John Deere GT262
The John Deere GT262 lawn mower is the upgraded version of the John Deere GT242 lawn mower. While both lawn mowers are similar in many regards, the JD GT262 is different mostly due to the size and power of it’s engine. It is a Kawasaki FC540V that gives the lawnmower 17 horsepower to drive it forward and turn the mower blade. This 1 cylinder engine has natural aspiration and is air cooled. Power from the engine is transferred to the wheels thanks to a 6 speed gear drive transmission. This transmission gives the lawnmower a wide range of speeds when traveling forwards and reversing.
The electric PTO on the John Deere GT262 powers the mower deck which can range from 38 inches in cutting width to 54 inches in cutting width. However it should be noted that if you are using a larger mowing deck, then it is more likely to stall the engine if you are cutting very long or wet grass. So try to only use the larger mower decks on shorter, dry grass.
The John Deere GT262 is one of the first lawnmowers to be produced in the ‘GT’ series. If you are looking for newer models in the ‘GT’ series then you should check out the John Deere GT235 lawnmower or the John Deere GT245 lawn mower. For those interested in purchasing the JD GT262, you will find that it’s best suited to cutting areas of grass that are 2 -5 acres in size. For anything smaller, you should consider either a smaller garden tractor lawnmower or a walk behind lawnmower. Don’t forget that the JD GT262 can also work with a range of attachments from snow blowers and snow blades to a bagger attachment and other rear mounted implements.
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When I bought this tractor in 2013, I went to a JD dealer with every intention of buying a new L or E series. I happened to be set up with one of the owners of the dealership and he showed me a few new models but said that I should really check out the GT262 that he just took in on a trade. Well I ended up buying the GT262 for $1400 (they had it cleaned up really nice and serviced) and I haven’t regretted it. The only issue I’ve had was my daughter playing with the light switch, leaving it on and draining a battery a few times. It’s one of those “they don’t make ’em how they used to” things.
I moved into a new (to me) house a few years and my neighbor happens to have the exact same tractor except one year newer. He’s an old timer and has had his for 20+ years so if I ever have a question about something or need help during a service, blade swap, he’s right next door. He also has wheel and rear weights as well a plow that I can hook up. 10/10 would recommend!
I use this machine year around in upstate NY. Cut about 2 acres, and snow blow a 300′ long driveway in the winter. Blower is belt driven, so has a hard time in wet or heavy snow. Do my best to maintain machine, regular oil and filter, fuel filter etc. The machine is kept in garage, so is well preserved. Having issue now with charging light staying on, check voltages seem ok. Not sure how to remove regulator, attached behind steel column by “dashboard”. Doesn’t seem to have any access.
I bought my GT262 used in 2014 for $350. Since then I have replaced all the deck wheels, blades, one pulley on the deck, all belts, seat, throttle handle, steering gear and bushings, repaired some wiring, voltage regulator, cleaned carb, battery, cable from battery to starter and replaced that stupid circuit board on the ignition switch (very expensive from Deer).
Even after all the repairs and troubleshooting time I’m very happy with the tractor. Now it does start hard sometime but once its running there are no problems. I don’t have a lot of money so fixing something old is easier on the wallet than an new one from Deere; plus it gives me something to do in the winter.
Great turning.
The deck is easy to lift.
Good power.
Easy to steer.
Great on fuel.
Cuts very nice.
Easy to get on and off.
Comfortable seat.
Deck is easy to remove and install.
Six gears.
Take the deck belt of put it in 2nd and watch the kids drive it around the yard.
Can be hard to start.
Parts are expensive.
Taller grass will clump. That could be my fault or choice of blade.
You have to shift gears.
Not a versatile as an older Deere.
Purchased new in Idaho in 1995 and used it ever since. Always starts and runs well as well as mows great. I also had a problem with hard starting and it turned out that the throttle wire slipped and was not opening the carb properly. Finally fixed that with an easy adjustment and now it starts easy. Not bad for a machine that is 24 years old (always changed the filters and oil). By the way, I sold a JD 110 to purchase the GT262 – and got 95% of the $$ back from the 110 – JD holds its value!
This is a great lawnmower. I have 0 complaints about the mower deck. It’s not such a great snowthrower.
The snowthrower is too heavy for the tractor even though it’s only single stage. The engine has more than enough torque to run the blower, but the belt drive system can’t handle it — belts just aren’t suited to 90° twists and reverse bends. You have to baby it or replace belts often. The single stage requires a certain mass of snow to push it out the chute so there is a fine line between over-stressing the belt and throwing the snow a decent distance.
