JD auto-connect mowing decks

[Bob in Ohio]

Hi, this is Bob in Ohio. Been happy with my JD755 for the past 11 years (it was 10 years old when I got it). I'm a full time loafer. I mow 5 acres and keep a 600 foot driveway open in the winter. The 755 is getting a little long in the tooth, so I was looking hard at a JD2320 until I found out that the auto-connect belly mower is not available. What a bummer. Anyone know if it will be a future option?

 

[Muhammad]

Welcome to TBN.

 

[JDgreen227]

Hi, this is Bob in Ohio. Been happy with my JD755 for the past 11 years (it was 10 years old when I got it). I'm a full time loafer. I mow 5 acres and keep a 600 foot driveway open in the winter. The 755 is getting a little long in the tooth, so I was looking hard at a JD2320 until I found out that the auto-connect belly mower is not available. What a bummer. Anyone know if it will be a future option?

Welcome to TBN, Bob...I was at the JD dealership getting oil filters for my 900-hour 4210, and the salesguy listened to my gripes about the huge PIB the 7-Iron MMM for my JD can be to install, and he suggested I get a new one with the auto-connect MMM....I REALLY like the concept, but I was looking at the 3720. Suggest you connect to the John Deere forums here....and once again, welcome.

 

[OTFD122]

Having just bought a 1023E with the 60D AutoConnect deck... I don't know that it is worth all the hype. It is wicked cool - BUT you need to be PERFECTLY lined up and be on the right type of ground in order for it to work properly. Maybe I haven't had enought practice... Only hooked/unhooked it half a dozen times or so and it takes me a good 10 minutes to get it right

 

[Bob in Ohio]

Interesting. Maybe auto-connect is not as cool as I thought. A drive-over deck is a big improvement over my deck which requires jacking up the front end of the tractor. But I was really intrigued by the auto-connect feature. I would be willing to wait a while if I thought JD was going to introduce a 2000 series model that was compatible with the auto-connect deck.

 

[lwalsh]

I would be very suprised if the next revision of the 2000 series doesn't have the auto connect. But when? That said, The drive over is really easy.

 

[JDgreen227]

Interesting. Maybe auto-connect is not as cool as I thought. A drive-over deck is a big improvement over my deck which requires jacking up the front end of the tractor. But I was really intrigued by the auto-connect feature. I would be willing to wait a while if I thought JD was going to introduce a 2000 series model that was compatible with the auto-connect deck.

Cannot understand why you would have to jack up the front of your tractor to install the deck.

My 60-inch 7-Iron is a huge PIB to install, to get the rear lift links and the PTO shaft installed, you have to back the rear wheels up on blocks about 4-5 inches, then remove the drawbar, and slide under the tractor on your back, between the rear wheels, and hope you have the deck gage wheels blocked up at the exact height you need to install the rear lift link clevis pins. There is VERY little working room underneath.

Then, the front draft arm pivot assembly was designed to fit a tractor without a grille guard. Mine has the guard, so the pivot assembly does not fit into place and rotate as the manual says it will. The handle hits the grill guard mount when both installing and removing the assembly...

The only easy part of installing the MMM is the two draft arms. Everything else is just a headache. Very, very poor design.

 

[tmshort]

I am new to the 2520; have disconnected the 62D twice now.

I can disconnect and reconnect it in <5 minutes, easy. There is nothing to it. Connecting the PTO is a little reach, but no problem.

my .02

 

[bradrich18]

I got a 1026r a little over a month ago with the 60d autoconnect. When it was delivered, my dealer did a great job explaining and demonstrating how to remove and re-attach the deck. I am no tractor expert, but my deck can be removed, re-attached and cutting grass in less than two minutes.

 

[Bob in Ohio]

Thanks for all the posts! I went to UTube and watched videos showing how to attach and detach the 62D deck on the JD2320. Wow, it took only about 2 minutes each way. I think the drive-over deck is a big plus and goes a long ways to making the attachment process painless. I'm ready to resume looking at the 2000 series tractors.

