5 Common Mid-Season Repairs to Keep Your John Deere Running
9/15/2025
No one likes a mid-season breakdown (we’re talking equipment, not mental!) Mid-season breakdowns can cost you time and money during your busiest farming months. Your John Deere equipment works hard through planting and harvest seasons, and certain parts naturally wear down faster than others, which is why it’s important to maintain it throughout the year.
If you’re looking to schedule a mid-season repair, here are the five repair needs that Tennessee Tractor sees more than any others during peak farming season.
Hydraulic System Leaks and Failures
Your tractor's hydraulic system powers everything from your loader to your three-point hitch. Hot Tennessee summer days and heavy workloads put extra stress on hydraulic hoses, seals, and pumps. Look out for puddles under your equipment, which can indicate a leak or sluggish hydraulic response.
Most hydraulic problems start small but get worse fast! A tiny leak in a hose can turn into a complete system failure if you ignore it. Check your hydraulic fluid levels weekly and inspect hoses for cracks, bulges, or wet spots.
Air Filter Replacement and Cleaning
Dusty field conditions during the summer clog air filters more quickly than normal. A dirty air filter can reduce engine power and increase fuel consumption, which is no good when you’re trying to pinch pennies! Your John Deere's engine needs clean air to run properly, especially during long days in the field.
You should replace paper air filters every 200 hours of operation during dusty conditions, and clean foam pre-filters weekly by washing them in soapy water and letting them air dry completely. A clean air filter can improve fuel economy by up to 10 percent!
Cooling System Problems That Cause Overheating
Combines, tractors, and mowers all depend on proper cooling to prevent engine damage. Debris like chaff, grass, and dirt builds up on radiators and cooling fins during normal operation, and this buildup blocks airflow and causes overheating.
- Clean radiator screens and cooling fins daily during harvest season.
- Check coolant levels before starting work each morning.
- Replace worn radiator caps that don't hold proper pressure.
- Inspect belts for cracks or looseness.
- Test your thermostat to see if the engine runs too hot or too cold.
Drive Belt Wear and Replacement
Mower decks, combines, and hay equipment use multiple belts that stretch and wear out over time. Hot weather is hard on belts and makes rubber belts more likely to crack or snap. A broken belt can shut down your entire operation until you get it fixed!
Keep spare belts for your most important equipment. You should also learn to spot the warning signs of belt failure, like squealing noises or visible cracks. It’s also a good practice to replace belts all at once in sets rather than one at a time to prevent future breakdowns.
PTO Shaft and Joint Maintenance
Power take-off systems transfer engine power to implements like mowers, balers, and spreaders. The constant spinning and motion wear out universal joints quickly. It’s a good practice to grease fittings that get overlooked during busy seasons. Otherwise, it can lead to expensive repairs.
A good practice is to grease PTO shafts every eight hours of operation during heavy use in the summer. You should also check shield guards for damage that could cause safety problems. Listen for clicking or grinding noises that signal worn U-joints. Replace worn parts before they fail completely and damage other components.
Get Expert Maintenance Help at Tennessee Tractor
Your equipment investment deserves proper care during the demanding mid-season summer months. Our parts department stocks genuine John Deere replacement parts for tractors, combines, mowers, and hay equipment. Schedule regular maintenance now to avoid costly downtime when you need your equipment most.
Contact Tennessee Tractor's service department at any of our West Tennessee locations for professional repairs and maintenance advice. We’re your neighborhood service team, and we’re here to help!
