Official Genuine Technical Manual for John Deere 240, 245, 260, 265, 285, 320 Lawn and Garden Tractors

John Deere 240 / 245 / 260 / 265 / 285 / 320 Technical Manual — TM1426 (01SEP96)

This technical manual is a system-indexed reference set for John Deere lawn & garden tractors in the 240–320 family, built for fast scope matching across engine families and power-train types. If your machine is one of the listed models, the manual separates coverage by drivetrain group (gear vs. hydrostatic) and by engine platform, keeping specifications and component mapping consistent across the range.

Covered machines and configuration split

• Tractor models: 240, 245, 260, 265, 285, 320
• Power train grouping: Gear power train (240/260) vs. Hydrostatic power train (245/265/285/320)
• Engine coverage is split by engine family: FC420V, FC540V, FD590V (model-dependent)
• Dedicated electrical system section is part of the main structure

Inside-the-manual structure signals

The document is organized so each system is kept together, with a repeating internal layout built around:

• Specifications + machine specification tables
• Component location references + system schematics
• Theory-of-operation style reference blocks
• Diagnostic reference pages and test-spec tables (system dependent)
• Indexed section symbols with consecutive page numbering

Data density markers (from the spec tables)

• Engine displacement is listed by model group (e.g., 423 cm³ / 535 cm³ / 585 cm³ depending on engine family)
• Idle-speed specifications are provided by model set (fast/slow idle values per engine family)
• Electrical output and resistance ranges are provided by model grouping (regulated/unregulated output, stator resistance, starter draw specs)
• Fuel system values include tank capacity and filter type by group
• Chassis dimensions, tire specs, and brake type changes are specified (including serial-number breakpoints)

Technical reference table

Identification cues worth matching

• Manual designation: TM1426 (01SEP96), replacing the earlier TM1426 (01SEP92)
• Coverage is explicitly grouped by tractor model + power-train type, so matching your tractor model number is the primary fit signal
• Serial-number location references are included for product ID and key drivetrain/hydraulic components (where applicable)

Spec sections you’ll likely use most

• General specifications (machine specs + fastener torque value tables)
• Electrical system reference (output ranges, resistances, amp-draw limits by model group)
• Power-train specification pages (hydrostatic vs. gear grouping)
• Chassis dimension tables (wheelbase, overall widths, turning radius, tire sizing/pressures)