Adjusting The Auto Connect Deck Deere 1025R/1023E

It's spring and time to adjust the auto-connect deck on our John Deere 1025R. Tractor Time with Tim and Matt Fry from AHW LLC, our Deere dealer give the definitive guide to adjusting the auto-connect deck so that it attaches and detaches with ease!
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[@allengrommet188]

Another feature to help the PTO spline slide on easier is to shift the PTO lever to the rear only position so that the tractor spline can rotate to match the mower spline easier as you connect the mower.

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Yep. As stated in replies to many comments already, I forgot to mention this!

[@dancocosa6778]

Guess I have been following you longer than I thought cause I remember this one. You have been a great help to me. Thanks

[@GitSumGaming]

@@TractorTimewithTim is the deck suppose to be tilted up in the back slightly? or completely even front to back?

[@YMF1891]

@@Steamerchoo There is a lever tucked in the left side of the seat and the fender that switches the PTO between Mid, Mid and Rear, and Rear only. They are suggesting that if you switch it to rear only the Mid PTO could move freely which could help things line up and engage.

[@dorvinhagen333]

Silicone spray both connections of PTO shaft.

[@veriest1]

As a relatively new owner (about a year) of a used 1025r this is THE most useful video you've shared in a long time! Thanks Tim and family!

[@chuckmorse7754]

Thank you so much Tim and Matt! Obviously, your timing is near perfect for many as we roll into warmer weather. This is “one of those things” that, if not dealt with early, can be a headache as time goes on. Once I get to put my 60D mower deck back on this year, I’ll take a moment to check these adjustments. Again, thank you. This is very valuable to those of us who own a 1025R with an auto-connect deck.

[@brambleton100]

Thank you, perfect timing! Once I adjusted the Pto height i got it on the first try! Understanding the mechanism on how it connects makes all the difference.

[@briantilton4025]

Great info. Thank you for taking the time to shed light on what can be a very frustrating task when out of adjustment.

[@deancook6832]

I've been watching your videos for a while but this one pre-dates my subscription. After struggling to get my deck off this morning I asked myself if Tim might have some videos on this subject and I found this one. It's a big help. My dealer had the front bar adjusted so tight that you couldn't get the latches undone on the rear of the deck. I also thought of some type of cap or plug for the PTO spline connector when it's off.

[@steventhomson2042]

Very educational. A few years ago I had the auto connect and grew very frustrated with it and ended up buying a JD zero turn. I should have spent more time looking things over and adjusting. Once again, you show patience is always the best avenue. Thank you Tim and Christy!

[@trock53080]

This has helped me, had the service tech out and found out the hooks on the deck are worn, they fixed me up with all the parts needed. Now just have to install them and get back to cutting. thanks again

[@steveward603]

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. I have been searching all over, looking to see how to adjust how my mower deck can slide on easier, you have delivered!

[@martywilkins2171]

I'm glad to get the info on adjusting the mid PTO. One thing that I have found that helps with connecting the mower deck PTO is to shift the PTO selector to the rear PTO to allow the mid mount PTO to freewheel and spin to align.

[@garythompson6775]

Great video Tim! I needed this to take some away occasional frustration when connecting. Also, Load-N-Go has been a great back saver.

[@GrampysTractor]

Great timing on this video. Since I haven't seen my deck since November I might try and put it on upside down. All great points to look at before the jump to mowing.

[@scottmote2176]

Hey Tim, great timing on the video since it's almost mowing season. I've had a little trouble getting my to snap in the first time so I'll try to the lunge forward trick. Happy Mowing

[@chrisparenti2461]

Good tips Tim. Praying you and your family are staying safe

[@Danosvideos]

WELL worth the watch! Thanks Tim. I've been struggling with mine since I bought it 2 months. Finally slowed down long enough to check it out. Wouldn't you know it, the PTO coupler was pointed at the sky to offset the lift arms being too low. Amazing how much better things are now that its in adjustment per the guidance you and Matt suggested here.

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Glad it helped! Thanks for watching!

[@Tractorman-xj4gt]

Great practical video, Tim and Matt - truly appreciate it - tis the upcoming season !!

[@waltermattson5566]

That was very useful for those that might want an auto connect deck someday.

[@trcass1]

had to save this to my videos. appreciate the time. my little cub cadet is out of commission waiting for a belt. in the mean time, my grass is growing with all the rain we had and this video addresses some of the issues i had with my 1026R and the 54D mower.

[@btan4209]

Another great video Tim. Exactly what a lot of guys need, when they need it. Myself included.

[@brendenbaker8397]

Thanks for the video I was having a lot of trouble last season with my mower. I’m patiently waiting to get it out for this year. Love the channel loads of great info and ideas.