Now I am trying to figure out whether to go for a 2720 over a 2320. I like the larger tires and the added horsepower, but don't like the added cost. Guess you get what you pay for.

 

[glc24]

Now I am trying to figure out whether to go for a 2720 over a 2320. I like the larger tires and the added horsepower, but don't like the added cost.

Well,there is that one model in between those two. The 2520.:thumbsup:
Not that I'm partial to that one or anything.
Greg

 

[JDgreen227]

Thanks for all the posts! I went to UTube and watched videos showing how to attach and detach the 62D deck on the JD2320. Wow, it took only about 2 minutes each way. I think the drive-over deck is a big plus and goes a long ways to making the attachment process painless. I'm ready to resume looking at the 2000 series tractors.

Now I am trying to figure out whether to go for a 2720 over a 2320. I like the larger tires and the added horsepower, but don't like the added cost. Guess you get what you pay for.

I have a favorite quote about horsepower:

"Better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it....."

 

[seriousfreedom]

that must be one heavy duty deck to withstand the stresses of running over it to attach it

 

[glc24]

that must be one heavy duty deck to withstand the stresses of running over it to attach it

For sure. They are very well built!:thumbsup:

Greg

 

[damiang]

True... I was one of the fortunate ones that got a 2520 with the $2500 rebate... also got the 200CX FEL, 62d and 54" snow blower... I am happy as a clam. All for $20,300.... The 2520 has the beefier drive train and other parts as well. Well worth the money... I was also told JD is going much cheaper and using parts that they use in the models they sell to HD and Lowes. Buyer beware..

 

[Jrs1959]

Having just bought a 1023E with the 60D AutoConnect deck... I don't know that it is worth all the hype. It is wicked cool - BUT you need to be PERFECTLY lined up and be on the right type of ground in order for it to work properly. Maybe I haven't had enought practice... Only hooked/unhooked it half a dozen times or so and it takes me a good 10 minutes to get it right

Hi Guys
Thought I'd chime in on the auto-connect 60D. I have it on my 1026R and with a small modification to the locking bar and spring mechanism, it takes about 30 seconds to connect and go! Driving over the deck is the longest portion of the exercise.
I noticed several members commented on the spring for the lock mechanism not being strong enough to actuate. Initially mine was too until I took the locking rod assembly off and noticed the dimensions are not quite right. With a couple well spaced washers to "unload" the compression being induced, it works perfect!
I also have experimented with tolerance for line up during hookup and found you can be considerably off and it will still go on fine. At least 3/4" either side as the chine on the lock slides will position for you. Having the PTO selected to rear also seems to help!
Cheers

 

[Gregs JD1023]

I recently purchased a JD1023E with auto-connect 54" deck. I had my doubts about getting the auto-connect version. The dealer had not sold one for any of his JD models. However, he said if I went with it and didn't like it he would exchange it for the standard deck. How could I lose on that offer. So far I'm thrilled with it. I timed it and it took 35 seconds to connect. I haven't had any alignment issues with it yet. I did several removals and installs to show off to my friends. At first I had a problem with the rear latches not setting but that was solved with a little grease. I think I'm really going to like this feature so I can easily remove the deck and clean it regularly. Something I couldn't do with my previous tractor (at least not easily).

 

[Haubstadt]

Purchased a 1026R with auto connect 60D mower Deck. It easily connects and disconnets. When I engage the blades there is a definate rattle, then goes away as I increase speed. Dealer says this is typical. Has anypne experienced the same thing?

 

[Jrs1959]

Purchased a 1026R with auto connect 60D mower Deck. It easily connects and disconnets. When I engage the blades there is a definate rattle, then goes away as I increase speed. Dealer says this is typical. Has anypne experienced the same thing?

I noticed the same and put it down to resonance frequency and have also heard similar with other attachments. Its not uncommon with anything that produces frequencies and usually dissipates with RPM changes....IMHO!

 

[bradrich18]

I have the same tractor and deck. I noticed mine was rattling when I first started mowing. I looked at my pto selector and it was on mid/rear. I put it on mid only and a lot of the rattling went away. I think I was too excited to start mowing when I got it and I overlooked this.