JOHN DEERE OM-M44250 (01) PDF Document

To set the brakes for parking on the JOHN DEERE OM-M44250, depress the clutch-brake pedal all the way down, hold the pedal down, lift the parking brake knob, and move it forward.

To release the parking brake on the JOHN DEERE OM-M44250, hold the clutch-brake pedal down, lift the parking brake knob, and move it rearward.

Raise the tractor hood, wipe off dust and dirt, and unscrew the oil dipstick. If necessary, add sufficient oil of the proper viscosity to bring the oil level up to the “F” mark on the dipstick when the dipstick is screwed in tight. The tractor must be on level ground and the engine must be stopped before checking the oil level. The oil should not be over the “F” mark.

Remove the cover and lift out the air filter on the JOHN DEERE OM-M44250. Clean the filter by tapping it lightly on a solid flat surface and brushing out dust with a brush. This is a dry-type filter, so do not dip it into a liquid cleaner of any type. Replace the filter if it is bent, crushed, or damaged. Under extremely dusty conditions, replace the filter with Part No. AM30900 when discolored and clogged. Wipe dust from the top and edges of the filter and inside of the cover. Place the filter in position making sure it seals around the bottom plate, replace the cover, and tighten the screws. Never run the engine with the filter removed.

To start the JOHN DEERE OM-M44250 electrically:

1. Disengage the PTO clutch by pulling the PTO lever to the rear position. This is a safety feature; the tractor will not start electrically unless the PTO clutch is disengaged.

2. Depress the clutch-brake pedal and hold it down to apply braking pressure. This is a second safety feature; the tractor will not start electrically unless the clutch-brake pedal is depressed.

3. If the engine is cold, raise the throttle-choke lever to the highest position. After the engine begins to run, lower the lever immediately. If the engine is warm, place the lever in the idle position for starting.

4. Turn the ignition key to the right as far as possible to start the engine.

If the battery is discharged or the electrical system is inoperative, the JOHN DEERE OM-M44250 can be started manually. IMPORTANT: Disconnect the rectifier wire at connector “A” whenever the battery is inoperative or removed from the electrical system. Failure to disconnect the rectifier wire will cause damage to the electrical system.

1. Place the shift lever in the “NEUTRAL” position.

2. Depress the clutch-brake pedal and hold it down. Lift up on the parking brake knob and slide it forward in the slot, locking the brake.

3. Disengage the PTO clutch by moving the PTO lever to the rear position.

4. Raise the throttle lever to the choke position as required for normal starting.

5. Turn the ignition key to the “RUN” position.

6. Insert the starter rope knot in the slot in the engine sheave and wrap the rope clockwise around the sheave. Pull the rope to start the engine.

7. Move the throttle lever from the choke position to the operating range.

IMPORTANT: The above procedure must be followed for safe manual starting of the engine.

To stop the engine on the JOHN DEERE OM-M44250, allow the engine to idle for a few minutes until it cools. Abrupt stopping of a hot engine can damage engine intake and exhaust valves. Turn the ignition key counterclockwise to the “OFF” position and remove the key.

CAUTION: Always remove the ignition key before leaving the tractor to prevent unauthorized operation.

To stop the JOHN DEERE OM-M44250 tractor:

1. Depress the clutch-brake pedal and move the shift lever into the neutral position.

2. Hold the clutch-brake pedal all the way down, lift the parking brake knob, and move it forward to set the brake.

3. Disengage the power take-off clutch and lower attachments to the ground.

4. Idle the engine and turn the ignition key to the “OFF” position.

Tractor travel speed on the JOHN DEERE OM-M44250 is regulated by shifting the transmission into one of three forward or one reverse gear positions, or by adjusting the throttle position. Maximum speeds are as follows:

Always operate the mower and snow thrower at full throttle. Select the transmission gear that will give a safe travel speed with these attachments when the engine is operating at full throttle.

To shift transmission gears on the JOHN DEERE OM-M44250, partially depress the clutch-brake pedal and move the shift lever into the desired gear position. NOTE: The tractor must be completely stopped before shifting gears. The combination clutch-brake pedal makes this easy. When shifting gears, use a strong, steady force to slide gears firmly into mesh. Never allow gears to “grind” while shifting. It may be necessary to let the clutch out quickly and then depress the pedal so gears rotate enough to permit easy engagement.

