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HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake Adjustment

By Andrew Pollack on 04/19/2009 at 08:08 PM EDT

Update 5/5/2019 --

TEN YEARS after I wrote the original post and it's still helping people!


I love your feedback this time of year and I read every single one. It reminds me that spring is on the way and in another month I'll be out mowing like the rest of you.

FYI: I've been told that the adjustment nut is on the opposite side on many newer tractors but otherwise, the work is the same. Have fun.

Update 5/8/2011 --

If this posting doesn't solve the problem, the brake may be frozen and need a rebuild. It's not hard. I've added instructions at this link: How-to Followup - the Brake Assembly Rebuild
-- Andrew



I'm writing this because nobody else seems to have done so. I searched on the net a few times and didn't find these instructions, which seemed odd because it is so easy to do. So, now Google will pick this up and some other person may save an hour or two figuring it out for themselves.

I am the disappointed owner of a John Deere L100 42" Lawn Tractor. It's not that it's a bad machine, just that it's not a particularly good one either. The L100 is what you get when John Deere cheapens its cheapest model so that it can be sold through Home Depot. Virtually everything that distinguishes a John Deere tractor from the lower end brands is missing from this unit other than the green color -- and that's plastic. Frankly, I liked the design of my old MTD mower much better, and when this one wears out I will go back to the cheaper MTD model and never look back.

That said, while I have this poorly designed model, I do need to keep it in as good a shape as I can. One of the things that seems to need adjustment now and then is the foot brake. After only a couple of years, mine had stopped working altogether. In fact, since the brake and clutch are on the same peddle, pressing the non-functional brake pedal had the effect of disengaging the clutch and thus allowing the tractor to simply coast down hills at an increased speed. Yes, pressing the brake did in fact result in going faster.

After searching the owner's manual (ha!) and the internet, I found not a single description of how to adjust the brake. I spent an hour or so figuring it out, and now you won't have to.

The photo below is taken on the right (facing forward) side of the mower, looking backward toward the rear axle. (** On newer mowers, it is often on the opposite side **) The brake is just forward of the axle on that right side. The nut you see in the center of the picture is easily tightened with a 1/2 inch box wrench. You do not need to remove the wheel to reach it.

Sadly, the difference between no brakes at all, mediocre brakes that slow you to a stop but won't really stop you on a steep hill, and brakes that grab all the time -- thus producing smoke, fire, and other sorts of danger -- is only about two full turns of that nut. You'll need to tighten it a little at a time then test it. Keep doing that until you've got right. Carry the 1/2 inch box wrench with you so that if you over tighten it and start to smell the brake liner while you're riding around, you can stop on the spot and let off a little bit.


Have fun and be careful. Keep in mind that I'm not an "authorized John Deere mechanic" and have no particular expertise that should make me worth listening to. If you follow my advice and brake something, you own all the broken parts. If you don't know what you're doing, take it to someone and pay them to do it.

If you found this helpful, or if you have advice to add -- please comment below.


Update 4/11/2015 --

Wow. Six years after I wrote the original post and it's still helping people! I love your feedback this time of year. It reminds me that spring is on the way and in another month I'll be out mowing like the rest of you.

FYI: I've been told that the adjustment nut is on the opposite side on many newer tractors but otherwise, the work is the same. Have fun.


Update 5/8/2011 --

I decided to update this post with a follow-up that covers a more complete rebuild of the brake assembly. You still need this part for the adjustment, but if you want to go further, take a look here: How-to Followup - the Brake Assembly Rebuild -- Andrew




There are  - loading -  comments....

re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Ian Randall on 04/19/2009 at 11:46 PM EDT
Do I just assume that Step 1 is "Please turn the motor off" to ensure that the
mower blades are not still not spinning?
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Andrew Pollack on 04/20/2009 at 01:24 PM EDT
Of course you should always do that -- but honestly in this case you can reach
the wrench to the nut most easily from behind the tractor so I suppose you
could get away with not even bothering to shut it off.
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy David Gerany on 08/25/2018 at 05:18 PM EDT
Well, here it is 8/25/18 and I stumbled on to your pagr here. My LA105 stopped
stopping some time ago. Figuring a belt, brake replacement or something else
more extreme I just dealt with it. This machine lost its braking gradually, and
finally due towing around a boom lift and braking with this heavy machine
attached to said LA105 for a big home project. Well, a number of turns on the
left side brake assembly 1/2 locking nut did the trick. Thanks ever so much for
the too quick and easy fix..

David Gerany
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Neal Pilger on 06/01/2021 at 12:28 PM EDT
The mower blades should not be spinning, but having the tractor idling (parking
brake on) is not an issue. Took all of 2 minutes to tighten my slipping brakes
on my D100 tractor, and most of that was looking for the damn wrench. Thanks
for the advice!
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Andrew Pollack on 06/02/2021 at 11:50 AM EDT
Be careful. Any time the engine is running, there is a chance that blades can
turn. It doesn't take much. A little friction on the the pullies will do it.
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Rick on 03/23/2010 at 10:08 AM EDT
Really?? You had to ask that?? Step 1 is "if you are a moron and cant figure
out simple safety procedures without being told, sell your tractor because you
are not smart enough to own one".
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Dr. I on 10/22/2014 at 09:55 AM EDT
Thank you . I soooo needed a chuckle this morning!
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy KEN Rode on 11/01/2015 at 09:47 AM EST
LMAO, Excellent Comment there.. Couldn't have said it better myself.
lol Very Very GOOD :)
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Hugh Brackett on 11/30/2015 at 09:40 AM EST
How are you going to tell when the brakes are right with the tractor not
moving? You want a long box wrench so you can adjust it while you're driving ;)
Seriously though, every maintenance instruction in the manual starts with "Park
the machine safely." Thanks to Andrew for these instructions. Top result on
Google!
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy cw on 05/03/2018 at 02:10 PM EDT
adjust abought 1/2 turn at a time and test
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Bruce Perry on 04/20/2009 at 09:20 PM EDT
You're not driving a Hoyt Clagwell?
http://www.tractorshed.com/contents/tpic318.htm

I'm shocked!
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Ron on 04/24/2009 at 03:45 PM EDT
Andrew, thanks for doing the grunt work. I thought the drive belt might be
involved somehow, but you have cleared the air for me on this, and I will go at
it with wd-40 and my 1/2 inch wrench.
On another shortcoming, have you had the engine stall and run unevenly? I went
to the dealer and the cashier (woman) showed me the vent hole in the gas cap
that gets clogged and causes the problem. It gave me the excuse to change the
fuel filter before I unplugged the gas cap.
My mower hasn't disappointed other than brakes giving way, exactly as you
described and the plugged fuel cap. Had it for 3 years.
Thanks Again,
Ron
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Andrew Pollack on 04/24/2009 at 04:13 PM EDT
Ron - carefully with taht wd-40. You don't want to get lubricant on the disk,
and you don't want to get any solvent in there if it uses some kind of a fiber
based pad. I didn't get into it enough to look for that.
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Ken on 05/22/2014 at 09:22 PM EDT
Also a plugged fuel cap with make the fuel tank calaps
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Al Agnew on 06/06/2009 at 03:32 PM EDT
Amazingly simple. I've been looking everywhere for some help on adjusting my
completely non-functioning brakes on this used L100 we picked up. As soon as
the rain stops, I'm heading to the barn with my tools.

I'm still looking for a simple clutch adjustment since mine lurches into gear
with little "feather" no matter how carefully I engage the pedal.

Cheers,

Al - Palm Beach Gardens
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy randy on 08/20/2014 at 05:34 AM EDT
like the person before be careful not to get the wd 40 on the disc as it will
contaminate the brake pads, you may also find that the 2 pivot pieces inside
the brake caliper are rusted and seized so the brake pads arent actually even
engageing the disc, if this is the problem take the 2 bolts out of the caliper
and remove the pads and spray with wd 40 and remove the 2 pivot parts and clean
with emery paper, relube and reinstall, this is actually a yearly maintaince
thing that should be done.
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Ken Maness on 05/16/2023 at 09:58 PM EDT
I have the clutch issue. Clutch engages only at end of travel. Any ideas?
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Andrew Pollack on 05/17/2023 at 06:09 PM EDT
The "clutch issue" you're describing is how the L100 I have behaved right from
the start. It's not so much a clutch as an on/off switch.
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Rodney Reese on 08/18/2009 at 02:47 PM EDT
Thanks for putting the Brake adjustment "HOW TO" on line for my L100. I was
looking every place on my tractor for the adjuctment. Thanks again
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy s krull on 09/03/2009 at 04:07 PM EDT
Fantastic solution. Thanks so much, worked like a charm.
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy don on 08/09/2013 at 09:07 PM EDT
The actual brake rotor needs to move freely back and forth on the splined shaft
to get maximum braking effectiveness.

