John Deere GT235E, first mow review

JeffreyG · Sep 25, 2003

I just got the John Deere GT235E delivered yesterday! That thing is about as good as sex.

First impression: Wow, this is a real tractor. Big and powerful.

Specs: 18hp, V-twin, B&S Vanguard, 570 pounds dry weight, plus 148 pound 54" mower. Wide 23" turf tires. Auto (hydrostatic). Manual lift on the deck. Electric PTO (runs deck). Mows in reverse when you pull up on the PTO switch first.

Performance: Wow! It mowed a section of lawn that used to take 3 hours (with old manual shift 42" lawn tractor) in only 1.5 hours. So, I cut my mowing time in half! Tight turning radius (less than 2 feet). Easy to drive. Lots of power and traction for going up a steap hill. Cuts easily through some heavy thick 6 inch grass I had growing in some spots while waiting for this new tractor.

I haven't tried the electrical outlet on it yet, but I guess it works fine because my brother used it at the dealer when he picked it up for me (4 hour trip to save big bucks on a sweet deal).

Overall: 5 stars.

NIXON · Sep 25, 2003

Jeff,
Looks like a post from a Happy Man !
Enjoy the new machine ! All the best, John

Hambone · Sep 25, 2003

Congrats, Glad you are happy!!
That reverse thing is easy to fix.
My 335 was the same way. I really don't know why it is there.
I can see the seat switch ect, but....
Let me know if you need instructions, no wiring needed.

JeffreyG · Sep 25, 2003

Sure, I'd be interested in knowing how to by-pass the reverse switch. Either discuss here, or send a private message. Thanks.

I got pretty used to the reverse switch after just one mowing. Problem is, one hand is off the steering wheel to hold that switch when I start going backwards. Sounds like a potential lawsuit against John Deere for making me do that!

But as I understand it, some other make lawn/garden tractors can't mow in reverse at all. That would stink!

Molerj · Sep 25, 2003

<font color="red"> </font> I just got the John Deere GT235E delivered yesterday! That thing is about as good as sex.
/forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif
Wow, hope your significant other didn't hear that!! /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

Inspector507 · Sep 25, 2003

Pics Jeffrey, pics
Not of sex, just the new tractor /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

chrisjbell · Sep 26, 2003

I love my little LX255 - I'll bet the GTs are that much better.

I've been meaning to figure out how to bypass that stupid reverse switch but haven't gotten around to it. BTW, you only have to hold it up when you start backing up - then you can let it go and as long as you don't stop the mower will keep running (and if they've changed that, definately disconnect it).

So if you guys send the secret information around via private mail, would you please send it to me as well /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif? I'd appreciate knowing how to do it...

Tractors4u · Oct 3, 2003

I would like that reverse by-pass info as well. I have the SST18 Spin Steer. I by-passed the seat switch because it would shut the engine off even if the mower deck was not running.

Harley44 · Jul 14, 2014

Hambone said:
Congrats, Glad you are happy!!
That reverse thing is easy to fix.
My 335 was the same way. I really don't know why it is there.
I can see the seat switch ect, but....
Let me know if you need instructions, no wiring needed.

I have a 1999 GT235 bought recently. Love it! But sure would like to disable the mower reverse switch. Thank, Ron

Harley44 · Jul 14, 2014

Would like to disable the reverse mower switch on my 1999 GT235. No kids dogs, etc.. Any help? I don't want to mess up the wiring. Not good at electrical stuff. Thanks,