The John Deere x590 lawn mower features a 25.5 horsepower engine and a high electronic throttle control. It has great reviews from users who attest to its efficiency, versatility and long service.
This bad boy keeps its cool thanks to an air-cooled, 2-cylinder design that laughs in the face of tough mowing conditions.
X590 has a tilt adjustment and uses hydraulic power steering – which offers smooth, automatic control and guarantees user comfort. Operator fatigue is minimal with this model.
However, it poses a few challenges to some users—some by default and others due to poor maintenance.
While you’ll likely experience some of these problems with other vehicles, most are specific to the John Deere X590 model.
John Deere X590 Problems
- Engine overheating issues
- Fuel system issues
- Wrong fuel grade and faulty fuel injector
- Excessive vibration
- Rough running engine
- Mower deck issues
- Engine power loss
Common John Deere x590 Problems and the Solutions
1. Engine overheating issues
Engine overheating problems often stem from dirty or poorly adjusted carburetors or clogged cooling fins. Inspecting, cleaning and overhauling components mostly fixes the problem.
Another cause for overheating could be the amount and quality of oil. You don’t want your oil level to be too high or too low, it could raise the temperatures in your engine.
Besides checking the oil level, it’s also advisable to use the right grade of oil and ensure that it has a viscosity that’s good for the engine.
The wrong engine oil will damage your X590’s engine and, or components, like clogged cooling fins, because it will not lubricate the components properly.
When this happens, the components rub against each other. This friction will then cause engine components to wear and tear. An engine can also overheat due to excessive engine load (overworking).
For example, if you mow long, hard and wet vegetation for a long time, you should expect your John Deere X590 engine to heat up.
This is common with other X5 series, such as John Deere X570 and John Deere x758.
You can check out our guide on troubleshooting JD x570 problems.
It’s a good idea to limit your mowing to your X590’s engine’s capacity. Regular maintenance will help you avoid this problem.
2. Fuel system issues
There are various reasons why X590s develop fuel system issues. From clogged fuel lines due to stale fuel to stale fuel in the tank and faulty fuel injectors (which causes the engine to misfire because of an unsteady flow of fuel and air).
A machine or system that’s not working properly can dent your pocket. You will spend more on fuel and risk a fuel leak which could lead to an engine detonation, among other things.
Troubleshooting this problem is easy. Turn your X590 key to run and then listen carefully. If you hear a humming sound in the gas tank, you have a fuel system issue, which you need to target.
Another indicator of this problem, particularly a failing fuel pump, is soft explosive sounds when the engine runs consistently at high speed.
It’s not consistent—it just happens and then the John Deere X590 returns to normal. The fuel pump could be faulty – most likely clogged.
The solution is simple—mostly, it’s something you can do on your own if you can comfortably handle such a machine.
Empty the stale fuel, refill the tank with clean fuel and, or replace the broken fuel injectors. However, if the issue is a clogged filter, you must replace it (not clean the filter and reinstall it).
Reusing filters causes more problems. Fuel filters become worse after “cleaning”. They lodge dirt or debris further in and any wrong air or fluid pressure damages them.
This is one of the common problems and according to the manufacturer, you need to “replace after an initial 100 hours, then every 250 hours or annually.
If Plus-50™ II oil and John Deere™ filter is used, the interval may be extended to 500 hours.”
Head to a reliable John Deere mechanic if you’re not proficient in taking on such challenges. You don’t want to cause more damage trying to fix this problem.
See Also: John Deere x320 Complaints
3. Wrong fuel grade and faulty injectors
The wrong fuel grade or old fuel will limit power supply, while faulty fuel injectors will push less fuel.
The best fix is to drain the old fuel in the fuel tank with all the accumulated dirt and debris, then add clean fuel and the correct grade.
While at it, replace faulty fuel injectors because stale fuel becomes gummy after a while, clogging the fuel line.
Some pointers that your fuel injectors are blocked include engine sputtering whenever you accelerate, excess fuel consumption, rough idling, bad start, or worse—a dead engine.
It’s also prudent to check for a defective spark plug and a clogged fuel filter. Clean the spark plug, adjust the gap, or, if necessary… get a replacement from a reliable dealer and replace the fuel filter if it’s clogged.
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4. Excessive vibration
We have to give it to John Deere for trying their best to make the X590 model every gardener’s dream—comfortable, easy to navigate through any terrain, and with an impressive ability to lift or carry heavy loads.
However, John Deere X590s are not spared excessive vibration.