That was all that was wrong with mine. The rotor was rusted on the splined
shaft preventing it from being pressed against the rear friction puck (brake
pad)when the brake was applied
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy m fain on 08/16/2014 at 07:47 AM EDT
Andrew,
good information, turned the nut 1-1/2 turns and worked great,
my mower is L125
Thanks
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Robert Cooper on 09/15/2009 at 04:45 PM EDT
Thanks a million,
I have a L100 John Deere and was having the same problem as you. I have been
searching the web for a couple of days trying to find where the brake
adjustment was located. Kept hitting a brick wall.
It was 9:30pm when I found your page. I went outside to my mower and in two
minutes I had the brakes adjusted. I cranked the engine and tried them out
immediately. My son lives next door to me. He came outside to see why I was
using my mower in the dark.
We had spent at least two hours trying to find where to adjust the brakes that
afternoon. We had found the
nut that you were talking about but we did't know that all we needed to do was
tighten the screw. We thought that a part was missing. Thanks again for your
help.
Robert Cooper
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Bill on 03/09/2010 at 09:29 PM EST
Thanks a bunch for learning how to do this simple task and more importantly,
sharing it with everyone else. You would think that JD would include this in
the user manual. Last time I had it to the dealer for a missing engine that I
couldn't fix, I mentioned that my brakes were getting "loose" and he said he
cleaned out a lot of debris that helped. Worth watching out for leaves, small
limbs, etc. that might keep the brake from fully engaging. In my case today,
it isn't working at tall and the area is clean, so it must be the nut
adjustment you described.
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy steve s on 07/03/2018 at 10:29 AM EDT
JD want you to bringit in for them to make money servicing it......I did just
that and the tech showed me how to in the future.
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy chris on 04/02/2010 at 08:15 AM EDT
I have a L100 that I bought used, I was wondering if it is common for it to
smoke? especially after I shut it off, I havent mowed my lawn with it yet just
got it, but is this an overall good machine?
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Alan on 06/14/2013 at 07:26 PM EDT
while the engine is cool I spray a degreaser on the engine. And spray it off
with my pressure washer and it is going on 7 years old.
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy kyeltoro on 03/20/2014 at 10:14 PM EDT
I found that a mother mouse decided that she needed to build a nest in under my
air intake cover. That smell of buring/smoldering grass is very dangerous.
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42 Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Andrew Pollack on 04/02/2010 at 09:00 AM EDT
No. It should not smoke. You've got dried grass smoldering somewhere, or the
brake too tight, or some other maintenance problem.

DO NOT park the mower next to the house or a dry field. Park it on paved
ground well away from anything and clean it out (using tools, not your hand).

Be careful using a hose or other water source as cooling metal parts too
quickly could cause them to fracture.

Smoldering grass can continue to heat long after you shut the machine down and
cause a fire hours or even days later. (the same is true for mulch piles of
old grass). I see fires started from heat of decomposition fairly regularly.
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Marc on 04/28/2010 at 09:55 PM EDT
Like you, I could find no info for brake adjustment in the owner's manual, via
internet, or even the John Deere Website. With the instructions you provide on
this page, I adjusted the brakes in less than 5 minutes and they perform like
new. And, your are so right about the narrow window of the adjustment between
where you need to be and where the brakes lock up. Many thanks my friend.
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Dudley on 06/20/2010 at 01:43 PM EDT
Had an MDT also. Run it ragged for 10 years. Kept hopeing it would stop so I
could get a new John Deere. It finally did. I sold it to a man for $20.00 and
got my Deere. Wish I'd have gotten another MTD. Next one will be. Thanks for
info on brakes. mine don't work either! Going down an incline with no brakes on
an almost new mower is no fun. Should be a recall item!!! Oh, the man that
bought my old MTD fixed it and is still using it.
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy steve s on 06/29/2010 at 10:07 PM EDT
I live up in the mountains and my son just gave me his J.D. L100. Like you say
going down a hill you really speed up and I almost jumped twice. Now I just go
in first gear and ready to head for the ditch. I will be adjusting the brake in
the morning. Thank you so much for your input I really appreciate it.

Steve
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Randy Cose on 07/17/2010 at 05:32 PM EDT
Thanks, that was great, went from no brakes at all to good brakes in five
minutes
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Matt Graf on 07/29/2010 at 06:46 PM EDT
This article was VERY helpful! I know everything that you said about this unit
is VERY true! Thank you for putting this out there!
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy ned kelly on 10/16/2010 at 08:43 AM EDT
well done andrew, i adjusted my l100 as u suggested, low and behold the brakes
now work, i like u scratched my head as to where to adj the brakes, thanks for
the heavy thinking and leg work.

peter
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Malcolm Parker on 02/23/2011 at 07:22 PM EST
Thank you, no more suicide rides down the hill.
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy KEN Rode on 11/01/2015 at 09:50 AM EST
LOL , NO MORE DRAGGING YOUR FEET TO STOP NOW. LOL I Love it .
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy randy on 03/29/2011 at 07:29 PM EDT
JUST WANTED TO SAY THANKS,VERY HELPFUL.
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Paul Bernard on 04/13/2011 at 02:15 PM EDT
Very nice. I just bought an L100. used it twice. Was sad cause it sounded like
the back wheels were grinding and smashing when I pushed in the clutch to
shift. After studing the mechanism, I realized the brake was set too close to
the travel on the clutch and was grinding the rear wheels to a stop. I thought
it was the transmission grinding but not so. (Thank God). After adjusting the
brake as you have shown, I now have the brake set way up the travel of the
peddle. It now stops well, but one needs to push the peddle almost all the way
down not in the way of the shifting of the gears. My area is flat and I don't
use the brake very much, but its there if I need it.
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Warne on 04/27/2011 at 12:19 PM EDT
I found this article to be very helpful. John Deere apparently doesn't think
that adjusting the brake is important enough to include it in the operators
manual, although they say if the brake doesn't hold to adjust it but nowhere
does it say how. I even called a local JD dealer and just got a recording for
the service dept. The promised call back never came.

I previously owned a Cub Cadet that was so much better enginereed. Both from a
durability and an ease of use standpoint. I don't know what they are like now
however. The brake on the JD is almost a joke. The pads are barely more than
on a bicycle.

As you can see I'm over happy with the JD. I bought it from an independant
dealer who shortly after I bought it went out of business because they were
being sold at H.D. for so much less.

Again thanks for the help.
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Mark on 05/05/2011 at 06:09 PM EDT
Thanks..... it only took me matter of a minute and two trys to adjust it
right. My transaxle went out on me last fall and had a dealer replace it
totally; unfortuately they forgot to adjust the brakes on it. Found out real
quick once I try to load the lawn mower on the trailer. Anyways... Thanks for
the hard work and putting all of this together for the ordinary man.
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy stephen on 05/10/2011 at 02:01 PM EDT
thanks, had it to the dealer they didnt fix it,only thing on the 2010 la-105
its on the port side.
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Richard Waingold on 05/28/2011 at 07:14 PM EDT
Thank you very much for this information on the adjustment of the brakes. I
myself sent all afternoon searching everywhere on the web for this information
as apparently so many others have done. First thing tomorrow morning I will be
out to the garage making the adjustment as you described going from no brakes
at all at this point to a means of stopping the tractor.

I also would like to add that I am having the exact same problem as another
writer with my clutch popping out and almost throwing me off the tractor no
matter how slowly I try to release it. I understand that it involves a spring
release of a pulley and not an actual clutch.

Hopefully someone can explain how to remedy this problem as well.

Thanks again for your extremely useful help.
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy John on 08/04/2011 at 04:56 PM EDT
I read you're article about the brakes on a JD100 - what simple and great
article - you would think JD could figure it out. I have the same problem with
the jumpy clutch, did you ever have any luck figuring out that problem?
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy BIll on 07/20/2013 at 10:06 PM EDT
I alo having the same problem with the clutch, no matter how slow I release it.
It want to jumb in ot gear... Please kee me up to date if someone figures out a
solution on this issue..
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Dave on 07/11/2011 at 02:28 PM EDT
Thanks for posting this. I am mechanically stupid for the most part, but I
think even I can do this. I had to laugh at your comment about using the
brakes actually makes you go faster. That is so true.
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Mark on 03/25/2012 at 11:55 AM EDT
Thank you for saving me several hours of searching and tinkering! You have
done a great public service here. As for JD, it is baffling how that simple
brake adjustment did not make it into their operator's manual! Big miss.
Nothing on adjusting brakes at all! Could be a source of liability in the
event of an accident, in my opinion.

