John Deere 100 Series Tractors Operator Manual (OMGX23532)
These 100 Series lawn tractors are homeowner machines, but they still get worked hard—mowing uneven yards, pulling small carts, running in dust and wet grass. This operator’s manual is what I’d keep handy to show you how to start, run, and shut the tractor down the right way so you don’t cook a transmission or wipe out a deck belt. If you’re seeing something like the engine stalling when you release the brake or the blades not engaging, this is the guide I’d use to walk you through the controls and basic checks before we start swapping parts.
Applications & Use Cases
- Verify proper startup and shutdown so the safety interlocks don’t trip and leave you thinking something’s broken.
- Trace no-mow complaints (blades won’t spin, engine dies) back to incorrect control positions or operator habits.
- Set up daily walk‑around inspections to catch loose hardware, low tire pressure, or obvious leaks before they turn into repairs.
- Confirm correct PTO and throttle use to avoid smoking belts and overheating the engine in heavy grass.
- Coach new operators on safe pedal use and terrain practices to protect the frame, steering, and transaxle.
FAQ
Q: Can I keep this manual on my phone while I’m out in the yard?
A: Yes, it’s practical to use a digital copy; you can zoom in on diagrams and search terms while standing next to the tractor.
Q: Is it worth printing parts of this manual?
A: Printing the startup, shutdown, and inspection pages and keeping them in the garage or shed makes quick checks much easier.
Safety Note
Always follow the manual’s startup, shutdown, and parking steps exactly to avoid sudden movement, runaways, or blade accidents.
📘 Show Index
John Deere 100 Series Tractors Index:
- Introduction
- Thank You for Purchasing a John Deere Product
- Using Your Operator’s Manual
- Special Messages
- Product Identification
- Record Identification Numbers
- Lawn Tractors
- Machine Product Identification Number Location
- Engine Serial Number Location
- Register Your Product and Warranty Online
- Safety Labels
- Safety Label Location
- Understanding The Machine Safety Labels
- Warning
- DANGER
- DANGER – M89504
- ROTATING BLADE
- THROWN OBJECTS
- WARNING
- AVOID SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH
- DANGER
- ROTATING BLADES CUT OFF ARMS AND LEGS
- DANGER M128699
- Warning M159705
- Emission Control System Certification Label
- Emission Compliance Period
- Certification
- Canadian Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Compliance
- Safety
- Operating Safely
- Using a Spark Arrestor
- Checking Mowing Area
- Parking Safely
- Rotating Blades are Dangerous
- HELP PREVENT SERIOUS OR FATAL ACCIDENTS:
- Protect Children
- Avoid Tipping
- Keep Riders Off
- Towing Loads Safely
- Wear Appropriate Clothing
- Driving Safely on Public Roads
- Practice Safe Maintenance
- Avoid High Pressure Fluids
- Prevent Fires
- Handling Fuel Safely
- To avoid personal injury or property damage, use extreme care in handling fuel. Fuel is extremely…
- Tire Safety
- Checking Wheel Hardware
- Handling Waste Product and Chemicals
- Assembly
- Charge and Connect Battery
- Check Tire Pressure
- Adjust Mower Deck Level
- Check Engine Oil Level
- Check Machine Safety System
- Break In Electric Engagement Clutch (If Equipped)
- Operating Controls
- Operator Station Controls (D100)
- Operator Station Controls (D110, D120, D130)
- Operator Station Controls (D140, D150, D160, D170)
- Operating
- Daily Operating Checklist
- Avoid Damage to Plastic and Painted Surfaces
- Adjusting Seat
- Lumbar Seat Adjustment (D160, D170)
- Adjusting Cutting Height
- Transporting or Getting On and Off Machine
- Checking and Adjusting Mower Deck Level
- Adjusting Mower Deck Wheels
- Testing Safety Systems
- Testing Park Brake Switch
- Testing Park Brake
- Testing Attachment Engagement Switch or Lever
- Testing Seat Switch
- Testing Reverse Implement Option (RIO)
- Using the Park Brake
- Locking park brake:
- Unlocking park brake:
- Using the Hour Meter and Service Reminder
- Using Key Switch and Headlights
- Starting the Engine
- Idling the Engine
- Stopping the Engine
- Using Travel Controls on Gear Transmission
- Travel Forward
- Travel in Reverse
- Emergency Stopping
- Using Travel Controls on Automatic Transmission
- Travel Forward
- Travel in Reverse
- Emergency Stopping
- Using The Reverse Implement Option (RIO)
