John Deere LT180 lawn tractor

I was gifted one of these from my best friend Lefty. Hood is smashed and right now it does not want to turn over. I am jumping it from my pickup (not running) and first try it did turn over. Left and after returning with new fuel filter and a couple smalls it will not turn over with the switch. When shorting the terminals at the solenoid it will and try to run with a short spray of starting fluid. I was running fine last time he used it last year, but hood got smashed during his fire first of the year and it sits outside.
Seeing if anyone has or knows of or has any manuals for this model. I can get one from JD for $39.00 but trying to be on the cheap until I know it has a chance of running again. I can work on it myself, just not much time/ambition to do so.

 

Here you go.

I was gifted a John Deere X300 ride on mower and brought it back to life....although it started right up when jumped. I did have to replace the battery and I also replaced the fuel line. The rear left axle seal was leaking so I took the entire tranny off the mower (not hard) and drained the fluid, replaced the seals, and also replaced the 2 flat rear tires myself. Let me know if I can help in any way.

This is actually the service repair manual.

 

Should be able to find what you want here:
Lawn Mower Forum

 

Thanks LordOfTheFlies , I think that is the same one I looked at but not a full manual. I'm sure my current problem will turn out to be simple as it did turn over when I first tried. Chris F I will look/join the site as it looks like lots of knowledge there. I know Lefty put a lot of money in the thing a couple years ago so should be in pretty good shape.

 

Try Weekend Freedom Machines it's a JD site for L&G tractor enthusiasts.

 

Try replacing the battery and cleaning all the connections.

 

Thanks again, maybe I'll put an hour or two in it this weekend as it's still out at Lefty's. Should drag it home, but at the same time doubt I that it will be first on my list of things to do.

 

It could just be old fuel. I just picked up a Honda HS928 snowblower and it started, then wouldn't stay running, then would burp, then wouldn't start......and I sat there and just took my time with a turkey baster and drained the tank. Put fresh fuel and it started right up. I'd check the spark plug too and make sure it's not fouled.

 

I'm sure there's old gas in the tank. My goal right now is to is to get it to turn over with the key. I have to assume that one of the many safety switches is engaged or a switch problem. My priorities could be misplaced.