Overall, the L100 has been OK for me. I had the fuel cap plug problem most
owner's have had (thank you, internet bloggers, again!). My issue is the whole
deck body is rusting. I use it to plow snow and the paint is literally flaking
off as I type this.
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy whitey bellingham mass on 06/07/2012 at 08:31 PM EDT
thanks for a great helpful post. i have a 102 model adjuster is on left side
but you saved me valuable time in mere seconds had brakes adjusted. thanks
again
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Debbie on 06/10/2012 at 03:51 PM EDT
Thank you so much for posting this information on how to adjust brakes. My
husband has had his L105 model for 1 year and he said the brakes would stop
him only after he rolled several feet. I found this post went out adjusted a
full turn and half, and they are working great now! thanks again!!
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Peggy on 07/10/2012 at 03:16 PM EDT
Just finished adjusting my brakes on my John Deere La105 after searching for
days and looking at my mower and manual and not knowing what I was looking at
or for. Then finding your information just a few minutes ago on brake
adjustment for your mower. Thank you!!::)) Thank you!!::))
Now I will be able to cut grass and not fly down the hill when I try to apply
the brake this week!!
Again thank you!!::))
Peggy Sue in Alabama
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Bruce Morrison on 09/01/2012 at 02:08 PM EDT
Thanks for the instructions. I don't know why Deere didn't put it in the
owner's manual. Bruce
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy john on 09/13/2012 at 01:42 PM EDT
Thank you, have not cut with mine yet So i have not run it much but did try the
adjustment and it did seem help
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy vince valerio on 09/17/2012 at 08:13 AM EDT
Ithank you for you great help in how to adjust the brakes on my tractor

I dont know how I would have found the adjustment without your help

thank very much>>>>
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy chris on 09/24/2012 at 11:30 PM EDT
thank you for your input. It helped me and only took 1 min. with your
directions. I have a D100 and the same applies. Thanks again
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Bob C on 10/12/2012 at 02:47 PM EDT
Without your tip I would have spent hours trying to adj. the brakes. Now on to
finding out how to adjust the clutch. Thanks . Bob C.
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Murph on 10/16/2012 at 05:27 PM EDT
Wow that was easy, thanks Andrew. Now that the tractors fixed, can you please
solve all of my other problems!
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy scott schraeder on 04/22/2013 at 07:33 PM EDT
Andrew, thanks for the info. This would have helped me out tremendously last
summer. I was visiting a neighbor of mine, who lives on an incredibly steep
hill. After a couple of cocktails, I made my way home on his 1/8th of mile
driveway. As soon as I hit the decline, the tractor shot off like a bullet. I
would guess that I reached 25mph and when I hit the T at the end , I turned
right and amazingly reached normal speed again. No harm, no foul, minus my
dirty shorts. I did two tours in Iraq and nothing was as scary as that ride.
Scott
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Shannon on 05/15/2013 at 08:14 AM EDT
Awesome information! I just purchased a L100 from a friend that had some
issues, one being the brakes did not work. After reading your article, It took
me about 5 minutes to get the brakes working like they should. I had tried
calling my local JD service dept. and was told that if I brought it in they
would be glad to take a look and more than likely have to rebuild the brake
system. Thanks again for the quick fix that did not cost me one dime or much
time. SDH
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Jeff Moody on 05/25/2013 at 03:35 PM EDT
Great instructions. Saved me a lot of time on my LA 105 searching in vain.
Thanks
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy EJW on 05/27/2013 at 09:12 PM EDT
Could not find any info either. But mine had a broken steel part that I
reproduced in my shop and later the dealer said he does not stock the part
because it never needs replacing?! Good post. Thank you but I will get a new JD
in a year or two.
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy FlatHead4 on 06/06/2013 at 07:39 AM EDT
Dead on with about the quality of these things. I like kid with a new toy when
I finally was able to buy it. Nothing but disappointment since. At least I
still have my dad's 1973 JD 7!
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy FlatHead4 on 06/06/2013 at 07:40 AM EDT
I was WAS like...!
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Jamesgang on 06/18/2013 at 03:32 AM EDT
Maybe my L100 is newer and I think its brake is a belt thing? But just saying
its guys like you that helps us little guys! Thanks for you site.I'll will be
back to see what else you post and maybe help guys like us that can't can't do
$48 hour of labor. Full free to contact me at my email addy. Thanks again.
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Danny on 06/20/2013 at 01:38 PM EDT
I have had mine over 10 years sold MTD and got this one have cabin in mountains
bought a new MTD and sold mtd that I had in mountains big mistake if I can get
the brakes fixed like you say I dont have to sale it it been great owning but
still like MTD thank for helping with brakes
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy puzzled63 on 06/20/2013 at 02:31 PM EDT
Thanks for the info! to bad JD couldn't put that in the manual...you're right
it's an ok mower,but no more JD's for me.
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Hali Taylor on 06/23/2013 at 11:23 AM EDT
Hi Andrew: Just wanted to send a HUGE thank you for this article on adjusting
the brakes. As a 61 year old widow, I am handling a lot of tasks with which I
was formerly unfamiliar and this find was a real gem.
Thank you for taking the time to research this and post it - you've saved me
not only money, but time and the hassle factor, too. It has also contributed
to my sense of empowerment - bet you didn't expect all this when you posted!
Thanks again.
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy LaDonna Turpin on 07/05/2013 at 10:48 AM EDT
Thank you so much for this information. I have a 16yr old son that helps me
keep my mower in running condition and we haven't been able to figure out the
brakes either. Rather scary, like you said, if you are on a steep incline.
I am having trouble now with the gears not wanting to shift, I'm sure its
something simple but haven't been able to figure that one out either. If you
know anything about that would you please email me.
Thank you, LaDonna
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Lynne S on 07/24/2013 at 04:29 PM EDT
Thanks so much. I can now quit dodgin trees. ( only hit the one ! ) Hubby and
dog use to hide in the house when I mowed. HaHa. Seriously, great article and
pic. Maybe u should youtube?

Hubby says Thanks too. Lynne - Florida
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy J. Chambliss on 08/01/2013 at 03:43 PM EDT
Thank you, Andrew. I have a D100 that is about one year new. I suddenly had no
brakes today and immediately performed an internet search and came across your
generous contribution to repair the problem. I went directly to the 1/2 nut you
described, turned it clockwise one turn and, wa la! the problem is solved; I
have brakes again. Thank you again,
J Chambliss
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Steve on 08/04/2013 at 03:39 AM EDT
I've been doing 3 point turns on a bank with no brakes, sometimes careering
down into the fence!
I looked for the nut but not there! Then I looked on the other side!! The port
side, the left side. It was there. Maybe a newer model, just thought I'd
mention it if anyone confused.
Anyway, thanks Andrew for highlighting the really easy fix.
Steve
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy MWA on 09/02/2013 at 08:46 PM EDT
You are exactly correct, on the newer D100 the adjustment is on the left hand
side as you are in the seat facing forward. Many thanks for the complete and
concise explanation, you have made us all a little safer as we use the
equipment. Despite a few minor issues, my unit has delivered and the rear
bagger saves garden mulch very efficiently. Good product. Only thing that
bothers me is the farmer's addition of alcohol necessitating consumer addition
of a stabilizer to the fuel...no common sense any more.
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Dan on 08/12/2013 at 08:25 PM EDT
Thanks, great info!

Has anyone found a fix for the 'jumping clutch'? I feel like I'm doing
wheelies sometimes when I start moving!
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Andrew Pollack on 08/12/2013 at 09:20 PM EDT
There's no fix for the clutch. That's a design feature. It isn't so much a
clutch as an on-off switch. It's the way they built it. If you want a smooth
ride, take the green plastic cowl off, and use it to cover the red on on a
brand new MTD mower for less money. MTD use a belt driven CV transmission that
is far smoother, more reliable, less expensive, and easy to work on.
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Dan on 08/14/2013 at 01:51 PM EDT
So does everyones L100 do wheelies? On another forum someone said that some
clutch problems are because the brake/clutch switchover point is too close, I'm
wondering if I back off the brake adjustment the clutch would be smoother.
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Lynn J on 01/24/2019 at 02:51 PM EST
Thanks Andrew , for such an easy fix to the brake problem and , hey Dan , the
simplest fix for avoiding popping wheelies or getting whiplash while letting
out on the clutch is to have the engine idling as low as possible when you do
let out on the clutch , then set your engine speed to the desired speed you
need . Hope this helps everyone who's having this problem !
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Rick Armour on 08/22/2013 at 11:27 AM EDT
Put in a call to John Deere 2 days ago. I had not heard from them. I read
your article and was able to correct my problem. Thanks for posting!