- Using Cruise Control (D120, D130, D140, D150, D160, D170)
- Engage Cruise Control
- Disengage Cruise Control
- Engaging and Disengaging Mower
- Using Mulch Cover (107 cm (42 in.) and 122 cm (48 in.) Mower Decks (If Equipped)
- Using Wash Port to Clean Mower Deck
- Unplugging Mower, Bagger, Material Collection System
- Checking For Plugging While Driving
- Removing Debris From Inspection Points:
- Moving Machine by Hand
- Transporting Machine on Trailer
- Using Weights
- Using Tire Chains
- Using Accessories
- Using the Power Port (If Equipped)
- Using CargO Mount System
- Using Storage Accessories
- Choosing Mower Blades
- Mowing Tips
- Service Intervals
- Servicing Your Machine
- Intervals
- After First 8 Hours
- Every 25 Hours
- Every 50 Hours
- Every 200 Hours
- Service Lubrication
- Grease
- The following greases are preferred:
- Lubricating Front Axle
- Wheel Spindles and Bushings
- Front Axle Pivot
- Lubricating Pivot Points
- 107 cm (42 in.) Mower Deck:
- 122 cm (48 in.) and 137 cm (54 in.) Mower Decks:
- Service Engine
- Engine Warranty Maintenance Statement
- Avoid Fumes
- Engine Oil
- The following John Deere oils are preferred:
- Other oils may be used if above John Deere oils are not available, provided they meet the followi…
- Checking Engine Oil Level
- Changing Engine Oil and Filter
- Cleaning Air Intake Screen and Engine Fins
- Checking and Cleaning Air Cleaner Elements (D100 and D110)
- Checking and Cleaning Air Cleaner Elements (D130 and D140)
- Checking and Cleaning Air Cleaner Elements (D120)
- Checking and Cleaning Air Cleaner Elements (D150, D160 and D170)
- Checking and Cleaning Emission Filter (If Equipped)
- Checking Spark Plug
- Adjusting Carburetor
- Replacing Fuel Filter
- Service Transmission
- Service Mower
- Removing or Installing Mower Drive Belt at Engine Drive Sheave (122 cm (48 in.) and 137 cm (54 in…
- Removing Mower Deck
- Installing Mower Deck
- Replacing Mower Drive Belt (107 cm (42 in.) Mower Deck)
- Replacing Mower Drive Belt (122 cm (48 in.) and 137 cm (54 in.) Mower Decks)
- Adjusting Mower Belt Tension (107 cm (42 in.) Mower Deck)
- Adjusting Spindle Brakes (107 cm (42 in.) Mower Deck)
- Checking for Bent Mower Blades
- Servicing Mower Blades
- Removing Mower Blades
- Installing Mower Blades
- Sharpening Blades
- Balancing Blades
- Service Electrical
- Service the Battery Safely
- Removing and Installing the Battery
- Cleaning Battery and Terminals
- Using Booster Battery
- Replacing Headlight Bulb
- Replacing Fuse
- Service Miscellaneous
- Using Proper Fuel and Stabilizer
- Filling Fuel Tank
- Checking Tire Pressure
- Removing and Installing Hood
- Cleaning Plastic Surfaces
- Cleaning and Repairing Metal Surfaces
- Cleaning:
- Repairing Minor Scratches (surface scratch):
- Repairing Deep Scratches (bare metal or primer showing):
- Removing and Installing Front Wheel Assembly
- Removing and Installing Rear Wheel Assembly
- Troubleshooting
- Using Troubleshooting Chart
- Engine
- Electrical
- Tractor
- Mower
- Storage
- Storing Safety
- Preparing Machine for Storage
- Preparing Fuel and Engine For Storage
- Removing Machine From Storage
- Specifications
- Gear Model D100
- Automatic Model D110
- Automatic Model D120
- Automatic Models D130 and D140
- Automatic Model D150
- Automatic Models D160 and D170
- Electrical System
- Capacities
- Models D100, D110, D120
- Models D130, D140, D160, D170
- Fuel System (All Models)
- Fuel Types (Recommended):
- Recommended Lubricants (All Models)
- Dimensions
- Tires
- Models D100, D110, D120
- Models D130, D140, D150
- Models D160, D170
- Mower Deck – 107 cm (42 in.)
- Mower Deck – 122 cm (48 in.)
- Mower Deck – 137 cm (54 in.)
- Warranty
- Product Warranty
- California and U.S. EPA Emissions Control System Warranty Statement (Small Off-Road Gas Engines)
- Tire Warranty
- Limited Battery Warranty
- TO SECURE WARRANTY SERVICE
- FREE REPLACEMENT
- PRO RATA ADJUSTMENT
- THIS WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER
- LIMITATION OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES AND PURCHASER’S REMEDIES
- NO DEALER WARRANTY
- PRO RATA MONTHS OF ADJUSTMENT
- Index
- Getting Quality Service
- Service Literature
- Parts
- Order Service Parts Online
- Part Numbers
- Home Maintenance Kit Includes:
- John Deere Quality Continues with Quality Service
- Service Record
- Table of Contents
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