How to rig an X595 to mow in reverse

[Turf Guy]

I just have to chime in here...I'm trying to figure out why some people can't reach the PTO switch, and turn there head at the same time. How are the two even related? Its like saying you can't walk and turn your neck at the same time. Reaching forward, ever so slightly, has nothing to do with your neck. Unless your arm is attached to your chin! I'm not in love with my RIO, but some people are making a huge deal out of nothing. I feel better.

 

[Carl Bert]

Carl,
I completed the mod this morning. Verdict? It works perfect.

Pull the right-side screen, set the brake (for access), and rock the PTO switch connector back & forth while pulling away from the switch. You'll see all of the spade connectors housed within - the two you need are the ones closest to the seat (the only two side by side).

I used a flat-bladed dental tool to extract the spade connectors and then soldered a jumper wire between the crimped ends of the spade connectors. Finished both off with a short piece of shrink tubing, re-inserted the spade ends and pushed the connector back in. Very clean install and does exactly what's needed.

Andreas

What model machine did you do this on?

 

[Turf Guy]

Carl,
I completed the mod this morning. Verdict? It works perfect.

Pull the right-side screen, set the brake (for access), and rock the PTO switch connector back & forth while pulling away from the switch. You'll see all of the spade connectors housed within - the two you need are the ones closest to the seat (the only two side by side).

I used a flat-bladed dental tool to extract the spade connectors and then soldered a jumper wire between the crimped ends of the spade connectors. Finished both off with a short piece of shrink tubing, re-inserted the spade ends and pushed the connector back in. Very clean install and does exactly what's needed.

Andreas

Some advice to y'all who are modifying your JD to bypass RIO. It's a free country, so you can live as dangerously as you want to. That's what America is all about. But if/when you sell your mower, you should bring it back to original, lest you find yourself named in a lawsuit when someone gets injured. Just sayin'

 

[Carl Bert]

I just have to chime in here...I'm trying to figure out why some people can't reach the PTO switch, and turn there head at the same time. How are the two even related? Its like saying you can't walk and turn your neck at the same time. Reaching forward, ever so slightly, has nothing to do with your neck. Unless your arm is attached to your chin! I'm not in love with my RIO, but some people are making a huge deal out of nothing. I feel better.

As I said before, I am a tall man and I need to lean forward to reach the switch. How do you do that and turn your head and upper body completely around? Now I'm not saying I can't look partly behind me, but this switch is supposed to be making it safer to mow in reverse. How is me only being able to see part of the area behind me safer. Even if it only restricts you very little, that would mean that it is making it a little less safe, correct? So where is the logic?

I knew there were going to be people that would say "well I use it because it's there and I don't see any other choice". What I can't understand are the people that have used the system and still think by using it, it's actually making it safer for the people and pets around them. This just baffles me. One person said "it reminds you to turn around". OMG if the act of backing up isn't enough to remind you to turn around I don't know what to tell you. Do you need someone to knock you in the head to remind you when you put your car in reverse?

Not one person on this thread has yet to come up with a sensible explanation as to how this system makes it safer. Truth is I just need to know how I can bypass it.

 

[Carl Bert]

Some advice to y'all who are modifying your JD to bypass RIO. It's a free country, so you can live as dangerously as you want to. That's what America is all about. But if/when you sell your mower, you should bring it back to original, lest you find yourself named in a lawsuit when someone gets injured. Just sayin'

I agree and will do so with my GX345, if and when it sells. As far as WHO is living dangerously, well I said enough on that subject.

 

[Turf Guy]

What is interesting here, the general opinion is that the Deere RIO system is terrible, because it doesn't make mowing safer. RIO stands for "reverse implement option", which I believe means that it makes running an implement, aka mower, in reverse optional. You can say its only about safety, but I say it's about being better than the competition. Most competitive mowers won't even allow you to mow in reverse. You back up...you restart your mower (or restart your tractor).

 

[Carl Bert]

What is interesting here, the general opinion is that the Deere RIO system is terrible, because it doesn't make mowing safer. RIO stands for "reverse implement option", which I believe means that it makes running an implement, aka mower, in reverse optional. You can say its only about safety, but I say it's about being better than the competition. Most competitive mowers won't even allow you to mow in reverse. You back up...you restart your mower (or restart your tractor).

Actually my problem i have with the system is that it makes so much less safe, or more dangerous.

JD mowers always mowed in reverse, at least the ones I had did. So if the switch wasn't added as a safety measure, then why was it added?

 

[aczlan]

What is interesting here, the general opinion is that the Deere RIO system is terrible, because it doesn't make mowing safer. RIO stands for "reverse implement option", which I believe means that it makes running an implement, aka mower, in reverse optional. You can say its only about safety, but I say it's about being better than the competition. Most competitive mowers won't even allow you to mow in reverse. You back up...you restart your mower (or restart your tractor).

Cub Cadet (and any MTD mower) will, their system only makes you hit their version of the RIO switch once per startup... Much more civilized than Deere ;D
Edit, see: http://www.mtdproducts.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/safety_10500_20500_-1_mowsafe for details

Aaron Z

 

[Carl Bert]

Ok just to let everyone know, thanks to one of the posters, I finally got it done. I am now able to mow in reverse without pulling the PTO switch, and the backup lights still work as they are supposed to. What a pleasure. And to all those who disagree with this mod. I can now, before mowing in reverse, turn completely around and actually see whats behind me. I hope one day you guys realize how wrong this system is. If and when you do, the people and pets around you will be much safer. Thanks everyone.

 

[ccsial]

Glad to hear you got it done Carl.