Part of the John Deere Repair Manuals.
All 191 pages of this Sabre Technical Manual (OEM TM-GX10131, PDF) focus on the 1338, 1538, 15538, 1546, 1638, and 1646 lawn tractors, covering both Gear and Hydro drive versions. You get factory wiring diagrams plus a full electrical diagnostics section: battery, starter solenoid, seat switch, ignition switch, and ground circuit tests. Complete transaxle work is here too, from shift linkage adjustment and brake service on the gear models to the K55/K51 bleed procedure on the hydros, backed by exploded views and Grade 1 through Class 12.9 torque values. Check your gear model's traction drive belt against the 2660±8 mm new-length spec, then torque the blade cap screws to 46-65 N-m before the deck goes back on. A no-crank fault on mowing day is a bad morning. Bookmarked with a real text layer: search the spec, walk to the tractor, fix it.
What's Inside This John Deere Sabre 1338–1646 Manual
| System | Pages | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|
| Specifications | 2-5 | Engine, Electrical, Fuel/Air System, Power Train, Mower Deck, Chassis |
| Unified Inch Torque Values | 6 | Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 5, Grade 8, Shear Bolts, Lock Nuts |
| Metric Torque Values | 7 | Class 4.8, Class 8.8, Class 9.8, Class 10.9, Class 12.9, Shear Bolts |
| Gasoline Specifications | 8 | Gasoline Storage, Engine Oil |
| Lubricant Specifications | 8-9 | Engine Oil, Grease, Alternative Lubricants, Synthetic Lubricants, Oil Filters, Lubricant Storage |
| Specifications & Information | 10-17 | Power Train K55/K51, Traction Drive Belt, Mower Deck, Chassis, Hitch Capacity, Steering, Wheels, Tires |
| Engine | 18-23 | Engine Specifications, Engine Removal, Engine Installation |
| Electrical | 24-51 | Electrical Schematic, Diagnostics, Battery Test, Starter Solenoid Test, Seat Switch Test, Ignition Switch Test, Ground Circuit Tests |
| Gear Power Train | 52-85 | Transaxle Operation, Traction Drive System, Shift Linkage Adjustment, Transaxle Removal, Transaxle Disassembly, Brake Assembly |
| Hydrostatic Power Train | 86-145 | K55/K51 Transaxle, Traction Drive System, Brake/Neutral Return Pedal, Transport (Free-Wheel) System, Transaxle Bleed Procedure |
| Steering, Attachments, Miscellaneous, and Index | 146-191 | Steering Gear Removal, Mower Deck Removal, Mower Spindle Assembly, Fuel Tank and Dash Panel, Service Information Bulletins, Index |
Quick Reference Specifications
| Specification | Value | Page |
|---|---|---|
| Traction Drive Belt (Gear) New Belt Length | 2660±8 mm (104.7±0.3 in.) | p. 11 |
| Traction Drive Belt (Hydro—K55 Transmission) New Belt Length | 2485±8 mm (97.8±0.3 in.) | p. 11 |
| Mower Deck Drive Belt (38-Inch Deck) Actual effective length | 2425±10 mm (95.5±0.4 in.) | p. 11 |
| Mower Deck Drive Belt (46-Inch Deck) Actual effective length | 3492±10 mm (137.5±0.4 in.) | p. 11 |
| Blade Cap Screw | 46-65 N•m (34-48 lb-ft) | p. 167 |
| Spindle Assembly Nuts | 27 N•m (20 lb-ft.) | p. 167 |
| Crankcase Oil Capacity | 3 Pints | p. 9 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 4.7 L (1.25 gal) | p. 9 |
| Battery Cranking Amps | 230 amps at 0° C (32° F) | p. 9 |
| Battery Cold Cranking Amps | 190 amps at 0° C (32° F) | p. 9 |
| Headlight Bulbs | Type 1156, 12 Volt | p. 9 |
| Hydrostatic Transmission Capacity (K55) | 1.6 L (3.4 pt) | p. 10 |
John Deere Sabre 1338–1646 Common Problems This Manual Covers
Mower deck shakes hard at full throttle, cut looks ragged and stepped
Remove the blades and check for bends, cracks, and balance; sharpen or replace them as a set. Torque blade cap screws to 46-65 N•m (34-48 lb-ft) per page 167 and spindle assembly nuts to 27 N•m (20 lb-ft). Clean dried grass from the deck sheaves and inspect the deck belt for chunked ribs.
Manual Section: Steering, Attachments, Miscellaneous, and Index p. 167Starter drags and clicks on cold mornings even with a freshly charged battery
Clean and tighten both battery cable ends and the frame ground strap. Load-test the starter circuit; maximum draw is 180 amps at 225 rpm, the spec on page 46. Higher draw points to worn starter bushings or a dragging armature. Verify the battery still makes its 190 cold cranking amps at 0°C (32°F) before buying parts.
Manual Section: Electrical p. 46Frequently Asked Questions
What are the torque specifications for the blade cap screw on the mower deck?
The blade cap screw for the mower deck must be tightened to a torque specification of 46-65 N•m (34-48 lb-ft). p. 167
How do you fix sabre 1538 Gear cranks strong but will not fire, no spark at the plug?
Check battery and ground connections first, then work through the electrical troubleshooting chart on page 31. Test the ignition switch, seat switch, and fuel shutoff solenoid circuits with a meter. Confirm the battery delivers its rated 230 amps at 0°C (32°F); a weak battery will crank the engine yet starve the ignition circuit. p. 31
How do you fix gear drive tractor loses forward drive uphill, traction belt squeals and slips under load?
Remove the belt guard and measure the traction drive belt. New effective length is 2660 mm (104.725 in.) per page 54; replace it once stretch passes the 2710 mm (106 in.) maximum. Check top width too, minimum 11 mm (0.43 in.). Clean grass packed in the sheaves and verify idler tension before reinstalling. p. 54
How do you fix hydro tractor creeps forward in neutral, will not hold still with lever centered?
Check transmission oil level first; the K55 transaxle holds 1.6 L (3.4 pt), listed on page 10, and low oil causes erratic neutral behavior. Inspect the neutral return and shift linkage for bent rods or worn pivots, then adjust until the tractor sits dead still. If linkage adjusts clean and creep continues, suspect internal hydro wear. p. 10
Is this Sabre 1338 Gear manual a download or a disc?
This is a 191-page searchable PDF ready for immediate download. Works on any device, so pull it up on your phone while you're under the hood. No shipping, no waiting.
Can I print a copy of this Sabre 1338 Gear Technical Manual for the shop?
Absolutely. No DRM or copy protection. Print the whole manual or just the pages you need. Any home or office printer works.
Does this Sabre 1338 Gear manual include wiring diagrams?
An electrical diagram is included, enough to follow the main wiring on the Sabre 1338 Gear & variants. See page 28 for an example.
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