John Deere GT235E, first mow review

[JeffreyG]

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

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]

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

 

[Hambone]

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]

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]

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

 

[Inspector507]

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

 

[chrisjbell]

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]

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]

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]

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,

 

[RetiredCarGuy]

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,

Don't do it!

Have you thought of: wife, girlfriend, brother-in-law, the UPS guy, politicians, JWs and... LAWYERS too!

Don't do it!

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

I've got a GT235e also. I've gotten used to pulling up on the PTO switch when I back up. You don't have to hold it up the entire time you're backing up. Just pull it up, start backing up and then you can let it go. It's only a minor annoyance, not a big deal to me.

 

[Boog]

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,

Near the transaxle is a connector (mine was on the left side near the back of the tranny) on a wire bundle going to the tranny. Disconnect it and stick a jumper wire in across the 2 terminals on the tractor side of that connector.