine.
757 mowers with leaking hoses and fuel lines also cause abnormal fuel delivery. Clogged carburetors also cause blockage and mess up normal fuel function.
Solution
Ensure your fuel tank is in perfect condition. You also need to check for other damages because sometimes leaking fuel problems occur in places you don’t expect.
And finally but not least, use the carburetor cleaner to keep your carburetor clean.
Read: Common John Deere Z930M Problems
5. Faulty Pulley and Belt
If your John Deere 757 has seen better days, you’ve probably noticed the pulleys have become floppy. The inside part is also too greasy.
Solution
As the saying goes, a new broom sweeps clean. If you see these signs on your John Deere 757’s pulley, it’s time to replace it.
Luckily, you’ll not struggle to find a perfect replacement for the old V-shaped belts—which is what’ll work on this model. A new pair of John Deere’s new belts will also fit and work.
And, yes, if you’re on a budget, you can get great alternatives from other manufacturers—you just need to look up the best companies and then compare the prices against those of John Deere belts.
We think Kevlar belts are a suitable replacement. Be sure to check if a brand mentions “non-slip technology”, good or higher tension, and an excellent cut strength.
See: John Deere L130 Won’t Start
6. John Deere 757 engine problems – Overheating
John Deere 757 engines often overheat when debris builds up around the cylinder head cooling fins.
This causes engine temperature to exceed the normal temperatures, leading to misfiring, poor performance, blown head gasket, seized engine, among other problems.
You’re likely to discover some things on your lawnmower’s engine and components, including broken pistons, stuck valves, bent push rods, valve guides having moved, and such.
Solution
- Use the engine kit to prevent debris from building up or entering the engine.
- Follow the recommended Service Intervals in JD 757 Operator’s Manual for cleaning the engine cooling fins and removing engine shrouds. However, if your JD 757 operates under extreme conditions (dusty and high temperatures), you’ll notice signs of debris. You need shorter service intervals or even clean the engine fan screen after every use.
- Inspect behind the engine and the cylinder heads to prevent debris build up.
- Remove your mower engine valve cover to inspect.
- Remove the cylinder head to inspect the head gasket if the valve guides and push rods are in perfect condition.
- Clean the cylinder head mating surfaces if your 757’s head gasket has failed or has carbon tracking.
- Check the cylinder head for warping (considering the max head wrap should be .002) and replace the head assembly plus reinstall your 757’s shroud.
- Install the screen kit TCA18947 if the 757’s head is damaged.
7. Loss of Power
Some users experience loss of power with their lawnmowers. One user said their 757 loses power when engaging the mower blades.
Solution
There are various solutions to this. You could start by changing the spark plugs and adjusting the gap between coils.
Another fix is checking the fuel flow to the carburetor and the floats in the carburetor. If that fails, your 757 is likely running on one cylinder.
Check your push rods by removing the valve covers on the cylinders—they might have come loose on one cylinder.
Also, check the valve guides to confirm if a guide has slipped in the head if you have a bent push rod. And, if you have a slipped guide, replace the head—it’s not fixable.
Recommended reading: John Deere Z930M Troubleshooting
8. Electrical Issues
Some John Deere 757 mowers may experience electrical problems. These issues can cause starting and running problems.
Common culprits include faulty ignition switches, damaged wiring harnesses, or malfunctioning safety switches.
Inspect the electrical components, check for loose connections, and assess any damaged wires. Seeking professional assistance may be necessary in some cases.
9. Clogged Fuel Filter
A clogged fuel filter can restrict the flow of fuel to the engine. This restriction leads to starting and stalling problems.
Over time, the fuel filter can accumulate dirt, debris, and contaminants, impairing its performance.
Regularly inspecting and replacing the fuel filter is essential as part of your mower’s maintenance routine. This ensures proper fuel flow and helps prevent potential engine issues.
Here is also a guide to the John Deere 2305 Problems and solutions.
Main Points:
- Use good grade gasoline.
- Perform regular repairs and maintenance to keep your mower in perfect condition.
- Use a carburetor cleaner regularly to avoid a clogged carburetor.
John Deere 757 Review
If you’re looking for a heavy-duty lawnmower for a home with over two acres, John Deere 757 is a perfect choice.
This commercial-grade mower has three 21-inch blades under its deck. You can achieve the beautiful golf course look because it gives a quality cut—even if you prefer cutting as low as 1.5 inches.