Rick
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Miller on 08/24/2013 at 07:29 PM EDT
THANK you. This worked!!!!
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy K B on 08/30/2013 at 12:27 PM EDT
BEST ADVICE I GOT SO FAR.....MINE DON'T STOP AT ALL...IN FACT IF YOU USE THE
PARKING BRAKE ON A HILL AND GET OFF ...IT WON'T BE THERE WHEN YOU COME BACK!
tHANKS FOR THE INFO....
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy chris on 09/06/2013 at 02:04 PM EDT
thanks for that! it's the one thing i couldnt figure out!
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy mike on 09/08/2013 at 07:01 PM EDT
Thanks Andrew, I habe a newer LA 105 and the brakes are the same as the l100.
Worked great. Thanks for posting this.
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy joseph on 09/11/2013 at 09:51 AM EDT
if you look down through the gear shift you could see everything clearly
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy juan R Escar on 10/30/2013 at 04:39 PM EDT
Had the same problem with mine. now it also will not allowed it to go in gear
till i move the brake by hand , looking to re adjust the brake and see if it
will fix that problem.
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Ramos on 01/04/2014 at 04:01 PM EST
I've had my D100 mower for over a year and brake failure was ready occurring. I
looked up one the Internet and came upon your article and I must say, you are a
life saver! Thanks!
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Bob on 02/24/2014 at 01:15 PM EST
I had to laugh. Yes, pressing the brake does make me go faster. Mowing has been
fun lately, I live on a hill with lots of trees. Thanks for the leg work.
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Richard Orchard, Australia on 03/17/2014 at 08:48 PM EDT
Thanks man! I wouldn't have even thought that was what that nut was for. Looked
like some kind of guide arm. It has a bend that acts as a ramp that pulls that
nut out, which actuated the brake.

Just a note- it's on the left hand side of mine if you're sitting on it looking
forward.
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy kyeltoro on 03/20/2014 at 10:09 PM EDT
Thanks for the education on adjusting the brakes on the L100. I got my reality
check when I was trying to stop while going down my hill backwards!! Wild ride.
Thanks for shareing.
Bob
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Len on 04/11/2014 at 02:42 AM EDT
Thank you. I rolled my mower end over end, luckily it landed on it's wheels,
don't know how. Now that I have adjusted the brake and do not have to ride the
clutch it will not happen again. Thank you for your post.
PS; The mower has done less than 100hours, reckon brakes should work better
than that.
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Herb Harvey on 04/23/2014 at 12:39 PM EDT
Thanks for the info. I also have been bouncing around the internet looking for
a "fix" for my faulty brake problems on my L105. I took
a "carnival" ride down a hill the first trip out this season. I just held on. I
will go and give it a quarter turn and see what happens.
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Jerry on 04/24/2014 at 11:16 AM EDT
Thank you for the information. After reading your article, I went directly to
the adjustment nut and had the problem fixed in three minutes.
Thanks again.
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Mike Propst on 04/26/2014 at 03:09 PM EDT
Andrew - thanks for the brake adjustment procedure. My two cents worth to add
is to do it on a incline. The non-running mower, in gear, with the clutch out
will sit there very nicely as you make the adjustment. And this provides a way
to tell when you have brakes adjusted correctly - i.e. not so tight you get
smoke!

Use the incline to test if brakes are adjusted too tightly by putting mower in
NEUTRAL and letting clutch out. If brakes are too tight (still rubbing when
totally let of), mower will not roll down hill. A properly adjusted brake will
allow mower to roll down hill in NEUTRAL with clutch out.

Adjust to were brakes JUST let go when released. The difference on my mower
between good and bad was about 1/16 of a turn - not much leeway there!
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Donn on 05/18/2014 at 10:40 AM EDT
Thanks for putting this on the Internet
After gliding down a short slope (very close to my lake) I decided it was
better to hit the tree than to go in the lake .I think it's time to work on my
brakes.With this post you just made it a whole lot easier for me . You are
right about the fact that stepping on the clutch and brake speeds you up when
you don't have brakes.
thank you very much . Somethings just shouldn't be put off
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Jimmy on 05/18/2014 at 06:32 PM EDT
Got tired of riding lower gears to hold down the speed when going down steep
hills. Great tip on adjusting the brakes! Works on the LA105 too.
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Robert Dean on 07/18/2014 at 12:00 PM EDT
Happy Dance !!! Thanks for your humor and advice on brake adjustment . I know
what you mean about freewheeling into the driveway or roadway. It can be risky.
Thanks again.
R A Dean
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy evan on 07/22/2014 at 12:10 PM EDT
thanks a bunch, I just bought this mower used and I don't have any brakes at
all, or flat ground to mow for that matter. This article really helped me.
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy ann on 07/28/2014 at 08:09 PM EDT
I have been reading your article about your john deere brakes. we inherited a
model 180 but it didn't have any brakes at all. it's an older standard shift
model. the problem I'm having is that it has been sitting for so long that I
can't get the wheel off because the cap has never been removed (I'm thinking
since the day it was made). Does that cap just pop off or screw off. I have
sprayed some liquid wrench on it but it will not budge.
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy BIll on 03/18/2017 at 12:09 PM EDT
Ann, I hope you've found a solution by now...but the brakes are not par of the
wheel assembly, from what I understand.
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Anna on 08/01/2014 at 07:15 PM EDT
I really appreciate this. I fixed my brakes right up.
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy marc on 08/15/2014 at 10:02 PM EDT
Thanks for time saver!!
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Chris Sauceda on 08/25/2014 at 06:06 PM EDT
This worked like a charm. Thanks!
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Ken McDaneld on 09/07/2014 at 03:01 PM EDT
Very helpful and thanks for the information, and time you spent!
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Tom Moore on 09/08/2014 at 12:40 PM EDT
You article would certainly be helpful for that model lawn tractor. But what
if you own a D100? Same problem...virtually no brakes when going down hill.
What's the solution?
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Andrew Pollack on 09/25/2014 at 10:35 PM EDT
Tom, the D100 is the same setup.
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Mike Abbey on 09/25/2014 at 07:09 PM EDT
Thank you so very much. Tomorrow I'll have brakes on our place, which is one
hill after another. Did I say thank you Sir? If not please accept it now and
my appreciation....
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Phil on 10/03/2014 at 10:59 PM EDT
Thank you so much ! I had exactly the same issue. Im not that mechanically
minded so I asked them at John Deer they said I needed new brake shoes, which I
orded. Then I saw your post - a couple of screw turns later - brakes fixed !! I
cancelled the order and asked why they didnt suggest the adjustment - they
shrugged their shoulders and said they thought I would have already tried that !
Thanks again
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Mr Foust on 10/06/2014 at 04:04 PM EDT
Saved me a bill. Loved the article and agree with most. Wouldn't it be easier
to separate the functions? After all the pedal shaft runs to both sides under
the step?
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Bob Coiner on 10/06/2014 at 04:47 PM EDT
Kudos Andrew Now I just need to find out how to adjust the clutch so I don't
get whip lash

Thanks again
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Charles Spalding on 10/06/2014 at 05:05 PM EDT
Awesome! So easy but cant find it anywhere. Second on google search right after
d100 brake recall. Go figure . Thanks chuck
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Geoff on 10/09/2014 at 02:44 PM EDT
What a great blog! Especially helpful on the brake adjustment.

I shifted my JD L102 while moving and transmission went into sleep or so it
seemed. Turned out that shifting while moving moves the transmission shift
keys past the point where they shift the gears. They are not broken but
extended past the gears.
To fix this, you must disassemble the transmission, pull the gears apart and
reset/retract the shift keys. The transmission is robust but you must be very
careful when cracking open the case- the side with the screws up is the bottom
of the transmission. Turn over to open. Use your camera liberally and be very
aware of the washer positions and the copper bearings. Bearings have notches
which need to be aligned correctly for reassembly. You need form a gasket to
reseal the case.