To raise and lower mounted equipment on the JOHN DEERE OM-M44250, use the Equipment Lift Lever. Press the thumb release and pull the lever rearward to raise equipment; push it forward to lower the equipment. To lock the lever in position, release the thumb. Numbers 1, 2, 3, and 4 on the lever quadrant correspond with the mower gauge wheel positions 1, 2, 3, and 4. With both the lift lever and mower gauge wheel in position 1, the mower is properly adjusted for the shortest grass cutting. Positions 2, 3, and 4 will cut grass higher. Select the desired height of cut with the lift lever. Make sure the gauge wheel position corresponds with the number on the lever quadrant. This is important because it allows some of the mower weight to be carried on the tractor, which prevents the gauge wheels from dropping into low spots and the blades from scalping the ground. Pull downward on the stop and pivot it into the detent behind the quadrant to stop the lever (and mounted equipment) at the same position each time the equipment is lowered. Move the stop to position 1 when installing the mower on the tractor. To lock attachments in transport position, pull the lever all the way back and move the stop to the last (lowest) notch on the quadrant.

Both the mower and snow thrower on the JOHN DEERE OM-M44250 are engaged and disengaged with the power take-off (PTO) clutch lever. Move the lever forward to engage the clutch. Move the lever rearward to disengage the clutch. Engage the power take-off clutch slowly to avoid a sudden load on the drive mechanism.

The upper part of the tractor seat spring on the JOHN DEERE OM-M44250 is slotted to permit forward or rearward adjustment of the seat. Loosen the four cap screws and slide the seat to the desired position, then tighten the cap screws securely. The lower part of the spring can be moved 1-1/2 inches to the rear by removing the four cap screws and installing them in the rear set of holes in the tractor deck.

Safety suggestions for the JOHN DEERE OM-M44250 lawn tractor include:

Improper use of a lawn tractor and its equipment on the part of the operator can result in injury. To reduce this possibility, give complete and undivided attention to the job at hand, and follow these safety suggestions.

Know your controls. Read this operator’s manual and the one for your attachments. Learn how to stop the tractor, engine, and attachments quickly in an emergency.

If the tractor is to be started manually, be sure to place the gear shift lever in neutral and set the parking brake.

Start the engine carefully. Keep feet and hands well away from the blades.

Always wear relatively tight and belted clothing when operating the tractor. Loose jackets, shirts, sleeves, or other loose clothing should not be worn because of the danger of catching them in moving parts or controls.

Keep children and pets a safe distance away.

Never allow passengers to ride or board the tractor at any time.

Do not allow children to operate the machine; nor adults to operate it without proper instruction.

Never refuel your tractor with the engine running. Never smoke while filling the fuel tank. Use an approved gasoline container. Use care when filling the gas tank to prevent gasoline from spilling on a hot muffler. Fill the tank outdoors and wipe up spilled gasoline. Replace the gas cap securely. During refueling, never touch the battery with a gas can, hose nozzle, or other metal objects. Always make sure the positive battery post is covered with a rubber boot on the end of the cable.

Be careful on hillsides and turns. The rate of tractor travel on hillsides and turns should be such that there is no danger of tipping. Be careful to prevent your tractor from tipping sideways if it strikes a hole, ditch, or other irregularity, especially when operating on hillsides. Don’t start or stop suddenly when going uphill or downhill.

Drive always slowly over rough ground. Drive at speeds slow enough to insure your safety. Know what is behind you before backing up.

Use care when attaching drawn equipment to the tractor hitch. Back the tractor past the clevis; then move slowly forward so that in making the connection the tractor will be moving away from the equipment.

Do not over-speed the engine or alter governor settings. Excessive speed is dangerous. It shortens tractor life too.

Stop the tractor after striking a solid object. Inspect the tractor and attachment for damage and make necessary repairs prior to restarting and operating the mower.

Never operate the tractor engine in a closed building, where carbon monoxide fumes can collect.

Before dismounting from the tractor, stop the engine, shift transmission to neutral, and set the parking brake. Always shut off the engine and remove the ignition key before leaving the tractor.

After operating the tractor or engine, never touch the exhaust muffler until it has had sufficient time to cool.

Prevent accidental operation of the starter or engine. Always turn off the key switch and disconnect the spark plug cable whenever working on the electrical system. Also do this when making adjustments to the engine or other moving parts.