From loose or broken blades, dirt or debris in the mower deck, or a loose or worn belt, mower users have shared their struggle with this and the easy fixes that solved the problem.
As you can already tell, good and regular maintenance can keep this issue at bay. And you don’t need to be an expert to repair some parts of this mower.
Fixes include cleaning the drive pulley (or replacing it with a new pulley) and the belt or the dirty mower, tightening loose blades, or replacing the broken ones and a loose drive belt.
See: Common John Deere 790 Problems
5. Rough running engine
X590 is a sturdy, multi-terrain vehicle, but a clogged and damaged air filter will prevent proper airflow to the engine, causing noise, excessive vibration, and underperformance.
A clogged carburetor will have the same effect, and so will clogged-up cooling fins.
A clean carburetor will help keep your engine working, save on fuel, prevent corrosion, and help you avoid expensive parts replacements.
Another culprit you might discover when troubleshooting for rough running is a faulty or dirty spark plug covered in fuel, oil or carbon deposits.
You might also discover the cause of the problem to be poor electrical connections. A sticking throttle cable could cause this issue and the fix is replacing the throttle cable.
Solutions include cleaning the air filter or replacing it if it’s damaged, cleaning up the carburetor or replacing it if broken, and removing the dirt and debris accumulated in the fins.
Replacing a faulty spark plug or cleaning it if it’s dirty will mostly fix the problem.
After cleaning the spark plug, do proper wiring—ensure all the electrical components of the mower are correctly and firmly connected.
Related: John Deere d140 won’t move
6. Mower deck issues
Show me an X590 mower with dull mowing blades or worn-out ones, and I’ll show you one that cuts grass unevenly, leaving patches of uncut grass.
Mowing problems also arise from uneven tire pressure and uneven mower deck, which affect the grass-cutting height.
Luckily, this is one of the common problems with mowers, but it has easy, quick fixes, especially if you’re comfortable with the equipment.
The first thing you want to do is ensure the mower blades are always kept sharp by sharpening them regularly. If the blades are worn out, install new ones.
Second, ensure the tire pressure is even for all the tires—for good balance and the right cutting height.
To balance blades properly, check this on a solid, flat surface. Also, ensure all the tires are on the same level.
Third, do even up the level of your mower deck for a perfect cutting height. Last, adjust your blade spinning speed to avoid unevenly cut grass.
7. Engine power loss
This is not a John Deere problem. It’s normal for mowers to lose engine power over time, just as equipment has wear and tear. As they get old, the seals harden and become brittle.
The piston rings and the valvetrain components also get old, resulting in a significant drop in horsepower and compression.
If your X590 is not old, there’s a cause for concern, but it’s fine if it’s still under warranty. You can show up to the dealer with your warranty information and request them to install a replacement if this problem is not fixable.
There are many reasons as to why this could be happening. A problem with fuel, air, carburetor, compression or the spark plug can cause engine power loss.
A dirty or clogged air filter will restrict airflow to the engine, forcing it to run on a fuel-rich mixture.
Since this mixture doesn’t burn completely, you’ll waste fuel, the soot will clog up the exhaust, and you’ll have less engine power output.
A partly blocked fuel injector will also push less fuel, while a clogged carburetor will cause the engine to get less fuel, resulting in a decline in your X590’s horsepower.
Other causes that you might discover during troubleshooting include a faulty fuel pump. It will cut off the power.
Excess engine oil is a problem because the oil can soak the spark plugs resulting in low power output.
The solution to these problems includes cleaning the carburetor bolted at the top, ensuring the proper engine oil level, cleaning the air filter if it’s clogged, and installing a fuel pump or a spark plug if faulty.
If you’re comfortable and experienced in handling John Deere motor parts and equipment and dislike making trips to John Deere dealers or experts, you can do it yourself.
