How to rig an X595 to mow in reverse

[jenkinsph]

Guys its really an easy, permanent fix. Just a jumper wire on the plug behind the PTO switch. No pen caps or clothes pins needed. One of the posters posted a you tube video showing how to do it.

Carl I think most of us are aware of this, my L130 used only at home (and is out of warranty) has a jumper wire. I use the pen cap because this mower see commercial use as well as private use (and is still in warranty) so I find it better to use the easily removeable pen cap. When I am not mowing the pen cap is in the glove box, nothing is altered on the machine.

 

[aczlan]

I'm still trying to figure out how holding a switch in the up position until you push the pedal for reverse and letting go is such a problem for people to post on for a week. That's nuts, I'm sure I sound like a real jerk, and I'm not saying Carl Bert is a bad father or nothing, I was just using that as an example. Their are jut things in life we all have to live with, this simple switch is one of them.

And if you have to backup, then go forward several times in quick succession (such as in a multi-point turn around a tree)? Now you have to use some of your attention to ensure that the RIO lever is held up rather than paying your full attention to the task at hand, mowing around the tree. This will also affect how far you can turn around to look behind you (in the case of my mother in law with fused discs, it will preclude her turning around).
The law does NOT require that the lever be lifted each time you back up as the MTD/Cub Cadet system does not require it.

Aaron Z

 

[Carl Bert]

Carl I think most of us are aware of this, my L130 used only at home (and is out of warranty) has a jumper wire. I use the pen cap because this mower see commercial use as well as private use (and is still in warranty) so I find it better to use the easily removeable pen cap. When I am not mowing the pen cap is in the glove box, nothing is altered on the machine.

Ok, got it. By the way, looks like you have a beautiful piece of property. Can't wait to move to something larger myself, just waiting for this market to turn around, but that may be awhile.

 

[jenkinsph]

Ok, got it. By the way, looks like you have a beautiful piece of property. Can't wait to move to something larger myself, just waiting for this market to turn around, but that may be awhile.

Thanks for the compliment Carl.

 

[KennedyDiesel]

I can see why a reverse lock out is necessary and I can see why a seat switch is necessary with some operators in this day and age, but personally I prefer to have my stuff run when I want it running and stop when I want it stopped. I do not have seat switch function on my tractors and nothing new enough to have reverse lockuout. We had a demo unit here that had full safety crap on it and racked up over 50 hrs on it doing probably 2 hrs of mowing because of this junk. Two times it was driven to our wash out area and during the course of washing it shut down due to seat switch violations. Once I did it and once she did it. Both times it was left to dry and sit in silence with the key on until the battery drained. We've washed the deck how many times in 16 years of running my 455? When done we often back away from the wet area by starting, releasing the brake and 3 pointing with an hand on the seat back and butt off the wet seat. In my case I hopped off to shut down the hydrant/hose quickly as I was using the wash out port on the deck.

On the flip side the pen cap thing is neat and simple, but it bothers me. When blocked up the PTO stop function is inhibited. I'm assuming the brake pedal or seat switch wil still kill the PTO, but I'd like to be able to swat the button to kill it when crossing a driveway etc. Deere had a goood thing with controls layout using color coded knobes etc. I think this new PTO control is poor in comparison.

 

[TractrNoob]

I realize I'm late to the party on this, but I had to chime in. IMHO, the RIO is a poorly designed, poorly executed, knee-jerk reaction to a past tragedy (likely a dead or maimed child). Anything that causes the driver to look FORWARD as he shifts into reverse is dangerous. I can't fathom how anyone could argue that. For those who say using the RIO switch becomes second nature, and that they do it without having to think about it, that tells me that it has then become useless as a "safety" feature. So now we have a "safety" feature that at worst, is dangerous (having to look forward when mowing backward) or at best, useless (doing it without having to think about it). To the OP, I'm sure you have your solution by now, but if not, please PM me. The splice is really a simple, easily reversible solution.

 

[Carl Bert]

Very well said. But just wait, I'm sure someone will come back with "but it makes you think before backing up". These people just use it because JD put it there, so "it must be safer". I truly believe some people have stopped thinking for themselves and just do it because the book says to.

Thanks for the offer to help, but its all done. You're right, it was easy, just a matter of locating the correct 2 wires.

 

[aczlan]

Very well said. But just wait, I'm sure someone will come back with "but it makes you think before backing up". These people just use it because JD put it there, so "it must be safer". I truly believe some people have stopped thinking for themselves and just do it because the book says to.

Exactly, Cub Cadet/MTD have a system where you only have to push the button once per start and it is apparently legal, I wonder what possessed the folks at Deere to come up with their lame brained system?

Aaron Z

 

[Dutch445]

I actually referred to the switch as a "lawyer" switch doing a delivery this week,
then I asked the customer to take no offense as he is an attorney!
But I'm sure he got the point, doesn't really do anything for
safety, but forces the operator to acknowledge he's backing
up with the blades engaged.

 

[gshep41]

How can i make my jd 345 mow while backing up?