Always maintain the tractor properly. Check all fasteners, guards, and parts frequently. Built-in safety features are effective only if maintained.

If, after a period of time, the engine on the JOHN DEERE OM-M44250 misses, backfires, surges, or starts hard, carburetor adjustment may be required. Idle adjustment and high speed adjustment must be made at the same time as each affects the other. Adjust as follows:

1. Turn the power screw clockwise until closed. Close finger tight only. Then open one complete turn.

2. Turn the idle screw clockwise until closed. Close finger tight only. Then open one and one half turns.

3. Start the engine and raise the throttle lever on the dash panel to “FAST” position. Allow the engine to warm up.

4. Turn the power screw clockwise or counterclockwise until the engine runs smoothly at full throttle. Keep the screw position slightly on the rich side (open) when operating the tractor with power-driven equipment such as the mower or snow thrower.

5. Final idle adjustment should be made at an engine speed of 1200 to 1700 rpm. Move the throttle lever to “SLOW” position and turn the idle screw clockwise or counterclockwise until the engine idles smoothly.

6. Raise the throttle lever quickly to check for uniform acceleration. If the engine misses, the gas-air mixture is too lean. Turn the power screw counterclockwise until positive acceleration can be obtained. If excess exhaust smoke is noticed, the mixture is too rich. Readjust the idle screw until a good balance is achieved and the engine idles smoothly. Screw “A” adjusts the speed at which the engine idles. This is factory adjusted and will not normally require adjustment. Leave all other adjustments of the carburetor and governor to your John Deere serviceman.

Check clutch adjustment periodically on the JOHN DEERE OM-M44250 to be certain the clutch is not slipping and power-driven equipment is engaging and disengaging properly. To check adjustment:

1. Engage the PTO clutch.

2. Observe that the clutch arm is level or parallel with the tractor frame. If not, remove the locking pin and lower the clutch arm. Loosen the jam nut and turn the fulcrum either up or down until the arm is approximately level when the PTO clutch is engaged and the locking pin is in place.

3. Engage and disengage the clutch slowly with the PTO lever. Observe at what point the clutch cones begin to contact each other. From this point to full engagement of the PTO lever, the clutch lever should deflect 1/2-inch. This will properly tension the clutch cones for positive engagement.

4. Move nuts on the end of the clutch rod as required until the proper lever deflection is obtained.

Refer to page 11 for clutch bearing service information.

The PTO clutch brake on the JOHN DEERE OM-M44250 stops the mower blades or snow thrower rotor quickly after disengaging the drive with the PTO lever. Engage the PTO lever and check the distance between the brake and clutch cone. When properly adjusted, this distance should be approximately 1/16-inch. If adjustment is required, loosen the cap screw and slide the brake shoe in the slotted hole until 1/16-inch clearance is obtained. Tighten the cap screw firmly.

CAUTION: Remove the ignition key and disconnect the spark plug wire when replacing belts on the JOHN DEERE OM-M44250.

To replace the Primary Belt (M43489):

1. Remove the spring locking pin. Disconnect the clutch arm from the fulcrum and clutch cone. Unhook the spring from the front idler arm. Slip the belt off both front and rear sheaves.

2. Place a new primary belt on the sheaves with the bottom strand running from the rear driven sheave to the left-hand side of the front sheave. Reassemble the spring, clutch arm, and spring locking pin.

NOTE: Installing the belt with a reverse twist will result in reverse tractor travel.

To replace the Secondary Belt (M41592) on the JOHN DEERE OM-M44250:

1. Depress the clutch-brake pedal and set the parking brake.

2. Remove four cap screws (one under each fender and two under the seat) holding the fender-deck in place.

3. With the fender-deck removed, loosen the cap screws and slide the rear belt guide out of the way. Remove the front belt guide (illustrated above). Unhook the spring from the front idler arm. Remove the primary belt from the rear sheave.

4. Remove the spring hooked to the rear idler arm. Loosen the cap screws on the rear idler mount. Remove the secondary belt.

5. Install the new secondary belt on the sheaves. Tighten the cap screws on the rear idler mount.

6. Reinstall the primary belt and hook the spring to the front idler arm. Install the front belt guide. Hook the spring to the rear idler arm.

