Buying Advice Have a JD 855 now, need help deciding between a JD 2025R or 1025R...

CLUCAS · Jun 10, 2013

Yes, another post asking for advice on what tractor to purchase... I currently have a John Deere 855, FEL, 60 inch MMM, and a 6 foot back blade. Tractor has 24 HP, Cat 1 3PH. Has worked like a champ since I've owned it for 9 years, mowing under 1 acre of grass, clearing snow with FEL and back blade in the winter, as well as moving logs/firewood. The 855 is needed at my parents home in PA, so I'm looking for a new JD to replace it. Only "green" allowed in the family.

It looks like the new 2013 2025R is the closest match to what I'm used to. The drawbacks I can pull from looking online (local dealers aren't much help) is that it doesn't have the auto connect MMM. The drive over feature is better than what I have now with the 855, but the PTO connection is such a pain! Can anyone currently working with a 62D? MMM provide me feedback if they have issues installing/removing their MMM deck?

Also considering the 1025R. Features that I really like are the auto connect (no more crawling under the tractor to connect the PTO) MMM feature, as well as the "smaller" footprint to be perhaps a bit more easier on the lawn when making the turns. I've read posts where the auto connect is tricky at times, and other dealer installation issues... Any feedback if you really like/dislike your auto connect decks?

With either tractor (2025R or 1025R), I'll get a FEL, 62 or 60 inch MMM, plus either a 5 foot back blade, loaded back tires, and maybe a front 54 inch blade for snow removal (is the front blade really a non needed attachment per the dealers if I have a FEL?).

One dealer is pushing the smaller 1025R, mainly I think as it is currently in stock??? Another is talking up the 2025R as it more closely matches the 855 I currently have. Both options have approx. 24 HP, but 1000 is a bit lighter.

Any advice members can provide would be appriciated!

First time post, sorry if I didn't get it in the correct area...

DT86 · Jun 10, 2013

CLUCAS said:
First time post, sorry if I didn't get it in the correct area...

First off, Welcome!

I can't help but try again in the Deere "Buying / Pricing" sub forum. The knowledge here truly is endless.

roush9799 · Jun 11, 2013

I went from an '98 855 to a '12 2520, which would be the predecessor to the 2025R. The dealer priced me out a 2320, but I wanted the 72" mower so I had him refigure for the 2520. To me, the 2520 seems just slightly larger than the 855. It seems to have a bit more power as it handles the 72" mower with ease in places where the 855 would bog with the 60" deck. I have noticed that the pto hookup on the 2520 seems to be offset more to one side. I don't have to reach under the mower near as far to hook it up. With only 1 acre to mow, I'd opt for the 62" drive over deck. I mow about about 6 acres a whack with mine. I don't have an FEL since I have a bobcat, backhoe, and a 7130 with a loader. It's normally used for mowing, tilling, and spraying. I also pull a 2 row corn planter for sweet corn, and occasionally used to pull stuff around the farm yard, so the deck normally stays on thru the mowing season.

charleyfarmall · Jun 11, 2013

I have a 2520 with FEL and 62Dmmm. The mower is not hard to take on or off. Autoconnect might be nice but putting the mower on and off takes about 3 minutes. If you go with the 2032 then DO NOT get the independent lift kit. Waste of money and actually makes it a little harder to put the mower on and off because you have to disconnect two of the loader lines and put on the mower lift lines. I usually just take off the loader...

That said, for the size of property you are working on, the 1025r would be more than adequate and the autoconnect feature would be pretty handy...

See it the dealer can bring one by so you can drive it on your property...

kennyd · Jun 11, 2013

Welcome,
Since the new 2 series is yet to be released, no one really know what the options will be. My guess is it will have the auto-connect deck and other features offered in the 1 series when it finally hits the showrooms.

XSKIER · Jun 11, 2013

I don't know why there is any hype or anticipation for the new 2000 series. It's just an emission change on the 2720, 2032R and re-stickered 2320, 2025R. The new 2000 series will be worth talking about when they incorporate the 1000 series features and start building it domestically. For your application, the 1025R would be great with a H120 53" FEL, 60D MMM, and 54" QH blade. Skip the rear blade, I gave mine away after a few frustrating uses, the front blade is much more advantageous for moving snow. But you say, what if I want to scrape dirt? A 48" box blade will produce better results.

DeereMann · Jun 11, 2013

Hi CLUCAS,

I have almost exactly what XSKIER describes, except the 1026R - I just bought last month (got a 2012 leftover before the 2013 EPA engine emissions reduction). I think it would be a perfect replacement for your 855. I also got the mulching kit so no more bagging thicker grass areas.

The autoconnect deck is great for me, it is getting to hard for me to crawl under the deck and reaching for coupler & drive spline connection. Traded my 445AWS.

Good luck!

CLUCAS · Jun 11, 2013

Thank you all for the replies... Xskier... You answered my next question about snow removal... I have been using the FEL/Back blade configuration for clearing the driveway, and the twisting/looking behind me is starting to get old... Will loaded back tires with Rimguard? be sufficient to help push the snow? I've used chains on my old JD 60, and would like to not need them for the SCUT unless needed.

DeereMann... Thanks for the feedback on the mulching conversion... My "deere" husband wants a mulcher this go round, and I've been questioning if it would be too much for a 60/62 inche 3 blade mower. You made his day!

What implement is best to smooth out 21AA driveway gravel? Use the front 54 inch quick hitch? Back rake?