How is this a safety device??

[swines]

The "safety" system I have found to be the most dangerous is having to put a HST tractor in neutral to start it. I have only encountered this stupid safety on Deere tractors.

I have a John Deere 3320 (also true for the 3520, and 3720) with a hydrostatic transmission. It does not have to be in neutral to start. So your statement is not accurate for all HST John Deere tractors.

 

[swines]

Well, some things just can't be fixed.

You mean stupidity, or lack of personal responsibility - or both?

 

[joefromga]

Imagine if a push lawnmower shut down when reversing.

 

[4570Man]

I have a John Deere 3320 (also true for the 3520, and 3720) with a hydrostatic transmission. It does not have to be in neutral to start. So your statement is not accurate for all HST John Deere tractors.

I didn't say every Deere tractor had it, but every modern Deere tractor I have used had it. If they were my tractor's I would disable it.

 

[RandyT]

The "safety" system I have found to be the most dangerous is having to put a HST tractor in neutral to start it. I have only encountered this stupid safety on Deere tractors. I can park my HST tractor on a hill and fail to set the parking brake and it's not going anywhere at least not very fast. Guess what happens when you put it in neutral. You didn't have to depress the brake. Just put it in neutral and shut off the PTO.

The one that I heard involved a gear drive NH tractor that a guy was going to mow down a hill and had to stand up to see where he was going, and the tractor had a safety switch that shifted the tractor to neutral if you got off of the seat.

 

[jgayman]

I have a John Deere 3320 (also true for the 3520, and 3720) with a hydrostatic transmission. It does not have to be in neutral to start. So your statement is not accurate for all HST John Deere tractors.

It seems that only the 3-series with Auto HST need to be in neutral to start. Below is a section from the 3320 manual:

Starting the Engine
1. Lock the park brake.

2. Push all PTO engagement knobs to the disengaged/off position.

3. Move transmission to neutral position:

PowrReverser: Depress clutch pedal completely and move the transmission gear lever and reverser lever to the N (neutral) position.

eHydro: Remove foot from forward and reverse travel pedals.

Auto HST: Move transmission control levers into neutral position.

 

[jgayman]

Imagine if a push lawnmower shut down when reversing.

It probably would if it was a self-propelled model with reverse.

 

[Missouri Lad]

My 1999 JD 345 had...I say "Had" that where you had to "Pull Up" each time on the PTO lever to mow in reverse. I did that until I had to buy another PTO lever, than I went against the stupid law and change the RIO connector. Now after 16 years, I no longer have to pull-up or shut down the PTO to mow in reverse. I'm good at breaking those John Deere safety demands. Anyone want to know how.....just PM me.

 

[beenthere]

MO lad
I figure those that can't figure out how to disable the RIO, probably shouldn't..

 

[ccsial]

My last two JD's had RIO. The first thing I did was disable the seat and RIO features. But when I traded, I put them back to working.