7. Reposition the rear belt guide and tighten the cap screws. Replace the fender-deck and tighten the cap screws.

If the JOHN DEERE OM-M44250 tractor is not to be used for an extended period of time:

1. Drain the gas tank and fuel line. Drain the carburetor bowl by pushing up on the drain plunger (see page 14). Remove, clean, and reinstall the fuel shut-off valve and strainer (see page 12).

2. Wipe all oil, grease, and dirt from the tractor. Paint where necessary to prevent rust.

3. Remove the spark plug and pour in approximately one tablespoon (1 ounce) of SAE 30 oil. Turn the engine manually at least two revolutions and replace the spark plug.

4. Drain and refill the engine crankcase with the proper viscosity motor oil.

5. Park the tractor on a relatively level surface. Block up the tractor to take weight off the tires. Clean belts with a dry cloth.

6. Remove the battery and store it where it will not freeze. Disconnect the wire at connector “A” (see page 15) on the rectifier panel to prevent burning out rectifiers if the tractor is started manually while the battery is removed.

When removing the JOHN DEERE OM-M44250 tractor from storage:

1. Refill the gas tank.

2. Clean and regap the spark plug.

3. Reinstall the battery and check the electrolyte level.

4. Connect the wire to the rectifier panel.

5. Check the transmission oil level and tire inflation.

If the electric starter on the JOHN DEERE OM-M44250 is inoperative or will not turn the engine, check the following:

A. Clutch-brake pedal is not fully depressed. Depress the clutch-brake pedal.

B. PTO clutch lever is engaged. Pull the clutch lever to the rear (disengaged position).

C. Solenoid clicks but the engine will not start. Check for a discharged battery and check electrical connections.

D. Engine still will not start. Check electrical connections and check for faulty clutch-brake and PTO safety start switches.

If the JOHN DEERE OM-M44250 is hard starting, check for:

A. Faulty Ignition. Check for spark by disconnecting the high tension wire from the plug and holding the wire close to the cylinder head while cranking the engine with the starter. If no spark, check:

1. Spark plug gap is incorrect. See page 10.

2. Spark plug electrodes are pitted or fouled. Replace the plug.

3. Breaker point gap is incorrect or breaker points are worn or pitted. See your dealer to set point gap or replace points.

4. Faulty magneto. See your dealer for magneto service.

B. Faulty Carburetion.

1. Gasoline may not be getting to the carburetor because the fuel line or strainer may be gummed and plugged. Clean the strainer and fuel line.

2. The carburetor may be dirty or out of adjustment. See page 12.

3. Engine flooded. Move the throttle lever to the fast position and crank the engine several times.

4. Choke partly closed. See your dealer for throttle-choke cable adjustment.

If the engine on the JOHN DEERE OM-M44250 is missing under load, check the following:

A. Check the spark plug for proper gap. See page 10.

B. Check for lean fuel mixture. Adjust the carburetor high-speed screw. See page 12.

C. Check for a dirty (fouled) spark plug or an improper type plug.

D. Pitted or worn breaker points should be replaced with a new set. See your dealer.

E. See your serviceman for proper ignition, magneto, and carburetor adjustments.

For backfiring in the JOHN DEERE OM-M44250 engine, check the following:

A. Check the carburetor for lean fuel mixture. See page 12.

B. Sticky intake valve or improper ignition. See your serviceman or dealer.

For knocking in the JOHN DEERE OM-M44250 engine:

A. Use only a quality grade of regular or non-leaded gasoline.

B. Check the engine for overheating. See “Overheating” section.

C. Check the crankcase oil level. Fill to the “F” mark on the dipstick. NOTE: If engine knock has developed because of lack of crankcase oil, have your dealer check the condition of the piston rod and cap.

D. Check the carburetor for lean fuel mixture. See page 12.

E. See your serviceman for possible loose connecting rod, improper timing, or excessive carbon in the combustion chamber.

If there is a loss of engine power on the JOHN DEERE OM-M44250, check the following:

A. Overheating.

1. Check and clean the intake screen and engine shrouds. See page 10.

2. Check for use of premium gasoline with high octane rating. Use regular or non-leaded gas only. See page 7.

3. Check the carburetor for lean fuel mixture. See page 12 for instructions on adjusting the carburetor.

4. Check the oil dipstick for excessive or too little oil in the engine crankcase. Maintain oil level at the full “F” mark on the dipstick. See page 8.

