Jims1025R
Gold Member
- Joined
- Aug 20, 2021
- Messages
- 280
- Location
- Ontario, Canada
- Tractor
- John Deere 1025R, John Deere 15 Mini ex, Polaris 700 6x6 Ranger & Airplane
Having to configure my new 1025R to operate my dump trailer, grader and log splitter, as my recently lost 650 did, I had to add a third function hydraulic valve for the back. I bought the JD kit. A few observations: It cost more than quoted, over $1000 Canadian. It did not come with instructions, you have to download and print them. It comes with two extra lines and a plate, which you do not use, but I presume have paid for! It comes with larger size quick couplers than the tractor otherwise has. This is not necessarily a problem, but did lead me to question if it was the correct kit at the JD dealer. Too costly, larger couplers and no instructions made me want to be sure before I took it. It was, I did. It was poorly packed in the box - most of the protective caps for the hydraulic lines were off, and floating around the bottom of the box, and all of the small parts, including valve, couplers, connectors, bolts, O rings and decals were thrown into one bag, and clunking around together. The decals were munched. I really think the for the cost, JD could have segregated some very small/delicate parts to separate bags. The lever was missing. The JD dealer has ordered me one, in the mean time, a long 3/8" bolt.
The installation instructions were fine for taking the tractor apart in preparation. They were correct, though subtle for the hydraulic installation. You really have to pay attention to the order of lines and fittings, or you'll have to step back. Some 90 degree couplings are different to others, so you have to get the correct which is which, or you're backtracking to change them. A tiny amount of line bending to make them fit, but that seem predictable.
Where I struggled was reassembly. The instructions state to reassemble the removed fender "in the reverse order". Yeah... no... that won't work! The valve you just bolted to the roll bar now prevents placing the fender back down the way you lifted it off. I had to removed more parts so I could more sneak the fender up from underneath. And there's a wire bundle between the black and green parts of the fender, and it only fits in there one way, or pinches between the black and green parts - which can't be good.
I had to purchase extra quick couple parts to reduce the large female fittings in the kit to the smaller male quick couplers on my accessories. Ultimately, it works well, and is a tidy installation. I had home made the third function valve installation on my 650, and it was less costly, but in this case, the "design and fabrication" time to home build the kit on the 1025 would have ultimately cost me more. It's a bit more complicated, and less accessible under there than the 650 was. With the larger quick couplers, I'm allowing my imagination to venture further - perhaps convert my post hole digger to hydraulic, and make a hydraulic brush cutter for the loader frame....
The installation instructions were fine for taking the tractor apart in preparation. They were correct, though subtle for the hydraulic installation. You really have to pay attention to the order of lines and fittings, or you'll have to step back. Some 90 degree couplings are different to others, so you have to get the correct which is which, or you're backtracking to change them. A tiny amount of line bending to make them fit, but that seem predictable.
Where I struggled was reassembly. The instructions state to reassemble the removed fender "in the reverse order". Yeah... no... that won't work! The valve you just bolted to the roll bar now prevents placing the fender back down the way you lifted it off. I had to removed more parts so I could more sneak the fender up from underneath. And there's a wire bundle between the black and green parts of the fender, and it only fits in there one way, or pinches between the black and green parts - which can't be good.
I had to purchase extra quick couple parts to reduce the large female fittings in the kit to the smaller male quick couplers on my accessories. Ultimately, it works well, and is a tidy installation. I had home made the third function valve installation on my 650, and it was less costly, but in this case, the "design and fabrication" time to home build the kit on the 1025 would have ultimately cost me more. It's a bit more complicated, and less accessible under there than the 650 was. With the larger quick couplers, I'm allowing my imagination to venture further - perhaps convert my post hole digger to hydraulic, and make a hydraulic brush cutter for the loader frame....