A 25HP Kawasaki powers the 757 with 675cc 2-cylinder gasoline. It has capacity for nine gallons of gasoline.
z757 John Deere troubleshooting
| Problems | Causes | Solutions |
| 1. Engine backfiring frequently | Fewer fuel additives resulting in overheating | Use A grade gasoline |
| 2. Failed blade clutch | Excess heat from the engine | Fix faulty cylinders, hoses and wires |
| 3. Lean running condition | Excess air causing poor air-to-fuel ratio in the engine | Clean the mower’s engine and ensure all components are free from dirt and debris |
| 4. Fuel delivery problems | A clogged carburetor | Clean your carburetor, fuel tank and fuel lines |
| 5. Faulty pulley and belt | Too greasy inner part | Replace the faulty pulley and belt |
| 6. Engine Overheating | Debris building up around the cylinder head cooling fins | Clean the cylinder heads and cooling fins |
| 7. Loss of power | Faulty spark plugs and poor fuel flow to the carburetor | Replace the spark plugs and ensure you have functional cylinder heads |
757 ztrak john deere maintenance tips
From blade sharpening to oil changes, discover the secrets to maximizing the performance and longevity of your mighty mower. Get ready to conquer your lawn maintenance like a pro
- Regular Blade Sharpening: Sharp blades ensure clean and efficient cutting. Inspect the blades frequently and sharpen them as needed. Dull blades can result in uneven cuts and put unnecessary strain on the engine.
- Oil Changes: Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for oil change intervals. Regular oil changes keep the engine properly lubricated and help prevent premature wear. Remember to use the recommended John Deere lawn mower oil type and replace the oil filter.
- Air Filter Cleaning/Replacement: Clean or replace the air filter regularly to prevent dust and debris from entering the engine. A clogged air filter can reduce performance and fuel efficiency. Refer to the owner’s manual for specific instructions.
- Fuel System Maintenance: Keep the fuel system clean by using high-quality fuel and adding a fuel stabilizer if the mower will be stored for an extended period. Regularly check and clean the fuel filter and ensure no fuel leaks.
- Belt Inspection and Adjustment: Inspect the drive belts for any signs of wear or damage. Loose or damaged belts can affect the mower’s performance. Adjust or replace them as necessary, following the manufacturer’s guidelines.
- Tire Care: Maintain proper tire pressure to ensure optimal traction and maneuverability. Check the tire pressure regularly and adjust as needed. Inspect the tires for any wear or damage and replace them if necessary.
- Cleaning and Storage: Clean the mower after each use to remove grass clippings, dirt, and debris. Store it in a dry, covered area to protect it from the elements. Periodically check for any loose or damaged parts and address them promptly.
FAQs
How much does a John Deere 757 weigh?
The John Deere 757 is a medium-duty tractor. It weighs 917 kilograms (8790 kilograms).
What size deck does a John Deere 757 have and how wide is the mower deck of John Deere 757?
The 757 features a 60-inch seven gauge stamped steel deck with a cutting height of 60 inches.
Can I use regular octane gasoline in my John Deere 757?
Use any octane gasoline rating—from 87 to the premium 92. Gasoline with more additives burns slowly and prevents the engine from knocking.
How much gasoline do I need to run a John Deere 757 zero turn mower?
The 757 is a 20 horsepower, 25hp Kawasaki 675cc 2-cyl gasoline Kawasaki engine.
Does John Deere 757 consume more fuel compared to other lawnmowers?
John Deere 757 is a powerful utility vehicle, but it’s energy efficient compared to other lawnmowers of its caliber.
What is John Deere 757’s cutting width?
JD 757 has a 60-inch mower deck that’s made of 7-gauge steel.
What is the best tire pressure for John Deere 757 zero turn mower?
The best tire pressure for zero turn mower is 10 PSI on its rear tires and 14 PSI on the front tires. But you can always use the manufacturer’s manual or the tire label for the correct PSI.
Final thoughts John Deere ztrak 757 problems
757s are sturdy and durable—you rarely see a lot of them at the local dealer waiting for repair. Most 700 series users wish John Deere improved the series instead of discontinuing it.
Unless there’s a problem, the engine runs smoothly and remains strong for a long time. 757s leave a very nice cut, even if you prefer to mow your yard as low as a golf course.
However, it comes with its fair share of problems. Now, you know the causes and the solutions.