This site provides a free copy of the Tecumseh-peerless transmission manual- no
viruses as of 10-9-14 on it.


http://www.wfmfiles.com/download/Tecumseh-Peerless_Motion_Drive_System_-_Transmi
ssions_&_Differentials(691218).pdf

Download and look up your transmission. JD L100 series is the peerless 800
series transmission.

Buy a quart of Bentonite grease on line- Look for it through general search,
Ebay and amazon are too expensive. You will need to augment the grease.

Buy a BOX of throw away gloves and several rolls of paper towels!

Good luck and if you take your time, it'll work out.
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Nancy on 10/23/2014 at 10:56 AM EDT
Like many other, I take care of my equipment. However, does anybody have any
suggestions on how to reattach the gas shaft inside the gas tank? Mine has
fallen off inside the tank, and now out of commission. Right now my thinking
is to retrieve it with a vacuum cleaner (its at the front of the tank) and use
the curved needle plies to try to reattach??? Call me a novice but what is MDT
mower? very interested in purchasing.
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Kenneth Rode on 12/04/2014 at 03:57 PM EST
Dear Sir; Will the BRAKE DISK From a D100 fit on a LA105 . Seeing how the
LA105 Brake disks are no long available??



Thank You

Ken
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy phil on 12/26/2014 at 06:46 PM EST
what would cause a L100 42" mower to stop while mowing and act like the battery
is dead , put on a new one and it just makes a noise poss the solenoid ????,
but has lights and tryes to start , does not turn the motor ?
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Hugh Brackett on 11/30/2015 at 10:00 AM EST
Mine does that. I think it's the solenoid. Mine's not consistent. Some times it
will crank a dozen times in a row (for example, anytime I try to troubleshoot
it). When I get the click it cranks after several tries. As long as it's
cranking in a reasonable number of tries I'm staying away from the parts
counter.
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Kenneth on 01/04/2015 at 08:48 PM EST
Dear Andrew;
Thank you so very much for you instruction on adjusting & replacing brakes on
my LA105. You were correct, The little metal ppushing rods were indeed stuck.
I mjust when ahead and replaced the whole thing. Your pictures and instructions
were exact. My LA105 will leave skid marks on the pavement now. No burning
brakes adjusting them with a feeler gage worked perfectly Next project is
Steering Sector & Sector gear replacement. I got that one figured out. Thank
you again. Ken
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Darren Ashton on 01/30/2015 at 01:35 AM EST
My son was recently given a John Deere L100 by a kind neighbour. The machine
was in good condition, but needed a service and some adjustments. One of which
was, you guessed it, the brakes. I found your article via google and he now has
working brakes. Thank you Andrew for taking the time to publish these
instructions. Regards, Darren.
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy shane on 02/05/2015 at 12:25 AM EST
I just want to thank you for your information on the brake system , I had a
mower that would not move forward except in 1st gear and then only very slow ,
in Australia its a D100 model -- 2 years old 70 hours work ,
spoke to dealer told bring it in , would be burnt out brake or clutch either
way $$$$$ , one turn to loosen nut off , fixed , thank you so much
Shane ,Queensland , Australia .
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy The Bob on 02/10/2015 at 04:37 PM EST
Thanks, the page is STILL being used! I have a LA105, other than the brake is
on the left side as you sit on the mower, no difference in the brakes. I had
adjusted the nut that controls the travel, but of course that did nothing to
help the brake stopping power, adjusted the nut that actually effects the
brakes, and like magic, it works.

Thanks again, like others, this is about the only page related to brakes on the
LA series, and it's still being utilized in 2015!!!!
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Richard Hauser on 04/07/2015 at 03:42 PM EDT
You just saved me about 150:00 in repairs. The dealer wanted 75 $ just to come
and get it. Took me less than 5 min to fix thanks to your great advice. My
tractor was locking up and I could smell the break linings burning. 1/2 torn
loose on the nut and all is well again.
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Slideboy7 on 04/11/2015 at 03:29 PM EDT
Thanks for the tip. My 2005 L100 needed a full turn and a quarter. Now it
stops as well as it did new. Brakes have been bad for probably 2 years. Local
JD dealer said they never heard of the brakes going bad and said they would
call me when there was an opening to bring it in. They never called. Just
changed traction drive belt, and replaced the 46 inch snow blade handle with an
ATV winch. Blades lifts nice and high now and I don't mind getting off tractor
to angle blade. Going on 10 years and already doubled life expectancy :).
Hoping to get many more years out of it. Love the gear drive!
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Jim on 04/15/2015 at 01:18 AM EDT
Yes, the link and info are still being used! I just had a backward downhill
roll due to brake troubles that I've let go for several years. I'll be out
there with my 1/2 wrench as soon as the rain stops! Thanks SO much!!
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy David on 04/18/2015 at 01:57 PM EDT
Thanks so much for your help.
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy John on 04/18/2015 at 06:51 PM EDT
My brake is on the left side if you are seated on the mower.
I would never have figured out how to adjust the brakes if I had not seen your
post. It helped me find the brake adjustment on my mower & now my brakes work
great! Thanks for your post!!
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy bill lowder on 04/24/2015 at 10:53 AM EDT
Question- Will this adjustment help with my mower not lunching forward when I
release the clutch? No matter how slow I release it it acts like it's going to
pull a wheelie. There is no smooth transition from stopped to moving.
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Tg on 04/24/2015 at 05:12 PM EDT
No jumping forward is. Signature John Deere issue, good or bad. The reason you
don't see anything on the JOhn Deete web, is they you to go to their service
centers and charge an arm and a leg for five unites worth of workuD83DuDE27
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Andrew Pollack on 04/24/2015 at 06:14 PM EDT
As Tg says -- the lurch is a function of the way they built it and they seem to
have no interest in addressing it at all.
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Rick W. on 05/20/2015 at 05:43 PM EDT
Hey Andrew! Just ran across your post while searching for information on the
steering gear replacement for my LA105. I too had the brake issue in my first
year of ownership. Been through the smoking and the free wheeling which is
scary at my house since the hill is about 45 degrees and concludes with an even
steeper wooded area terminating in a lake. Bottom line is, yes, with the brake
on and not holding, one does not have the benefit of the gears to slow down
since the clutch is also engaged.
I have also taken some comfort in knowing that I am not the only one feeling a
little screwed over by JD. It climbs those hills like a champ but every time I
turn around, something else is wrong (@212 hours!).
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Justin on 06/09/2015 at 10:25 AM EDT
Thank you for the post it was very helpful got my brakes back up and working
like they should. I live in the south very few hills but even in my driveway
which is like a 15% grade wouldnt stop working great now. Test drove no smoke
or heat around the parts excellent.


Good work thanks!
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Mike Repp on 06/03/2015 at 08:38 PM EDT
Thx for info I have a d100 but it's just like the L100 brake is on rite side as
you look at mower
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy chuck on 06/07/2015 at 10:41 AM EDT
Perhaps you can help with a different problem on my John Deer LA120. I replaced
the diff gears - put it back together but then had the same issue - won't go up
slopes after its warmed up. Took it apart and rpl the pump and motor and found
the race under the the pump(? the smaller one) was chewed up so replaced that
too. Everything is in it's place with no extra parts all back together. With
the engine off I pulled the neutral lever out to push it out of the garage and
it does not roll smoothly rather like it is hanging up on something. Start the
motor and there's a really loud noise. I took it all apart, pulled the pump and
motor out, put it back in ensured all was seated well and I get the same thing.
Help?
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Alan Wacha on 06/20/2015 at 08:13 PM EDT
Long story short. I was having trouble stopping as others said press brake and
it would free wheel. I went to two John Deere dealers to purchase spindles,
they did not stock, and was telling them about the brake problem. Both stores
told me that the complete rear shaft was trash with only 50 hours on the
mower. Both stores estimated cost to repair at $750. To $900. I purchased a
JD parts manual on cd and it was not clear I finally figured it out. The $75.
CD saved me a bunch of money
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Tommy Teague on 07/05/2015 at 10:31 AM EDT
Great tip!I adjusted my D100 yesterday and now have proper braking.The folk's
at John Deere ought to take notice of how many people had/have brake problems
on their John Deere lawn tractors.Why have they not tried to be more helpful
with a problem that could lead to a deadly accident?Do the John Deere lawyers
want to keep brake adjustment information for John Deere repair centers only?I
appreciate this important adjustment tip that has made my mower MUCH
safer.Thank's
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Loyd N. Waters on 07/07/2015 at 12:24 PM EDT
I have used my mower for three years with more or less no brakes, trying to
adjust them with the linkage. Just went out and used your instruction. About
five minutes. Works great. Thank you so much
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Charlie on 07/12/2015 at 11:30 PM EDT
Thank You for your time you took to teach the rest of us. Your method worked
absolutely simply and effective. Perhaps one thought that I would like to add
would be the fact that my John Deere has been hands down the best lawn tractor
I have owned. I have had a few over my 35 years on my acreage. Some models I
owned needed me to carry my wrenches at all times in order to finish whatever
task I started. The John Deere has been quite the opposite.In 10 years this
baby has only asked for gas and oil now and then. Blow off the dust and grass
clippings and she is quite happy!
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Tom Hanks on 07/18/2015 at 09:00 AM EDT
I'm 4 years in with the same experience!
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy bill howard on 07/14/2015 at 03:56 PM EDT
I have the other problem that the brakes are frozen and the brake pad will
release. The john deere is a 100 series 1025c Does this illustration apply
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy bill howard on 07/14/2015 at 03:58 PM EDT
it should have said the breake pad will not release sorry for the typing
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Andrew Pollack on 07/14/2015 at 05:56 PM EDT
Bill, take a look at this link for the rebuild on the brake unit.

