mowing in reverse

[jim brady]

Does anyone no how to disconect the switch that disingages the mower deck when in reverse on a 540

 

[rekees4300]

Copied from JD website:

John Deere products for homeowners: Features for X540 Multi-Terrain Tractor with 54-inch Deck

"Reverse implement option (RIO) allows mowing while backing up if deemed necessary.

Mowing while backing up is strongly discouraged.

An operator who deems it necessary and chooses to keep the mower engaged while backing up, must bring the vehicle to a stop, then lift and hold the power take-off (PTO) switch in the reverse implement position as the reverse pedal is depressed slightly. The operator can then release the PTO switch and the mower will continue to operate.

This procedure must be repeated the next time the operator chooses to keep the mower (or other PTO-operated equipment) engaged while backing up."

 

[Transit]

I can see a problem with the discharge clippings, where do they all go? I can understand DJ not wanting to go there.

 

[SixHoeBob]

I can see a problem with the discharge clippings, where do they all go? I can understand DJ not wanting to go there.

The clipping still come out the discharge chute, but they are more likely to end up in clumps.

Mowers are designed to mow efficiently when traveling forward. That does not mean the blades won't cut while the machine is traveling backwards.

 

[Markcuda]

hard to hold up on the switch to mow in reverse and also be looking back.

You don't have to hold it "up" for the entire time your are backing up.
You do know that, right?

 

[beenthere]

Mark
I think that is right. I've not left it functional long enough to bother learning that technique. My bad!

 

[Markcuda]

For me, I just pull up on the leaver/switch at the same time I hit the reverse peddle, and let go, as long as you are still backing up, the mower blades are still spinning, but just stop for a spit second, and try to continue, then they will stop.

 

[beenthere]

Sorry Mark.
The main reason I like the HST forward/reverse pedals is having hands free from controls. "having" to pull the switch up each time stepping on rev. pedal is not going to be my idea of enjoyable operation. Then if not done just right, the engine kills, have to push the switch in to off, put the brake on, and restart the engine. Then pull out the mower switch to engage. No no no


I remember the old days of clutch, change gears to reverse, clutch, change gears to forward, etc. etc. And the intermediate days of a hand lever for forward/reverse hydro. I'm spoiled now and the RIO isn't going to happen for me.

 

[Markcuda]

Then if not done just right, the engine kills,

What mower do you have that when backing in reverse, that the engine dies?

 

[beenthere]

None of mine do

 

[MESSMAKER]

I large clothes pin secured to the bottom of the knob(holding it in the out position) worked for me.

 

[Markcuda]

I'll have to try that.
Is there a another way of doing it?

 

[Kpierce91]

Slip the key chain or attached John Deere tag under the pto lever

 

[Kmga1]

Use the large end of golf tee to wedge under switch, I store mine in the top of tilt steering shroud, always ready, and cheap.:thumbsup:

 

[captplaid]

Digger deeper the posting on how to bypass this bogus switch is on this forum.

All right , here it is

Inside the frame by the reverse pedal is the switch.

It is bolted to the frame with one bolt.

Likely have to remove the deck to get to it. They can be a bugger to reach.

Loosen the bolt.
Rotate the switch so it will not be depressed when backing up and tighten the bolt down.
Problem solved.

 

[boggen]

as you can tell many folks to by pass the switch somehow, either permanently . or temporarily with something.

there are been enough fatalities and accidents that most likely have caused manufactors to set this feature on riding lawn mowers.

i can be a down right "mean" once i am on a tractor and keep folks away from me and animals (dogs / cats locked up in house). to many things can happen quickly, and unexpectedly, and accidentally. i am sure i have experenced most things. thankfully no one got injured or got killed. but rocks flying, weeds / strings / ropes getting tangled up in very bad spots. to many other things. that could be deadly if someone was around me when some happened.

to note it though. if i did have a tractor that stopped the deck while going in reverse. it most likely also would be disabled. to many spots were backing up and going forward cuts time down on the seat by a good amount. just saying keep things safe and be careful.

 

[aczlan]

Too many people lose hands and feet around mowers not to mention the ones that get struck by flying objects. Safety has to be the first consideration always.

Safety first. Equipment can be replaced with a little $$$. People, not so much.

Still I think it's MORE dangerous to have that switch you have to pull before you can start backing up. I can't turn my head around and watch behind me while pulling that switch. I have a neck injury which makes it impossible for me but I think almost everyone would have a problem watching behind them while pulling that switch. Yet there it is ready for you to try.

This is (IMO) one of the few places where Cub Cadet beats Deere. You turn the key to the yellow position and push a button. Then you can mow in reverse until you shut the mower off.

I love the switch on the seat that shuts everything off but the truth is if a mower rolls over those blades will still be spinning fast if you happen to roll right under the mower in a hurry. It's a good idea but it doesn't stop the blades fast enough. You may not get hurt as bad but you can still get hurt.

The switch on the Cub Cadet LT1050 was fast enough that it shut the blades off and stopped them before the machine made it all of the way upside down the time I hit a wet patch while mowing around steep bank by the pond and slid over a bank.


Aaron Z

 

[Scooby074]

Slip the key chain or attached John Deere tag under the pto lever

+1 :thumbsup: