John Deere Auto Connect 72" MMM

[jsboening]

Got my New MMM on Friday. Thought I'd share some pictures. Dealer also fixed the tranny. It would occasionally pop out of reverse in B range. They also found a small leak in the front axle seal and fixed that as well. After installing the mower deck they noticed the deck was dropping too fast so they added an orifice to the hydraulic line to slow down it descent. They also found a slow leak in the front tire and tubed it. It's running like a top now. Thanks Jim and Jason. It's great to do business with people who care about the work they put out.

 

[kennyd]

Very Cool

First I have seen or heard of this "auto-connect"

Can you elaborate on how it goes onto the tractor?

 

[FastPauly]

AutoConnect Mid-Mount Mower Decks for 60D and 72D : AutoConnect

 

[kennyd]

AutoConnect Mid-Mount Mower Decks for 60D and 72D : AutoConnect

Thanks...

Holy crap-I totally missed this one! Even the PTO hooks itself up!

 

[ORCM]

So how do you like the Autoconnect? Does it work as advertised? You have to still get off the tractor to do some functions, right?

 

[jsboening]

So far I really like it. It seems to work as advertised with no hang ups. Cuts very nice and works great for blowing the leaves off the lawn.

To connect

1. remove the height lock pin if it's in the storage position and lower lift system.

2. Make sure hair pins on the lift system latches are in storage position.

3. make sure the front link on the mower deck is folded forward from it's storage position and gage wheels are in the unlocked position so the deck is flat on the ground.

4. Put tractor in A range four wheel drive.

5. drive tractor over the mower deck until the mower deck begins to be moved forward. At this point the pto is engaged and the front mount and rear latches are connected. lift mower.

6. Install safety hair pins in rear latches and install pin in height adjustment link. Flip latches on the four gage wheels to allow them to drop down.

7. Go mow.

To remove

1. Park on level ground.

2. Remove height adjustment pin and the latches on the four gage wheels.

3. Lower the deck to the ground.

4. Remove safety hair pins on the rear latches and flip them forward to release.

5. With tractor in A range four wheel drive back over the mower deck.

6. Raise the lift system and place height adjustment pin in the storage position.

It may seem like a lot, but I can probably connect/remove the deck in about two minutes. I went slow the first few times getting out to check alignment of everything so I wouldn't tweak it. One time while connecting I forgot to lower the lift system so the front engaged but the back didn't. No problem I just backed back off and lowered it. Drove forward and everything connected. So far it's a pretty slick system.

 

[cef2lion]

I had been waiting to get a report on the new 72D deck. Nice. Had an interest in the new HOC (Height of Cut) adjustment. When I got the 72 deck for my 4410 the height control was not a very good design. The adjustment knob would spin on its own and change the HOC. Contacted dealer who contacted Deere. They said they were aware of it and would let me know if they could come up with some design change. Never happened. I ended up taking off the height knob and using double nuts to secure the height and carry two boxed wrenched if I ever need to adjust.

After seeing this new 72D with redesigned HOC I compared parts diagrams for the 72 and 72D. Attached the pixs. I was wondering if one could swap in the LH bracket and link height adjustment and gain the new height control. Parts total over $200 from the parts page. I have a message into my dealer to see if they could find out. From the pixs it looks like it was worth asking.

Craig

 

[jsboening]

Here are some more pictures of the height selector and the pto hook up underneath. At this point the height selector seems very simple to adjust and because it uses a simple pin it should stay where you want it.

 

[Havoctec]

Kennyd
my exact words.

That looks awsome

I was thinking that whenever it was time to update my tractor, a new zero turn would be in order instead of the midmount mower. Now I will have to rethink that!

 

[ORCM]

So far I really like it. It seems to work as advertised with no hang ups. Cuts very nice and works great for blowing the leaves off the lawn.

To connect

1. remove the height lock pin if it's in the storage position and lower lift system.

2. Make sure hair pins on the lift system latches are in storage position.

3. make sure the front link on the mower deck is folded forward from it's storage position and gage wheels are in the unlocked position so the deck is flat on the ground.

4. Put tractor in A range four wheel drive.

5. drive tractor over the mower deck until the mower deck begins to be moved forward. At this point the pto is engaged and the front mount and rear latches are connected. lift mower.

6. Install safety hair pins in rear latches and install pin in height adjustment link. Flip latches on the four gage wheels to allow them to drop down.

7. Go mow.

To remove

1. Park on level ground.

2. Remove height adjustment pin and the latches on the four gage wheels.

3. Lower the deck to the ground.

4. Remove safety hair pins on the rear latches and flip them forward to release.

5. With tractor in A range four wheel drive back over the mower deck.

6. Raise the lift system and place height adjustment pin in the storage position.

It may seem like a lot, but I can probably connect/remove the deck in about two minutes. I went slow the first few times getting out to check alignment of everything so I wouldn't tweak it. One time while connecting I forgot to lower the lift system so the front engaged but the back didn't. No problem I just backed back off and lowered it. Drove forward and everything connected. So far it's a pretty slick system.

Thanks for the detailed info!

 

[art]

Two minutes isn't bad, still looks like about the same amount of steps as most mowers. How low is the PTO on the tractor?

 

[jsboening]

PTO up and down pics. I think they did a good job of getting up out of the way considering the amount of space under the tractor. You could easily remove the lift mechanism. It's just 2 bolts and 2 pins.

 

[Nuru]

I am very impressed, very impressed. Now if i could fine one used and trade in my 2006 7 iron, etc! LOL!

 

[Builder]

I am about to need a large mower to replace my tiny GT325. I really don't want a zero-turn mower. I think they're just kinda nerdy looking

I dreaded a 72" or 84" MMM because they look really difficult to remove for cleaning.

Once the drive over type MMM's came out, I thought there was hope for me. I just wish there was a quick way to clean them & change the blades.

 

[prosperity]

I am about to need a large mower to replace my tiny GT325. I really don't want a zero-turn mower. I think they're just kinda nerdy looking

Might be the looks don't appeal to you, but once you've tried one, I think the performance will overcome the "looks"!

Try it - you might like it - I know I could never go back to a belly mower for finish mowing.

 

[Builder]

Might be the looks don't appeal to you, but once you've tried one, I think the performance will overcome the "looks"!

Try it - you might like it - I know I could never go back to a belly mower for finish mowing.

I know you're right.
I only have to go back to the summer I spent mowing with a diesel Excel Hustler FMM to understand exactly what you mean. That thing could cut grass faster than anything I've ever seen.

 

[cowboy_79_1999]

I just ordered my new 3520 two days ago with the older style 72" 7-Iron, and after reading your post I went back today and changed the order to the Auto-connect. As it turns out they are discontinueing the old deck anyway.

I was wondering if you still think its a good setup since its been about a year since the last post. Any thing to look out for as things "wear in" My only concern was the coupler where the driveshaft mates only has a few splines. How's yours holding up??

I guess i'm hoping to hear I made the right call on the upgrade...

Thanks

 

[ChuckinNH]

You made the right call on the upgrade! Now that you have heard it, let's hope that it is true. Seriously, it sure looks like a slick set up.

 

[cowboy_79_1999]

Picked up my 3520 tractor on Friday and after some initial tweaking adjustments on the MMM lift system, I must say that the 72" auto connect deck is awesome!!! I finally got the leaves mulched. Driving on and off of this deck is a breeze, and with the easy on/off of the 300cx, this tractor is quickly converted from mower to loader. I can not believe how powerful and maneuverable it is for its size. A HUGE improvement over the old IH 184 i was mowing with.

 

[Briarcreek]

Cowboy - Congratulations on your new 3520!

I知 also considering the same setup (3520 open station w/72D). My biggest concern on the 3520 is the narrow wheel track and total weight for side hill mowing stability. Currently my Deere 870 with loaded tires set to the wide wheel position at 64 outside wheel track has proven to be adequate on my terrain.

Perhaps you can help with some questions.

1) Which tires did you select and do you have any side hill performance comments to share?

2) I see from jsboening pictures his front turf wheels are set to the narrow position. Can the 72" auto connect deck accommodate the front 2 position wheels set to the wide position?

3) Does the 72D manual have any rear wheel/tire restrictions? I can稚 tell from jsboening pictures if his rear wheels are set wide or narrow. Does your 3520 manual give track width for both wheel position settings?

4) I知 also from PA. Which dealer did you use? Can you please share your configuration and pricing???hanks