Part of the John Deere Repair Manuals.
This John Deere Technical Manual (TM1426) covers the 240, 245, 260, 265, 285, and 320 lawn and garden tractors built from serial number 130000. It is the same factory service documentation John Deere wrote for dealer technicians, spanning 562 pages across twelve sections.
The manual covers all three engines used across this family: the FC420V on the 240 and 245, the FC540V on the 260 and 265, and the FD590V on the 285 and 320. You get full specifications, component locations, theory of operation, troubleshooting charts, tests and adjustments, and step by step repair procedures.
Beyond the engines, it details the electrical system with schematics and test points, both the gear and hydrostatic power trains, steering, hydraulics, and fuel injection. With torque values, clearances, and diagnostic steps included, an owner or independent mechanic can service and rebuild these tractors with confidence.
What's Inside This Manual
| System | Pages | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|
| Safety | 4-11 | |
| General Information | 12-49 | Specifications, O-Ring Information, Metric Fastener Torque Values, Inch Fastener Torque Values, Fuel Information, Lubrication Information, Coolant Information |
| FC420V Engine | 50-109 | Specifications, Component Location, Theory of Operation, Troubleshooting, Tests & Adjustments, Repair |
| FC540V Engine | 110-169 | Specifications, Special or Essential Tools, Other Materials, Service Parts Kits, Component Location, Troubleshooting, Tests & Adjustments, Repair |
| FD590V Engine | 170-241 | Specifications, Special or Essential Tools, Dealer Fabricated Tools, Other Materials, Service Parts Kits, Component Location, Theory of Operation, Troubleshooting |
| Fuel Injection System | 242-245 | Remove, Inspect and Install Fuel Pump, Remove and Install Fuel Tank, Inspect Fuel Tank |
| Electrical System | 246-370 | Theory Information, Component Location, Theory of Operation, Diagnosis, Test Points, Tests, Schematics |
| Gear Power Train | 371-418 | Component Location, Theory of Operation, Diagnosis, Adjustments, Specifications, Other Material, Repair |
| Hydrostatic Power Train | 419-488 | Component Location, Theory of Operation, Diagnosis, Adjustments, Specifications, Repair |
| Steering | 489-496 | Component Location, Theory of Operation, Diagnosis, Adjusments, Repair |
| Hydraulics | 497-520 | Component Location, Theory of Operation, Diagnosis, Tests, & Adjustments, Other Material, Repair |
| Miscellaneous | 521-552 | Component Location, Theory of Operation, Diagnosis, Tests, & Adjustments, Repair |
Quick Reference Specifications
| Specification | Value | Page |
|---|---|---|
| All Models | ||
| Mower deck belt tension | Not specified as a numerical value for resetting; manual refers to condition of tensioning components and replacement of belt if worn or damaged. | p. 529 |
| Hydraulic lift linkage adjustment | Adjust linkage | p. 517 |
| Key Switch Continuity (Off position) | M—G (A and B) continuity | p. 348 |
| Key Switch Continuity (Run position) | B—A (C and D) continuity | p. 348 |
| Seat Switch Continuity | Continuity only when plunger is depressed | p. 351 |
| 240, 245 | ||
| Cylinder Head Cap Screw Torque (Initial) | 32 N·m (283 lb-in.) | p. 53 |
| Cylinder Head Cap Screw Torque (Final) | 52 N·m (38 lb-ft) | p. 53 |
| Starter Amp Draw (Max.) (240, 245) | 60 amps at 500 rpm | p. 18 |
| 240, 245, 260 | ||
| Battery Type (240, 245, 260) | BCI Group, U1 | p. 14 |
| 265, 285, 320 | ||
| Battery Type (265, 285, 320) | BCI Group, 22F | p. 15 |
| 260, 265 | ||
| Starter Amp Draw (Max.) (260, 265) | 85 amps at 500 rpm | p. 18 |
| 245, 265, 285, 320 | ||
| Transmission Neutral Switch Continuity (Hydrostatic) | Continuity only when plunger is depressed (brake pedal depressed) | p. 349 |
