John Deere 6135E Problems, Fixes, Specs and More

The John Deere 6135E is part of Deere’s 6E Series of utility tractors—a robust, high-horsepower option designed for heavy-duty tasks across agricultural, construction, and forestry industries. With a 135-horsepower engine and durable frame, the 6135E stands tall among workhorse tractors. However, it’s not without its share of issues. This detailed guide explores common John Deere 6135E problems, troubleshooting steps, reliable fixes, specifications, FAQs, and maintenance tips to help owners keep this tractor in peak condition.

Common John Deere 6135E Problems and Fixes

1. DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) System Issues

Symptoms:

• DEF warning lights
• Limp mode activation
• Engine derating
• Trouble starting in cold weather

Causes:

• Crystallized or contaminated DEF
• Malfunctioning DEF injector
• Failed NOx sensor or DEF pump

Fixes:

• Drain and replace DEF with fresh ISO 22241-compliant fluid
• Clean or replace DEF injector
• Replace faulty sensors or pump after diagnostics
• Install cold-weather DEF heater kits in freezing climates

2. Transmission Slipping or Harsh Shifting

Symptoms:

• Tractor jerks when changing gears
• Slips under load
• Transmission won’t stay in gear

Causes:

• Low or contaminated transmission fluid
• Faulty shift solenoids or linkage
• Worn clutch packs (PowrReverser models)

Fixes:

• Drain and refill with JD Hy-Gard or equivalent fluid
• Clean and calibrate shift solenoids
• Inspect and replace worn clutch packs as needed
• Recalibrate the transmission control module (TCM)

3. Hydraulic System Malfunctions

Symptoms:

• Slow or non-functional loader/lift
• Jerky hydraulic movements
• Hydraulic oil overheating

Causes:

• Low or old hydraulic oil
• Clogged filters or screens
• Internal leak in cylinders or valve body

Fixes:

• Check and top off hydraulic fluid
• Replace filters and clean suction screen
• Pressure test hydraulic circuits and rebuild leaky cylinders or valves

4. Engine Power Loss

Symptoms:

• Low RPM under load
• Black or white smoke from exhaust
• Rough idle or stalling

Causes:

• Dirty fuel filters or air intake
• Turbocharger failure
• Clogged EGR valve or faulty injectors

Fixes:

• Replace both primary and secondary fuel filters
• Clean or replace air filters
• Rebuild or replace turbo if shaft play is evident
• Perform injector and EGR cleaning or replacement

5. Electrical Gremlins

Symptoms:

• Random warning lights
• Faulty gauges
• Tractor won’t start or intermittently dies

Causes:

• Corroded wiring connections or fuses
• Grounding issues
• Failing alternator or battery

Fixes:

• Clean and secure all grounds and connectors
• Replace damaged wires or blown fuses
• Test and replace alternator or battery
• Use dielectric grease on terminals to prevent future corrosion

6. 3-Point Hitch Problems

Symptoms:

• Hitch won’t raise/lower
• Stuck in one position
• Hitch jerks under load

Causes:

• Position control linkage misalignment
• Faulty hydraulic SCV or hitch control valve
• Air in hydraulic lines

Fixes:

• Adjust position control linkage at cab
• Inspect SCV and replace O-rings or valve spools
• Bleed air from hydraulic system

John Deere 6135E Technical Specifications

Maintenance Tips for John Deere 6135E

• Engine Oil & Filter: Change every 250 hours; use JD Plus-50 II or equivalent
• Hydraulic Fluid: Inspect regularly, change every 1,200 hours
• Air Filter: Clean primary filter frequently; replace secondary filter annually
• Fuel Filters: Replace every 500 hours or sooner if using bio-diesel blends
• Coolant System: Flush every 2,000 hours; check level monthly
• DEF System: Always use clean DEF and store containers properly
• Battery: Clean terminals and test voltage before winter or heavy use

John Deere 6135E Pros and Cons

✅ Pros

• Excellent horsepower-to-weight ratio
• Comfortable cab with intuitive controls
• Great for hay, loader, tillage, and row crop tasks
• Strong resale value
• Reliable PowrReverser transmission (when maintained)

❌ Cons

• DEF/DPF system can cause downtime
• Electronic issues common in wet/humid environments
• Fuel system sensitive to poor-quality diesel
• Cost of parts and service is high for some users

User Feedback and Real-World Experiences

Many 6135E users praise its torque and reliability in field applications. The cab design and user interface also earn positive marks. However, some common complaints include:

• Expensive diagnostics: Many repairs require dealership-level software and tools
• DEF downtime: Especially in winter, where DEF freezes or injectors fail
• Clutch calibration quirks: Owners of PowrReverser models occasionally report issues with responsiveness when shifting directions

FAQs: John Deere 6135E Problems and Ownership

Q1: What transmission fluid does the 6135E use?

Use John Deere Hy-Gard or a compatible J20C/J20D fluid for the transmission and hydraulic systems.

Q2: How do I clear a DEF system fault?

Check DEF level, use a diagnostic scanner to clear codes, and reset limp mode only after fixing the root cause (injector, sensor, fluid quality, etc.).

Q3: Is the 6135E good for loader work?

Yes. It’s compatible with loaders like the H360 or 620R. The PowrReverser makes direction changes smooth, ideal for repetitive loader tasks.

Q4: Can the 6135E run 1000 RPM PTO implements?

Yes, the 6135E features a dual-speed 540/1000 PTO, allowing it to operate a wide variety of equipment.

Q5: What are signs that the DPF needs cleaning or regen?

Look for:

• Warning lights on the dash
• Reduced power output
• Increased fuel consumption
  Follow regen instructions in the operator’s manual or use diagnostic software to trigger a forced regen.

Q6: What’s the difference between the 6135E and 6140M?

The 6140M offers more advanced technology (auto guidance-ready, IVT transmission options), better hydraulic flow, and higher overall lift capacity—making it better for larger operations.

Helpful Ownership Tips

• Invest in Diagnostic Tools: Tools like John Deere Service Advisor or aftermarket CAN bus scanners can save thousands in dealer visits.
• Pre-Winter Prep: Use anti-gel diesel additives and test battery voltage; clean the DEF system to avoid freeze-related issues.
• Inspect Wiring Regularly: Moisture can cause connector corrosion, especially in exposed cab-less units.
• Check ECU Updates: Occasionally, firmware/software updates resolve known issues; check with your dealer.

Conclusion

The John Deere 6135E is a versatile and capable machine, ideal for medium to heavy farm workloads. While it’s well-engineered, it’s not immune to modern Tier 4 engine emission-related headaches, electronic gremlins, and transmission quirks. Staying proactive with maintenance, using high-quality fluids and filters, and having a basic diagnostic capability will go a long way in maximizing uptime and performance.

Whether you’re baling hay, running a loader, or preparing seedbeds, the 6135E can be a reliable partner—if cared for correctly.

David Holtzman

I’m David man behind Lawn Mowerly; I’ve been dealing with lawnmowers and Tractors with my father since I was a kid. I know every make and model and what each one is capable of and love helping people find the perfect equipment for their needs.