[@bobwhite4701]

Thanks for this video. I have been thinking about this for a week or two with summer coming quickly.

[@tomcoker9882]

I wish I had found this video a week ago when I was trying to install the mower lift rig after taking it off for the winter snow blowing operation. I had to trial and error (unfortunately too much of that). So again thanks for the tips. Cheers, Tom

[@dtman66]

Great, great video! I dread putting that mower deck on in the spring and scratch my head as to what adjustment is out of whack. Then I vow to not remove it till winter. I'll be out there tomorrow looking things over. Thank you!

[@halbarringer6718]

Outstanding video, several great tips~ I so appreciate the TTWT video's, very informative and helpful.

[@brentbrown8393]

I have a 6' rear grooming mower for my 855, informative video for those that have a self-connecting belly mower. 👍

[@curtmurrow5010]

I love my 1025r! I remove my deck at least once a month for different tasks on our property and I never have any issues with connecting and disconnecting at all. I could not be happier with this tractor!

[@danwukelic1260]

consider yourself lucky. I bought a new 1025 and the deck is a PITA , and I have adjusted it as this article shows and how the manual shows.

[@marvinjackson2641]

@@danwukelic1260 as a 2022 1025r owner. if you are having that much trouble reconnecting your deck. you are missing something. I can uninstall and reinstall my deck in probably less than 1 minute. to me the biggest hurdle is raising all of the deck wheels. which is a nothingburger

[@chrisnash2154]

Excellent Video! I forwarded this to my JD salesman.

[@MrBemma1]

Tim thank you so much for this. I wonder if my 60D is out of adjustment because I've always had some issues connecting and cut quality issues too. This is the only video I've seen that addresses these issues!

[@PeterHonig.]

One of the biggest mistakes I made was getting an AutoConnect mid-mount mower deck for my 3033R. Though these sort of decks are excellent for basically flat lawn cutting, they are terrible at cutting the hilly uneven pastures on our farm. Connecting was always a bit of a finicky situation. Also, the side discharge created mounds of decomposing grass instead of an even decay along the swath. Within the first year I replaced the deck with a 78" flail mower with hydraulic side shift that mulches the clippings and drops them evenly across the entire width of the unit. Having 18 separate blades let me inexpensively sharpen or replace them without the need to detach the unit from my tractor. Fortunately, I was able to get a really good deal on a trade-in of my 3033R and deck for a new 4066R. I finally have enough horsepower to do my own bailing of our hay fields. Don't misunderstand, I am not knocking the use of a deck, it just didn't work for our farm.

[@pjs5191]

Thank you for this video Tim! I’ve been struggling to get my deck to connect ever since I got it. Dealer told me there was a problem with the silver latch below the tractor, said it was mounted on backwards. I’m going to test these tips and see if that helps. Corona lockdown will give me a chance to experiment and get my 1025R ready for spring!

[@charlesrose7212]

Excellent video! Thanks!

[@Ricks2Cents]

I’m Honestly scared to take my Deck off. The dealer Struggled to get it on!!! I said to my self well that is never coming off!!!

[@danfurber2389]

Great video and exactly what I needed! Thanks TTWT!

[@shawnboss5542]

I have never had an issue with my drive over hook up , but great info . Thanks

[@mikelewis7722]

Great video. I agree with the smooth concrete floor sometimes being a challenge, but I would also add this. I learned from experience that you don't want to remove the deck on loose gravel. If the deck scoots and settles in the gravel, you've got a mess on your hands trying to get the deck re-installed.

[@TheFlatlander440]

After watching this vid I was wondering why someone hasn't designed a "cap" to put over the mid PTO female receptacle after you remove the mower deck. Covering the mid PTO would help keep dirt and debris from accumulating there while the deck is not being utilized. You would have to remember to remove the cap before re-installing your drive over mower deck. Just a thought.

[@letsdothis9063]

Yup. We don't use the mower deck, and probably never will. I always worry about junk and brush messing up the middle PTO. Even though we don't engage it, I don't want it to be damaged.

[@nrosario]

Awesome video and very informative. Thank you

[@qfdforme]

Tim, Thank you. I consider the another great public service announcement. Now I have to remember the 11.5 height in the front, and the 1/8” gap in the front. And lastly, do not grease the linkage or connector underneath with grease. Bill

[@stan5949]

Great guide demo

[@jdinnis]

Another trick for keeping your deck form sliding on concrete. Take the a ratchet strap and remove the buckle. Take the free end of a ratchet strap (the end without the buckle). Hook the strap to the deck and lay the strap out on the floor where your rear wheels will roll over it. Then when you pull over the deck the weight of the tractor on the strap will keep the deck form sliding. I learned this technique on an old 2wd Ariens GT and it made the job a lot easier.