x590 John Deere Troubleshooting
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Engine overheating issues | Insufficient coolant levels or cooling system | Check coolant levels and ensure the cooling system is functioning properly. If needed, flush the cooling system and replace coolant. Consider cleaning or replacing the radiator if necessary. |
| Fuel system issues | Clogged fuel filters or fuel line obstruction | Inspect and replace clogged fuel filters. Check for any obstructions in the fuel line and clear them if necessary. Consider using fuel system cleaners to remove any deposits. |
| Wrong fuel grade and faulty fuel injector | Incorrect fuel grade usage or malfunctioning fuel injector | Use the recommended fuel grade specified by the manufacturer. Have a professional inspect and replace any faulty fuel injectors. |
| Excessive vibration | Imbalanced or damaged blades, worn deck spindles | Check and balance the mower blades. Replace any damaged or worn deck spindles. Inspect and replace worn belts if needed. |
| Rough running engine | Dirty air filters, spark plug issues | Clean or replace dirty air filters. Check and clean/replace spark plugs. Ensure proper fuel quality and consider using fuel additives. |
| Mower deck issues | Improper deck leveling, worn or damaged components | Adjust the deck for proper leveling. Inspect and replace worn or damaged deck components such as blades, belts, or pulleys. |
| Engine power loss | Clogged air or fuel filters, engine wear | Check and clean/replace clogged air and fuel filters. If the engine wear is significant, have it inspected and repaired by a professional. |
Preventive measures & maintenance tips for John Deere X590
Keeping your John Deere X590 in tip-top shape is crucial for optimal performance and longevity. Here are some maintenance tips to help you maintain your mighty machine:
- Regular Cleaning: Keep your X590 clean by removing grass clippings, dirt, or debris. This prevents buildup that could affect performance or cause corrosion.
- Engine Oil: Check and change the engine oil per the manufacturer’s recommendations. Clean oil keeps your engine running smoothly.
- Air Filter: Regularly inspect and clean or replace the air filter to ensure proper airflow and prevent dust and debris from entering the engine.
- Fuel System: Use clean, fresh fuel and a fuel stabilizer to prevent fuel-related issues. Regularly check for fuel leaks and inspect the fuel filter.
- Lubrication: Keep all moving parts lubricated according to the manufacturer’s guidelines to reduce friction and extend component life.
- Blade Maintenance: Sharpen or replace mower blades regularly to ensure a clean and even cut. Inspect the cutting deck for any damage and address it promptly.
- Tire Care: Check tire pressure regularly and ensure they are properly inflated. Inspect tires for any wear or damage and replace them if necessary.
- Battery Maintenance: Keep the battery clean and free from corrosion. Check the battery’s charge level and consider using a battery maintainer during inactivity.
- Belt Inspection: Regularly inspect the mower drive belts for signs of wear or damage. Replace them if necessary to maintain proper operation.
- Professional Servicing: Schedule regular maintenance checks with an authorized John Deere service provider to address any potential issues and keep your X590 in top condition
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FAQs
What kind of engine powers a John Deere X590?
X590 is a garden tractor built by John Deere for long days of hard work. It’s powered by a 25.5HP Kawasaki engine that’s air-cooled and fuel injected.
The engine features Hydrostatic transmission with a differential lock and allows you to change the speed any way you want.
The X590 hydraulic output port goes from the transmission to the valve for steering. It then goes back to the valve and then to the transmission.
Which special features does a John Deere X590 have?
The most outstanding feature of this brand is its Accel Deep™ Mower Deck which gives it great cut quality and at higher speeds.
Most users also appreciate the X590’s backlit LCD instrument panel. The X590 also features power steering and a hydraulic deck lift, making it easy to operate.
This is especially handy when tilling, removing snow and other engaging tasks like these. You do a good job with minimal effort.
How fast does a John Deere X590 go?
John Deere X590 has a maximum speed of 7 mph. Most users avoid hitting the top speed while mowing for better-cut quality.
They say they comfortably average 3.5 on rough terrain, but others report going faster without any problem.
Does John Deere X590 have power steering?
When you compare John Deere’s X560 specifications to its X590, X590 uses hydraulic power steering.
It offers smooth, automatic control and reduces operator fatigue. It also has a tilt adjustment to ensure maximum comfort.
How Much Horsepower Does a John Deere X590 Have?
The X5 series is available in four versions 2016; the X570, X554, X580, X584 or X589. All are powered by air-cooled Kawasaki V-Twin engines. The V-Twin X570 and X580 have 24hp. The V-Twin is 26.50.
Final thoughts on john deere 590 lawn tractor problems
X590 is every gardener’s excellent choice—fitted with 3 cutting blades, a 54″ mower deck and big Heavy-Duty-All-Purpose tires for navigating and mowing large areas regardless of the terrain.
The locking rear wheels also give traction in bad weather and rough terrain. Most of these problems are easy to repair and even avoidable—with regular maintenance and little attention to the manufacturer’s specifications.
Besides these few john deere x590 problems, the X590 is a good lawn mower, it’ll serve you for many years if you maintain it properly.
You’ll never find yourself stuck with a dead X590 if you keep its deck greased, sharpen the blades consistently, run it at a speed that gives you a good cut without straining it beyond its specifications, and service its parts regularly.