John Deere 650 questions from new owner

[sy308]

Hi, I found a nice 650 owned by a retired engineer who took care of the machine like it was his child. For a 20 year old tractor, it looks much like brand new. He rebuilt and repainted the deck (JD colors of course). Hours are just shy of 600 and he completed the 600 hr service interval himself.

I have a 4' brush hog cutter that I presently use on my 855. Is this OK for the 650? How much weight should I consider to use on the front to counterbalance?

I also have a tiller, but it is a 5' and I suspect this is too large. Will I hurt the unit if I try to till my 6" of new top soil just spread? Likewise for this or a smaller tiller, how much counterweight is suggested? I am going to tie up the 855 with a backhoe for a while.

All my JD machinery so far is hydrostatic. How does one best use the clutch, brakes and gear selector for best operation and turns when cutting grass with the deck? I assume this is going to be a bit more complicated and slower than the hydro tractors.

By the way, the 650 is replacing a 735 which is moving to another property we own. I will be maintaining the 25 acres with a 430, 650 and 855.

I appreciate any help one might offer.

 

[hhw]

Hi, I had a 750 in similar conditon a couple of yars ago. I wish I didn't sell it, nice unit. Anyway, I don't think the 650 will have a problem with the the brush hog. I ran a 5' finish of my 750 and I put two 70# suitcase weights up front, worked well.

The tiller is going to be a different issue. If I remember correctly that is not live pto? So, it will be difficult to find just the right speed/depth spot. Bottom line as you already know is that the 6' tiller is kinda large for that machine.

Mowing won't really give you any problems. Once you get use to the various gear ratio/speeds you'll find the right ones for the differing requiremens of your turf.

 

[jaymo]

Hi! I also have a jd 650, bought recently! The gear transmission in fine- I use 4, 5th or 6th gear when mowing- just make sure you are STOPPED when you change gears. Mowing with a 6 foot deck is really satisfying and does a great, smooth job as well...

I plan to install JD synthetic oil, and one thing- the indicator lamps on the dash don't work- any idea how to change the bulbs?? It works flawlessly, but those little lamps not working just bugs me!

Good luck with YOUR 650!

Jaymo

 

[joecdeere]

I have the tech manual for the 650/750 in a PDF if you'd like a copy, testing those circuits and how to change the bulbs are in there too
shoot me your email if you want it

** the rubber bulb sockets pop out of the back of the panel, bulbs push down and twist out of the sockets

Joe