Backing procedures...RIO question?

[tguil]

I am considering the purchase of my first riding mower...A John Deere X530. I will be mowing only about one acre of grass, but much of it is sloped and fairly rough. This mower may be "overkill", but I want a mower that will cause me little grief and although it is quite "pricey", I can afford it.

I have just realized that backing one of these riding mowers might be a bit "interesting". My yard is landscaped in such such a manner that when mowing I will have to go into reverse frequently to change direction and/or go around plantings, trees etc. Am I correct in assuming that I will have to use the Reverse Implement Option every time I want to back up to change direction? Will I have to raise the mower deck to go into the reverse?

 

[ovrszd]

It's a simple electrical unhook to disable the reverse situation. Most posters on this website with JD riders have disabled it. You should get some precise information from X530 owners when they chime in.

 

[jhonb]

I am a firm believer is safety options, but for the life of me, I think this devise does more harm that good. Instead of turning and looking back when you go in reverse, you are forced to lean forward and push the button which prevents you from looking back. I just don't get it. I put up with this for 5 years and last year I made a simple jumper to disable it. I still find myself pushing the button as it became habit. Some of these tractor forums get mad when you talk about disabling any safety device so I will not go into any detail. But it is very simple and if you don't have what you need you can get it at any hardware store for about two bucks Unless you want to splice, then it won't cost you a dime. I recommend the jumper so you can easily reverse this action. Search over on YouTube and you will find a video.

 

[rekees4300]

Don't know about the X530 but I have X500 that requires a lever to be held up or the mower's blade will stop. Guess it's basically the same on X530? I put a clothes pin on the lever that keeps it engaged. IMO the RIO is more of a CYA lawyer feature than a safety feature.

 

[jgayman]

My yard is the same. I mow in reverse as much as I mow going forward. When I bought my X500 that RIO option lasted about 15-mins. Returning to sanity requires a 2" piece of wire, two spade terminals, and 10-mins of your time. It does not require any modifications to the existing wiring and can be removed in 5-seconds if you ever need to have the tractor serviced by a dealer.

 

[Eric102]

A Bic ball point pen cap works on the X700s.

 

[beenthere]

On my X485 I just moved the bracket underneath so it would not be moved by the reverse pedal. Found it easy to do and didn't require finding out where to put the jumper wire (which I used on the 425, 445, and the 455). Was easy to find with the mower deck off looking up under and moving the reverse pedal to see what it makes contact with under there.

 

[k0ua]

On my X485 I just moved the bracket underneath so it would not be moved by the reverse pedal. Found it easy to do and didn't require finding out where to put the jumper wire (which I used on the 425, 445, and the 455). Was easy to find with the mower deck off looking up under and moving the reverse pedal to see what it makes contact with under there.

That is the easiest way.

 

[s219]

So has it gotten worse since my 2001-era LT series? On that vintage Deere, we just push the RIO button once after engaging reverse (or you can hold it temporarily while engaging reverse, then let up). Not too bad.

 

[rekees4300]

Will I have to raise the mower deck to go into the reverse?

On an X500 the answer is no. X530?