John Deere STX38
The John Deere STX38 lawn mower is an upgraded version of the John Deere STX30 garden tractor lawn mower. This lawn mower is an incredibly popular one having had a production run that lasted 9 years from 1988 until the last one rolled off the assembly line in 1997. The JD STX38 gets it’s power from a Kohler CV12.5-1215 gasoline engine. This air cooled engine is more powerful than the JD STX30, pumping out 12.5 hp. But when compared to other JD mowers of recent times, isn’t actually that powerful.
The power from the engine on the John Deere STX38 gets transferred to the wheels via 1 of 2 different choices; the first is a transmission that gives the tractor lawn mower 5 gears when traveling forward and 1 gear for reversing. The second is a hydrostatic transmission that gives the JD STX38 infinite gears going forward and when reversing making it an automatic. The mower deck that comes with the this lawn mower as standard has a cutting width of 38 inches, but it’s total width is about 10 inches greater than this due to the fact that the discharge chute is located on the side of the mower deck.
There are a number of attachments that can be used with the John Deere STX38 lawn mower. The most used attachment is a bagger attachment that collects grass clippings at the rear of the machine. However you also have the option of mulching the grass clippings or just discharging them out the side of the mower deck. The next most popular attachment is a snow blower that can be used to clear your driveway of snow during the winter. On top of this there are also implements like front blades and utility carts that are available. John Deere also supplies a lot of spare parts for the JD STX38 even though it’s a fairly old machine
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This is the T-34 of lawn tractors.
Have this machine from new 25+ years. Bought with bagger and has surprisingly held up well. Deck is still in good shape and cuts 1+ acres no problem. Bagger has seen better days and it’s falling apart but still works. It clogs but only on wet grass which is remarkable considering its only 13 hp. No real problems though mice ate through some wiring and caused issues. No problems with Kohler engine or hydrostatic drive. Just routine maintenance and avoiding overt abuse. May get 30 years out of it.
I bought it new and then mowed a church yard with it for over 15 years. I took me almost 3 hours to mow the church yard because it was so big. I also mowed my father in laws yard for about 5 years. it took a little over an hour and a half to mow that.
Went thru 2 starters, several belts that was all the repairs i did. still has original tires on it. Seat was replaced once. It is still in use yet to this day
This machine has mowed the sliding hill behind my house and a full acre of lawn for 28 years. I have bought a newer machine when I thought my STX 38 was failing (it wasn’t) and then ended up sticking with the STX 38 because it just ran faster and took the hills better. It’s also simple which makes it easier to take care of. Great machine.
always been dependtiable
GREAT running mower. It will be interesting too see how long my shadetree repairs last.
This has been our family lawn tractor for nearly 3 decades. It has never quit. It has always worked and required minimal maintenance. Obviously a lawn tractor is going to get some wear and tear on it after nearly 3 decades of use but this thing has handled it all very well.
very good
i had not big troubles in the 14 years.
2 times change the belts
1 startrelais
2new battery
1new groundcable this year.
Never too dealer for repair ,i do all myself it’s a good machine and neighbours think its expensieve to ride john deere but i have in 14 year 350euro cost. Wenn i sell now it brings 800-1000 euro so myy cost in 14 year are 2800euro i can’t find cheaper i think.
next one john deere, no doubt
It is a great little work horse.
The brake has never worked
The key won’t start so I installed a start button which was easier to start with as a posed to a 1/2 inch drill and a socket since power and a long extion cord was required.
The seat was replaced with a higher back model from farm supply.
Two engine mounting bolts had to be replaced after vibrating out.
A 4″ pipe modified as a bumper that when at full speed can over come small saplings.
Mow 2 acres
Very great machine!
I purchased this mower used and since it has had many hours of use. It is used by my kids to mow my lawn (1½ acres) and a neighbor’s (1 acre) as well as tow a trailer for collection of leaves, etc. It generates good power from the Kohler 12.5 hp single cylinder engine. Even though it has a 5 speed manual transmission, you have to use caution as it can fail under a heavy load (i.e. if the load raises the front tires off the ground, it probably shouldn’t be pulled). This tractor was pushed to its limits multiple times, which finally was it’s downfall.
Pleasure to cut the grass
Thank you
Excellent if I could now stop….
Had the same problem. If you have not found it, just in front of the right side rear axle you will see two bolts with a lock nut in the middle facing the right tire. That is the brake adjustment. I had to adjust it a few times to get it where I wanted it. Hope this helps.
I had the same problem with mine. I adjusted the brakes and replaced them with no avail. I just got used to them not working.