http://www.thenorth.com/apblog4.nsf/0/892849E0260EFDC28525788A004DD825
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Tom Hanks on 07/18/2015 at 08:58 AM EDT
This is the best, most direct and useful "how to" I have ever found. Sad that
it was needed because the company doesn't provide this information.

I might add one thing. If you leave the mower in neutral it can be easily
pushed forward and backwards. I adjusted until I could tell the brake was just
starting to drag and then backed off 1/2 turn. This might save some of that
smoking in the yard!
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Thomas on 07/24/2015 at 01:02 PM EDT
This was literally a 10 second fix for my L100. Thx for posting!!!
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Tom Moore on 07/24/2015 at 01:32 PM EDT
Thanks! The owner's manual had no information on brake adjustment. Your
information has been of great help. I'm off to mow the yard and not cascade
down a hill...I've now got brakes.

Tom Moore
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Don on 07/31/2015 at 10:27 AM EDT
Thanks so much, them rides down hill were rough!
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy David Yasenka on 08/03/2015 at 11:23 AM EDT
Very helpful thanks
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy SirLance207 on 08/06/2015 at 04:06 PM EDT
thank you!!!!!!
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Glenn Archibald on 08/14/2015 at 09:19 PM EDT
Thanks a million Brother !!!
And screw you John Deere
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Al on 09/04/2015 at 11:41 AM EDT
Mine was on the left side and 1/2 turn and brakes work perfect. Thanks
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy craig on 09/05/2015 at 11:25 AM EDT
Great info!!! I've been fighting the brakes on my 105 for years
I think I've been adjusting the clutch!!!
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Jo on 09/16/2015 at 08:05 PM EDT
Having run into my gate on the L105 for the 3rd time this summer, I decided to
look on line to see how to rebuild the brake. Imagine my utter delight to find
this. About half a turn with the wrench and we are stopping again.

Many thanks for posting this,

Jo
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Greg Petree on 09/28/2015 at 05:39 PM EDT
I have a LA 105. I just bought it off the side of the road with 83 hours on it.
NO BRAKES as I found out taking it to my garage. The adjustment nut is there
just as described. I tightened a little at a time until it would not tighten
any more. There was never a change in the brakes. I had the parking brake on at
the time I was adjusting it to see if it ever would not roll. I also took the
brake off and did the same thing. Nothing. Any other advice? Greg in
Chattanooga Tennessee!
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Hugh Brackett on 11/30/2015 at 10:21 AM EST
Holy Yikes! There's a recall on some D100 brakes!
Summary: Cheap-ass hardware can break, leaving you careening towards the
interstate.
http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Recalls/2011/John-Deere-Recalls-Lawn-Tractors-Brake-Failu
re-Can-Cause-Loss-of-Control/

D100 S/N
- 1GXD100A...BB051247 thru 1GXD100A...BB053312

- 1GXD100E...BB110317 thru 1GXD100E...BB139599

sold 10/2010 to 9/2011

Andrew, you might want to add the recall info to the top post.
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Kevin Byrne on 12/05/2015 at 12:49 AM EST
Thanks mate, your advice was spot on. From no brakes to brakes in less than 2
minutes. Awesome!
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Steve Foreman on 03/16/2016 at 04:57 PM EDT
Works like a champ, took less than 30 seconds to adjust the brake. Thanks,
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Duncan Willis on 03/20/2016 at 03:50 AM EDT
Andrew thanks mate, I was scratching my head and pounding the net until i came
across your article.....Making the article 7 years usefull

Cheers Duncan
Brisbane Australia
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy David B on 04/03/2016 at 07:42 PM EDT
Thanks so much for this info, I too have been trying to figure out how to
adjust the brake!
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Doug on 04/09/2016 at 12:12 PM EDT
Yup. The manual is not so good.

Great help; Thanks !
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Larry on 04/09/2016 at 01:35 PM EDT
Man, that was too easy. Thanks for this!
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy bill on 04/23/2016 at 01:02 PM EDT
WOW, it took me two days to find this. This is the only information I could
find about the brakes on the JD 100, yes from HD. Thank you for taking the time
to post this. you saved me a big headache.

THANKS AGAIN !!!!
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Greg Lillich on 04/24/2016 at 01:05 PM EDT
It is April 24, 2016 and your info is still relevant. I too bought a 100 series
approximately 6 years ago not knowing it was the "bottom of the barrel" model
(few months after buying the mower, my local Lowe's store stopped carrying
these models ... If I had only waited!). Anyway, thanks for taking the time and
initiative to share. Hope by now you have been able to unload your 100 series!
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Andrew Pollack on 04/24/2016 at 05:12 PM EDT
Thanks. I do still have the machine. The downside being pretty good fixing
things, is you don't get new toys very often. A year ago I opted to replace
the deck rather than get another machine. It was a though call, but my yankee
cheapness won the day.
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy bob on 04/27/2016 at 02:38 PM EDT
worked simply and thorought,thanks for the info.
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy mike on 05/15/2016 at 11:42 AM EDT
Thanks Andrew, took me all of 30 seconds to adjust the brake. Only need a half
turn. I agree with your comments, I wont buy another JD
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Edward Barber on 06/01/2016 at 08:22 AM EDT
Yep. Years later this post is still helping people. Thanks much.
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy bill on 06/01/2016 at 06:21 PM EDT
thanks so much.I was starting to doubt my newly bought used 105,its a great
machine but till i adjusted the brakes it would not stop on hills.Not only did
it fix the stopping problem it also fixed the jumping when releasing the
brake.Great post
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Wilson Wright on 06/16/2016 at 12:17 PM EDT
I have a slightly different problem on a JD Z225 with a 42' deck. My battery is
charged but the engine hardly turns. I tried to roll it out so I could get to
it more easily. The brake is off and both "bypass valve levers" are pulled out
but the rear wheels seem locked. Any ideas ?????
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Andrew Pollack on 06/16/2016 at 12:43 PM EDT
If I had to guess, I'd say a bad battery terminal connection. If it didn't
turn it all, just showed a full charge but only clicked if you hit the key, I'd
say one or more of the wet cells is damaged. Sometimes when wet cell batteries
have a "dead short" they can show a full charge but can't sustain a load.
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Tony on 06/18/2016 at 12:20 PM EDT
My L100 is running OK, but all of a sudden I can not engage the mower blades.
I shift it OK, but the blades do not rotate?
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Darrell young on 07/04/2016 at 05:15 PM EDT
Thanks, great help.
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Rick P on 07/05/2016 at 02:40 PM EDT
Took your advice for my D100, and it worked! Thanks!
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Doug Garner on 07/28/2016 at 12:10 PM EDT
Thanks Andrew for taking the time to explain how to do this, it wasn't in my
owners manual either, thanks again......Doug.
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Bill Minshall on 08/06/2016 at 02:43 PM EDT
Just wanted to say thanks!!! Borrowed this tractor since mine was in the shop.
Imagine my surprise when I went down the first hill. When I googled the brake
adjustment your site was the first to come up. 2 minutes to fix!! Thanks
again!!!
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Cindy on 08/25/2016 at 01:28 PM EDT
WOW!! Thank you so very much for the guidance on adjusting the brake/clutch. It
was such an easy fix; and I could not find any other guidance on this
situation. Big hug to you!!!
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Bruno on 11/04/2016 at 05:19 PM EDT
Thank you twice! I adjusted it last year, and needed to see the picture again
this year. Awesome to have the information still available.
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Bill Hobbs on 01/09/2017 at 03:40 PM EST
Thanks a million, I have a 180 but right where you showed it and nut turned one
time and back to brakes, I used them hard the last couple of days up Cape Cod
way plowing snow.
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Richard in Australia on 02/03/2017 at 08:06 PM EST
Hi Andrew,
This morning I had the un-nerving experience of free-wheeling down a hill with
no brakes, and came back to the house to find out how to adjust the brakes.
Thanks for the advice - after a little adjustment and a few test laps round the
garden I can now stop on the driveway which is about a 25 degree slope.

