How to rig an X595 to mow in reverse

[Eric Barney]

My new X540 is the first RIO equipped mower for me. I have several places where I have to back up a short distance to procede, or complete the cut. At first, the RIO was very annoying. Today, I barely even noticed it while mowing, and never forgot to lift the PTO before backing.

You do get used to it.

 

[Carl Bert]

My new X540 is the first RIO equipped mower for me. I have several places where I have to back up a short distance to procede, or complete the cut. At first, the RIO was very annoying. Today, I barely even noticed it while mowing, and never forgot to lift the PTO before backing.

You do get used to it.

I believe I would get used to it, but I don't agree with the whole concept. I am all for safety first, but as I said before, how is it safer to have one hand on the PTO switch restricting you from being able to turn completely around and clearly seeing what's behind you. For all you guys that think just because John Deere uses this system, so it must be safer, please explain how and or why you think its safer.

 

[Carl Bert]

Did you find the Youtube video(s) I suggested?

Yes but not for the X595, thanks though. Fortunately one of the posters sent me an email explaining how he did it, which I believe will work. Thanks again

 

[Carl Bert]

News to everybody here, your initial question did not convey the concept. As for mowing lawn in reverse , how is it an issue? Do you mow the lawn end to end by driving forwards, then backwards and don't turn around at the ends? In these days of litigation lawyers. Is it safe to Undo a factory safety system?

Look at the title "how to rig an X595 to mow in reverse". Seems pretty clear to me, but forget that, just answer the question I asked about how this system makes it safer to mow in reverse. I would love to hear someone's opinion on that.

 

[Tommyadvanced]

Lifting the RIO lever as you press the reverse pedal is second nature to me. That said, It could also be a distraction for some. If it were disabled, most would turn their head then press the reverse pedal. With the RIO I pull the RIO lever, press the reverse pedal then quickly turn my head. It would be safer to turn my head first without having to pull the RIO lever for a second. Now when blowing snow it's a pain and not safer. The blower is in the front and you are backing up. Now that's a pain as you want to lift the blower and rotate the chute while backing up. I was always on the side of leave it you will get used to it. I have a feeling mine might wear out or break soon and I am not going to fix it! (Wink icon here if I could find it)

 

[rekees4300]

Yes but not for the X595, thanks though. Fortunately one of the posters sent me an email explaining how he did it, which I believe will work. Thanks again

Okay I'm glad you got a solution. I agree with you that the RIO concept is idiotic. It probably was invented because some kid got run over by a mower. The bureaucrats in D.C. got wind of it and in their never ending PC quest to "save the children" they passed laws requiring RIO.

 

[engine29]

C'mon everyone, quit you're complaining. it is there for a reason, to keep kids ,objects and pets from being run over. If you want argue the reasoning, I will galdly give you the number to a woman in our church who backed over her youg son w/ a mower. As they flew him out w/ the blade still embedded in is arm, I'm sure you lazy butt's would say, but that wouldn't happen at my place. I'm sure she thought the same thing. Now the child is mamed for life and a mother feeling very guilty.

My message to you is LIVE w/ IT, DON'T DISABLE. On the Deere, all it is is a momentary "pull-up" or "lift-up" of the switch and then you can let go once you're moving in reverse. You don't have to hold it. It takes no effort, doesn't keep you from turning around and after you get used to it, it is second nature.
I have an X475 that I use every weekend and go through the motion each time I back up. Not a big deal.

I used to be a Deere dealer and I got cussed out way too many times because I couldn't and wouldn't tell someone how to bypass the RIO. And honestly, I don't know how to bypass.
So just get used to it and live w/ it. Remember the small child trapped underneath the deck w/ a blade in his arm and side. It could be your child or grandchild! Sorry you have to be inconvenienced for safety's sake. Heaven forbid.

 

[Carl Bert]

C'mon everyone, quit you're complaining. it is there for a reason, to keep kids ,objects and pets from being run over. If you want argue the reasoning, I will galdly give you the number to a woman in our church who backed over her youg son w/ a mower. As they flew him out w/ the blade still embedded in is arm, I'm sure you lazy butt's would say, but that wouldn't happen at my place. I'm sure she thought the same thing. Now the child is mamed for life and a mother feeling very guilty.

My message to you is LIVE w/ IT, DON'T DISABLE. On the Deere, all it is is a momentary "pull-up" or "lift-up" of the switch and then you can let go once you're moving in reverse. You don't have to hold it. It takes no effort, doesn't keep you from turning around and after you get used to it, it is second nature.
I have an X475 that I use every weekend and go through the motion each time I back up. Not a big deal.

I used to be a Deere dealer and I got cussed out way too many times because I couldn't and wouldn't tell someone how to bypass the RIO. And honestly, I don't know how to bypass.
So just get used to it and live w/ it. Remember the small child trapped underneath the deck w/ a blade in his arm and side. It could be your child or grandchild! Sorry you have to be inconvenienced for safety's sake. Heaven forbid.

Yes it's a very sad story, but you still didn't explain how having one hand on the PTO switch would have prevented the accident. Everyone seems to conveniently sidestep that part of the question. All you can say is that "it's there for a reason". Ok WHAT'S THE REASON??? And how does it prevent accidents? Simple question and it deserves an answer. You being a John Deere dealer should have an answer. Truth is, you really can't answer it, can you, and that's because it does not make sense.

Most safety devices make sense. They are inconvenient, but we use them because they prevent accidents. This one does not, and I refuse to use it just because the all mighty John Deere put it there. It needs to make sense.

 

[etcallhome]

I mow with a x585 at my daughters FIL and yes it is a pain when I'm use to mowing with my 2305 that doesn't have the cut out in reverse.
Take a piece of rubber about 1/8-1/4"thick, flat on the bottom appx1 1/2- 2 " in length
then about 1" in height
Lift to turn the mower on then lift the extra height to get under the outer part of the switch.
Just notch the piece of rubber till it will fit under the switch and keep mower running in reverse

It saves the wear and tear on the elec pto .

 

[Carl Bert]

I mow with a x585 at my daughters FIL and yes it is a pain when I'm use to mowing with my 2305 that doesn't have the cut out in reverse.
Take a piece of rubber about 1/8-1/4"thick, flat on the bottom appx1 1/2- 2 " in length
then about 1" in height
Lift to turn the mower on then lift the extra height to get under the outer part of the switch.
Just notch the piece of rubber till it will fit under the switch and keep mower running in reverse

It saves the wear and tear on the elec pto .

That seems like a simple solution. I will definitely look into it. Thanks