That all said, I live in an area that gets 14′ to 18′ of snowfall each year. The pile at the end of my driveway regularly approaches 10′ tall by the end of the winter. I did make do with this machine for 17 years and my son is now using it for his much shorter driveway. So someone living in an area with more moderate snowfalls might find it quite adequate.
I have now replaced it with a small B series Kubota, which is a much better snowblower. But the Deere is a much better lawn mower. I just can’t win…
The Piranha (mulching) lawn deck has been great. Perfect size for this tractor, easy to use, minimal maintenance, nice job on the lawn. It even does a decent job of mulching leaves into dust in the fall.
Everything is belt driven. The clutch is simply a slack adjustment on the drive belt, so precise adjustment is required for smooth operation.
The plastic throttle control rots in the UV and breaks off after a year or so.
Most of my complaints revolve around the single stage snowthrower:
Does not deal with hills very when coupled with the snowthrower. Even with chains and 4 suitcase weights on the back. It would have really benefited from a differential lock.
The plastic idler pulleys on the snowblower don’t last long.
The snowthrower drive belts don’t last long. I went through at least 2 per season (700′ driveway + large parking area).
The snowthrower is a single stage and plugs easily in wet snow conditions. Even in dry conditions, it doesn’t blow very far unless the snow is deep or travel speed is high.
The front axle is not strong enough for the weight of the snowthrower. The tube for the spindle broke off after a few years. I re-welded it with additional reinforcements and that was sufficient. I understand that later years had a redesigned stronger, solid, front axle.
The button that releases the lift arm has a tendency to freeze in place. Similarly, the optional remote chute deflector cable also tends to freeze in place.
Tractor headlights are aimed at the back of the snowthrower.
Steel plate reinforcement under the rear plastic to support a 12v winch. I originally added the winch to pull the tractor out whenever I got stuck blowing snow. It saved a lot of backaches! However, the winch has been used for many other tasks including dragging logs and heavy timbers (lift the leading edge up off the ground and just drag the back) and pulling my son’s 1/4 ton pickup truck out of the ditch one winter.
Replaced all the plastic snowthrower pulleys with steel ones. Adjusted the angle of the right side idler pulley to minimize belt twist.
Added a removable soft cab for winter use, keeping the blowing snow out of my face.
Added work lights to the front of the cab for snowblowing (existing headlights were useless for this application).
Added a rear-facing work light to the rear fender for night use.
no complaints, my kids pulled a wagon with it when they were little for hours and hours. There is no telling how many hours on my mower. Mow over acre for 18 years still starts.
Done all regular maintenance and repairs.
It has always been garaged.
42″ plow
dump trailer
In reply to Julius, check for off season rodent nests inside the covers over the engines cooling fins. My 2 cents. good luck.
Aaron
Aaron
In reply to Julius, check the vent hole in the gas cap. It may be plugged or restricted. You may have to check the inner seal vent hole in the gas cap, as well.
100% positive
I did take off the mulcher since it would bog down occasionally.
I have been very pleased with this machine. If the engine blew I’d replace it. If the transaxle blew . . . I’d buy a X540 and hold onto this one.
Because of this machine I am sold on John Deere products. It is currently 14 years old and I have no problems getting parts – even obscure parts (the block that holds the lift mechanism took 3 days to get- days NOT months)
All in all I am quite pleased with this machine. In 3 years I NEEDED to buy 2 guide wheels, 1 Battery, 6quarts of oil and 6 filters.
I would buy this machine again in a heart beat. It isn’t that expensive to purchase or to maintain.
Reasonably easy access to everything. It’s open under the hood and the back of the binnacle / dash, Underneath everything’s exposed. less than ten minutes to remove seat/foot rest pan.
Tires are common sizes.
Durable. Previous owner did nearly 0 maintenance and there was nothing really wrong when I bought it.
Belt drive attachments Tiller, Snowblower, Mower
Sleeve hitch available to further expand it’s use.
Plow for snow or dirt
belt drive is stout
Gearing is exactly where I need it
this last is very important
ALL the belt drive implements that I have will move to an X500 Series machine.
Implements attach and detach easily – usually less than 15 minutes- more like 10
Oil filter in awkward placement.
Headlights a bit dim
No loader available.
No 3ph’s or PTO’s available
Front weight bracket is astronomical $$
Rear frame a bit soft – tang for ball hitch seems to bend under load
No Johnny Bucket loader available
An hour meter would be nice.
NO cab available
No rear lights or brake lights no backup lights
No RIO lockout switch
48″ Plow
30″ Mechanical Tiller
42″ Snowblower
Front Weight Bracket
Several non highway trailers
48″ Drop spreader
175 lb JD Broadcast spreader