Thanks,
Richard
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy howard lowry on 04/05/2017 at 12:16 PM EDT
THANK YOU! JD owner's manual is useless- I guess they want you to bring the
mower in so they can charge $$$$
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Greg on 04/08/2017 at 06:34 PM EDT
Thanks for the brake adjustment information! Like the others who have
commented, I didn't have a clue where to start and was prepared to haul my D100
into a shop to get the brakes fixed or adjusted. It took all of 5 minutes to
adjust and I've got brakes again! Thanks, you saved me $$$. However, I will
take your advice and carry a 1/2" wrench the first time I use the mower, just
in case I overtightened it.
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Juan on 05/05/2017 at 06:51 PM EDT
EXCELENT!!...I thougth that I have to take my LA105 to service but with your
explanation here, it went just Perfect!....thank you!....Remove everything and
clean it but should I add some grease on it?
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Andrew Pollack on 05/07/2017 at 09:49 AM EDT
Juan - I put grease on all the non-friction parts. Keep grease away from the
disk and the "pad" itself or it won't stop.
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy dj710 on 05/31/2017 at 07:00 AM EDT
Thank you Andrew. Read through most of the posts. I see you read them too,
thought you might enjoy my L100 story. So. What's up with tractor brake? Back
to that in a bit. Neighbor rolled his L100 to the end of his driveway last
year; cardboard sign had some basic info on it, but FREE caught my eye. He told
me he bought a new tractor the year before, JD ran last time he used it, but
now it wouldn't start. Also said it prob needed a head gasket. He joked about
never having trouble with bugs when he mowed cause it smoked so much. Rolled it
into my shed. Weeks later I commited to fixing it by buying a new battery; he'd
taken the old battery out. Some basic TLC got it running, but it did smoke and
push out oil. Months went by, but couple days ago I finally had a little time
for the head gasket repair. My first h.g repair, but it went ok. Lots of
degreaser, sludge buildup everywhere, more time cleaning than repairing.
Finished, fired it up yesterday and it still smoked (did start though).
Disappointed, I closed the shed, went to another neighbors for a beer. About to
leave, I mentioned the h,g. job was done but engine still smoked. While
talking, I pictured putting the exhaust pipe (even cleaned and painted that
hoping for some repair karma) back into the muffler housing. Made sense. Could
it be that simple? Sludge buildup in the housing causing smoke? Went home,
disconnected the muffler assembly, could see the pipe was rusted away, broken
up inside the housing. I started it up, pretty loud...NO more smoke. Elated, I
put it in reverse and started backing down the steep incline from my shed to
the road; you know what happened, speed increasing as I pressed down harder on
the brake, head whipping back and forth - no cars coming, I made it safely to
the road. Drove it, extremely loud but otherwise all good, except no brake.
Looking forward to going out to the shed with a 1/2". Thanks again.
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy ToddPK on 07/09/2017 at 07:59 PM EDT
I've got a 2007 Troy-Bilt badged big box MTD 42" Pony model with this exact
mechanism. The adjustment worked like a charm! BUT when parking brake is set it
does not engage or stay engaged when you release the foot pedal. Driving and
stopping is perfect but not working when not in use. I've scrolled through a
lot of the comments here and I don't see anyone saying they had this
problem...anyone hear of this?
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Ed on 07/11/2017 at 12:50 PM EDT
Your post saved the day for me last year, when the brakes on my LA105 were
getting weak. I found the nut right away and tightening it did the job.
Yesterday, however, the brakes had frozen after I applied them after mowing and
I forgot which bolt it was and so had to look you up again. I have now run off
a copy of the picture and have placed it in my mower file folder. I'm also
going to bookmark your Web page for future reference.

I guess the only thing you could have added is that by tightening, you mean a
clockwise turn of the bolt, which I hope is correct. Anyway, thanks for
posting this!
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Cindy on 07/11/2017 at 04:18 PM EDT
Even more years later and your post is still helping. I just grabbed my 1/2"
wrench and followed your instructions (mine is a later model so there was just
minor differences). I thought I was going to have the brakes serviced
professionally, but not now. Viola!!!! My brakes are as good as new. Thank you
so much for sharing!!!!
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Pat on 07/14/2017 at 12:31 PM EDT
Great for adjusting regular brakes on model 102. Any ideas how to fix stuck
parking brake?
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Don Duncan on 08/05/2017 at 01:44 AM EDT
08/02/2017 Your comment that no one but you apparently has provided info on the
brake is still valid! The next problem is that most lawn mower repair places do
not carry John Deere parts! Amazon.com and eBay carry lots of parts, and better
prices on after market parts. I decided to order pads but still try to adjust
it prior to tearing it down. Thanks for your much needed information! I just
got through replacing the steering bushing, pinion and sector gear and ready to
fix the brake. It is a 2004 model so will not be surprised that I need to
replace the pads!
Not impressed with the sector gear design. It definitely needs to be thicker
to increase the area of contact with the pinion gear.
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Mike Laza on 09/06/2017 at 05:11 PM EDT
Went searching for the brake problem on my John Deere LA100 rider mower since
my owner's manual did not address the matter and the mechanic at the dealer was
not familiar with the problem since he had not encountered anyone with that
problem. Found your April 2009 post describing the simple nut adjustment on my
first search. Pulled out my 1/2" box end wrench and proceeded to tighten by
making a 1/2 turn. Started up the Deere and made a successful test run.
Problem solved!!! I was going to take it to a small engine/equipment repair
shop had I not found your blog. Thanks for your dilligence in getting to the
solution and sharing with a grateful public. I purchased the LA100 from a farm
implement company and John Deere dealer in my hometown in February 2008. It
was originally purchased in 2007 by a woman who did not particularly like
having to manually shift the gears. Picked the mower up at a good discounted
price, and it has been a very good mower. And living in South Texas with the
warmer climate, it is used almost year round. Thanks again!!!
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Bob on 04/21/2018 at 10:19 PM EDT
Awesome, I was expecting it to be much more difficult than it was. I got the
mower cheap because it had no brakes and needed new tires. One down one to
go... Thanks, and here it is 9 years after it was posted and you are still
helping folks!! I noticed there is that sweet spot where it goes from not
enough to too much braking, I played with it a few times till I got a feel for
it. Now they are perfect
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy cw on 05/03/2018 at 02:09 PM EDT
best description and picture I have viewed. The other articles I read or
watched had me scratching my head. Thanks a lot
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Tim on 05/14/2018 at 03:06 PM EDT
Thank you I purchased a L100 used and about flipped when I tried to stop on a
hill and gained speed instead. Worked great to adjust the brakes.
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Kurt on 05/31/2018 at 06:30 PM EDT
Excellent guide, thanks. Knowing number of full turns min to max -- spot on.
A very easy adjustment. Maybe JD will add to the owner's manual at some point.
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Joe Caputo on 06/01/2018 at 02:35 PM EDT
Worked like a charm!!
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy tom Murphy on 06/05/2018 at 06:22 PM EDT
great help thank you
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Steve on 06/17/2018 at 06:18 PM EDT
Was going to get rid of my John Deere L100 because of that break read your
article went out and tightened it up up and it worked thank you so much...
Steve
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Greg on 06/27/2018 at 10:16 AM EDT
Thank you so much for these instructions!! This is the simplest repair I have
ever done. One turn of a wrench and the brakes work like new. Now I can put my
daughter to work. Thanks!!
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy BJS on 07/12/2018 at 06:34 PM EDT
Thank you! Still helpful post and it is 2018
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Bruce Grossie on 07/15/2018 at 12:32 PM EDT
I have a LA 135 John Deere riding mower. It has been a workhorse for us since
we got it in 2008. When parking we always set the brake by depressing the
brake and setting the Park Brake lock lever; up until now with no problems. We
are now unable to release the brake. We push hard on the brake, I even used a
crowbar to add additional pressure, but we can not get the Lock Lever to
release. I do not find anything that is physically obstructing any of the
connecting rods to the left rear wheel or near the Locking Lever. Any
suggestions?
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Richard Holland on 08/18/2018 at 10:56 AM EDT
Thanks for the insight. My son just crashed through a fence going down a
hill. All good, just bent cowling. Going outside right now to fix the brakes.
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Loretta DiBiase on 08/26/2018 at 11:01 AM EDT
I too have search for a couple of hours on JD LA105 brake issue and could never
find a mention of the braces on this machine!! I am beyoung happy!! Have had a
couple of very scarey situations. Tried this and it worked like a charm! Thank
you so muck for sharing Andrew!!!
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Bruce B on 08/31/2018 at 07:33 PM EDT
So glad I read this before tearing down.
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy IanQ on 09/25/2018 at 03:16 PM EDT
Fantastic find! My LA105 was basically a run-away mower on hills, almost went
over the embankment a few times as the brakes were useless. A few small turns
of that nut and now I can brake in confidence.