5. Have your dealer check the breaker points for proper gap.

6. Remove excessive load on the tractor.

B. Dirty Air Filter.

1. Check and clean the air filter. See page 8.

C. Choke is Partly Closed When Operating at Full Throttle.

1. Have your dealer make sure the throttle choke control cable is properly adjusted.

If the engine on the JOHN DEERE OM-M44250 is operating erratically, check the following:

A. Carburetor setting.

B. Clogged fuel line.

C. Water in fuel. Drain fuel and clean fuel line.

D. Faulty choke control.

E. Loose spark plug wire.

F. Air leaks in carburetor connections or gasket.

G. Carburetor jet clogged.

H. Loose throttle cable.

I. Fuel tank vent hole plugged.

If the engine on the JOHN DEERE OM-M44250 will not idle, check the following:

A. Check carburetor adjustments. See page 12.

B. Dirty carburetor.

C. Check and set spark plug gap. See page 10.

D. Check carburetor for air leaks in gasket.

E. See your serviceman for possible leaky valves or faulty condenser.

If the transmission on the JOHN DEERE OM-M44250 will not stay in gear:

A. Shift gears firmly without letting gears “grind” before engaging.

B. See your serviceman to replace worn gears.

If the brakes on the JOHN DEERE OM-M44250 are not effective:

A. Have your dealer adjust the brake linkage.

B. Have a serviceman replace the brake band if worn excessively.

For improper steering or excessive front tire wear on the JOHN DEERE OM-M44250, have your dealer check and adjust the steering gear.

If the battery on the JOHN DEERE OM-M44250 will not charge:

A. Fuse on the rectifier panel is burned out.

1. Replace the fuse. See page 13. Be sure the polarity is not reversed.

B. Rectifier burned out.

1. See a dealer to check both rectifiers. Disconnect the rectifier circuit (page 13) before starting the tractor without a battery.

C. Electrical connections are loose. Tighten connections.

D. Battery has a dead cell.

1. Replace the battery and have your dealer check the condition of the rectifiers.

Lubricate and service the JOHN DEERE OM-M44250 tractor in the following order of frequency:

Daily or every 5 hours of operation.

Every 25 hours of operation (weekly).

Each spring and fall season.

Every 200 hours or two years.

For daily or every 5 hours of operation checks on the JOHN DEERE OM-M44250, check the engine crankcase oil level.

For every 25 hours of operation (weekly) maintenance on the JOHN DEERE OM-M44250:

Change the engine crankcase oil.

Clean the air filter.

Lubricate the front wheels, steering, and clutch grease fittings (Symbol 25H) with John Deere Multi-Purpose Lubricant or an equivalent SAE multipurpose-type grease. Lubricate front wheel bearings daily or every 5 hours under extremely dusty conditions.

Check tire pressure. Inflate front tires to 12 psi if equipped with a rotary mower. Inflate to 20 psi if equipped with a snow thrower or front blade. Inflate rear tires to 6 psi. Use a low-pressure tire gauge to check inflation.

Perform the following service each fall and again in the spring for the JOHN DEERE OM-M44250:

Repeat all 25-hour service checks and perform additional service as follows:

Clean engine cooling fins and shrouds.

Check spark plug gap (should be .030 inch). Tighten spark plug to between 15 and 20 ft-lbs torque.

Clean fuel strainer.

Check transmission oil level.

Lubricate the steering column grease fitting in the spring and fall season (Do not over-lubricate; only three or four strokes with a hand grease gun or AM31300 Pisto-Luber are necessary. Do not use a high-pressure grease gun on this fitting).

Repack clutch bearings.

Every 200 hours or two years, whichever comes first, for the JOHN DEERE OM-M44250:

Change transmission oil. Remove the transmission drain plug and drain all oil. Replace the plug and add six, 8-ounce cans of AM30200 Transmission Lubricant or its equivalent through the filler hole. See illustration at upper left of page 13.

To care for V-belts on the JOHN DEERE OM-M44250:

Never pry belts over the edge of sheaves because it will rupture belt cords and shorten belt life.

Clean belts by wiping them with a clean cloth. Avoid solvents.

Wipe off spilled oil or grease immediately.

Do not use belt dressings, as they shorten belt life and may cause the clutch to “grab.”