Not sure how anything ever got fixed before the internet!

IanQ
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy glenda pollard on 01/13/2019 at 02:15 AM EST
I followed your advice on the brakes, It worked well. however my hand brake is
stuck in the down position and wont lift up to apply brakes. can you help?


Regards Peter
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Randy on 05/05/2019 at 09:16 AM EDT
Have owned the L100 for since spring of 2005. This year got tired of the high
dealer tune-up cost and decided to do it myself. After buying the Pittsburg
300LB Mower/ATV lift at Harbor Freight for $74 sale price with 20% coupon. I
wished I had done it years ago. After changing all four tires, oil, air
filters, spark plug, fuel filter, high lift blades, and the seat I had a new
unit for little over $260 in parts, saving over $600 had gone to the dealer.
After all that My brake somehow loosened and did not stop the tractor. I
searched YouTube on my iPhone to only find blow-hearts showing off. Like Andrew
said there was nothing in the owners manual, or online. So, next day decided to
do a search again on Duck Duck Go, John Deere L100 brake adjustment and BOOM,
there it was the from Andrew the article that showed how to adjust the break.
THANK YOU, SIR! Makes you wonder why this is kept a secret? Again many thanks
:-)
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Ted Nicholson on 05/08/2019 at 05:49 PM EDT
Wow, thank you Andrew. I have a D100 that just hit 100 hours, even though it
is 6 years old. All of a sudden I had no brakes. I called JD and they said
to take it in to the dealership. Well, I don't have a trailer so that was
going to be a problem. But your fix worked perfectly. Repaired in less time
than it took to write this comment. You saved me big bucks. Thanks again!
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Mike Rutherford on 06/25/2019 at 05:25 PM EDT
You're an awesome human being brother. I thank you so much for this post. Been
driving without brakes on my mower for weeks because I can't figure it out . 2
minutes after reading it I have brakes!
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Leo V on 07/13/2019 at 08:29 PM EDT
THANK YOU! Searched the web, John Deere manuals, and their web/support pages,
then found your page. What a relief!
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Paul Banco on 07/19/2019 at 01:19 PM EDT
Andrew - chaulk-up another person helped by your brake adjustment posting.

The brakes on John Deere D100 rider went out on me this week causing the unit
(and me) to go over an embankment/ditch full of nasty water, snakes, etc.
Thankfully the unit or I were not hurt here.

Reviewed your pic of the problem-area (which was very helpful), found the
location on unit, and applied your fix. Found that the associated nut on mine
was very loose and needed tightened - works great!!

BTW: Saved me $75 to have the unit transported/returned on top of what "they"
found and then the repair bill.

Thanks again!!

-- Paul
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Greg on 10/15/2019 at 09:29 AM EDT
My John Deere is a la110 and it is a automatic. The foot brake works I just
can't engage or disengage parking brake. Right now it is not set.
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Nick on 03/25/2020 at 06:30 PM EDT
THANK YOU!!!!!!
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Loyd on 04/27/2020 at 02:06 PM EDT
Thank you Andrew, Not in the owners manual, and I would not have found the
adjustment.
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy John Bertl on 05/23/2020 at 06:25 PM EDT
I took everything apart. The lever the nut secures is connected to nothing and
the lever just rotates about the threaded stud. I could not see how the lever
did anything. And since the lever is badly bent at the stud end, I almost
hammered it flat. Glad I did not. I saw the two buttons on each side of the
stud and thought they must be pushed into the transmission and operate
something. I was right. Your correct procedure to adjust the breaks takes
less than 30 seconds to perform with a 1/2" wrench in hand. I am ashamed to
say I spent most of today on this problem. Thank you for posting this. I am
very disappointed in the owner's manual. I read it cover to cover and nothing
about how to adjust the breaks.
L100 lawn mower clutch problem By Joe rupp on 05/25/2020 at 01:46 PM EDT
Hi my name is joe and I was wondering if you could help me with my problem..my
brake/clutch pedal comes out almost to the end before it engages but my brake
works good... any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks joe
re: L100 lawn mower clutch problem By Andrew Pollack on 05/26/2020 at 11:29 AM EDT
Joe, That sounds pretty normal. One complaint about the L100 has always been
that the transmission engages very suddenly. In low gear it snaps your neck a
bit and can lead to popping up the front wheels if you're not careful.
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy John C on 08/21/2020 at 03:56 PM EDT
I hope the author of this has been blessed with beautiful karma since he
published this incredibly helpful post. This made our mower safer and avoided
what no doubt would have been a costly repair at the shop.

Thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge!

I hope I can pay it forward.
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy John U on 09/16/2020 at 02:35 PM EDT
Just wanted to thank you for the post. Took longer to read your post then
adjust my brakes. LOL
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy MIKE MARTIN on 07/07/2021 at 01:03 PM EDT
Remember Ian, when you "assume" something, you're making an ass (out of) u &
me. Never ass-u-me.
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Robert Parnell on 07/17/2021 at 03:14 AM EDT
Most helpful, solved my question, As mentioned my adjustment is on the left
but the brake is not a very efficient but better slowing on a steep slope than
declutching and losing control altogether. Bob Parnell
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy David Owens on 07/22/2021 at 06:46 PM EDT
2021 and your post is still helping out. Great Job & Thanks, Dude!
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Steve on 06/15/2022 at 03:01 PM EDT
2022, This is still helping people, Thanks!
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Darrylderksen on 06/16/2022 at 10:18 PM EDT
I have tried this, problem is, if I adjust the brakes enough to stop on a hill,
they are dragging and it wonu2019t roll freely in nutreul, if I back it off, no
brakes
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Andrew Pollack on 06/17/2022 at 09:45 AM EDT
Darryl, You almost certainly need to do the "rebuild" part of this that I
linked to at the end of the article. The little pins that push against the
brake surface are probably corroded and frozen. It's a little harder job but
not too bad if you have a few diy skills.

Here:

http://www.thenorth.com/apblog4.nsf/0/892849E0260EFDC28525788A004DD825
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Bri on 06/24/2022 at 03:59 PM EDT
Itu2019s 2022 and Iu2019m using this post today. I am getting a grinding noise
and vibrating when breaking so I backed it back off a bit. I think it wonu2019t
stop on the hill very good but at least I can get it to stop a little better I
think
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Phillip S. Hill on 08/25/2022 at 11:34 AM EDT
Thanks Andrew...still helping late into 2022. I did as instructed a while back.
Got it too tight, smoke, etc. Didn't know the tolerance was that close. Been
driving with no brakes and used to it, but would like brakes again..lol
Will make proper adjustment today until correct.
P.S. Wife took off on it before I could stop her and tell her about the brakes.
30 seconds later I heard her screaming as she went towards the creek.
Fortunately for me she got it turned in time and is still cooking for me after
a brief sulking period....haha
Anyway, thanks for the info.....Phil in S.C.
re: HOW-TO: John Deere L100 Lawn 42" Tractor/Mower Brake AdjustmentBy Thomas White on 07/24/2023 at 07:20 PM EDT
Great post. This confirms my suspicions that these breaks are touchy and
outright suck. Iu2019ve found when I tighten the mounting bolts on either side
it also adjusts. My unit is 2013 from Deere dealership but I store it outside.


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