[@PastorDavidFranklin]

Great information guys!

[@stephendevore1800]

Great video Thank You. Just bought a 3039R with the 72 in mower.

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Congratulations!

[@_P0tat07_]

Great video Tim! We just got a 1025R and I can’t wait to play around with the auto connect deck. It’s going to be so handy to quickly throw the snowblower on when winter approaches. And I’m not old by any means but it’s definitely going to save my back from messing around on the ground.

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Well…..switching to the snowblower from mower deck is still not trivial :-)

[@bones549]

Thanks for the vid. Had been wanting that load-n-go. Pulled the trigger and got a free hat. Woohoo

[@wayneleamon3186]

Thanks Tim.

[@SSETTeam]

Love your videos! Help me so much!! Thank u!!

[@kirkperi2902]

Great video. Thanks

[@jagx234]

Man I wish I had this video 2 days ago:-)

[@stanleybroadhead8978]

Good info Tim.

[@bryanluther7660]

On my 2022 1025R with the 54D autoconnect deck, it has a different lift link on the front of the deck. Mine is spring loaded and looks like Lift Arm, MY20, Attachment - ST993764. I recently bent a bracket on it when trying to mount it, Bracket - BRACKET, UPSTOP ADJUSTABLE FRONT DR part number TR107795. replaced the part and bolt and back in business. Thanks for all of the helpful videos Tim! great stuff as always! Love my new tractor, did lots of research with a lot of TTWT videos on what to get. ended up with 1025R with 120R loader, 53" bucket, JD Quik attach 3 point, Frontier 2048L box blade, and 54D Autoconnect deck. I also recently added a 3 point Tiller and the Heavy hitch offset hitch with H2TBD Cultivator Bedded/hiller attachement (ordered today).

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Congratulations! Lots of fun ahead!

[@rlchu26]

great tips for new owners

[@tomoaktree4951]

Hi Tim, Good Video regarding the autoconnect deck! I'm with you regarding the PTO coupling that it should have some grease. But as mentioned, the man from deere commented about it collecting debris which might cause an issue. JD should have provided a cap for the coupler when not having the deck installed.

[@whommee]

I love that tractor lift

[@joeking4389]

Thank You for this video, I've been having trouble and the JD Dealer was no help

[@chrisrosenb]

Fluid Film works great for the PTO connection. It does not draw dirt like grease does.

[@Realdamage]

I thought it was spring too, until I woke up to 6 inches of snow this morning. 😒 Then it was time for a precautionary flu shot. 😯 Hope your day was better. Stay healthy, and God Bless.

[@jeremyc.6900]

Agood way to set up the pto connection angle is to measure the height of the spline connection of the deck when flat on the ground and set the pto connection at the same height. in place of using grease i recommend a light coating of copper anti-seize. it doesnt attract as much dust and debris as grease.

[@adamvanderbur6731]

need to do this again with the 2038r would love to see how to set that up on it

[@HuserHelpers]

Hi Tim, any chance you can review the self sharpening blades you installed last year and let us know how they worked out? Thank goodness spring is hear. Was out yesterday mowing the grass as low as I could to get rid of the thatch and leaf litter. Regards from Peoria, Jason

[@tomahauk15]

I might try a spray on graphite as a alternative to the grease on the pto hookup and the other mounting points. Thank you for the information! I’ve been wanting to pick up one of these little tractors and you’re making it hard to say no!

[@adammiddleton4037]

LOL I can’t goose it when you’re standing there!

[@christopherfehr9257]

Hey Tim great video. You should get the new 2021 deck. It has some upgrades that make it similar to the 2 series decks. Keep up the good work

[@ryoule]

Very informative video, particularly about how moving the mower deck with pallet forks or a chain can cause damage. Question: for those of us who own a Deere 3 Series tractor and a mid mount mower, Load N Go is not available (at least to my knowledge). What the best/safest way to move the mower deck after it's been uninstalled from the tractor?

[@AbortedEvolution]

Needed to see this. After burying my tractor a few times I made all kinds of problems with the under bits.

[@NoName-rs2hb]

Does help to have level ground to attach the mower deck. Sometimes that is a hard thing to find. Am thinking about putting a pad in to work on the tractor. Eventually a shed will go over the pad but great tips on the deck. Thank you again for the videos. Yes we got snow yesterday over 7" in one day.

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Yes, you need a level spot.

[@chasetemple3129]

Year ago I did find that “goosing it” helps the spring click in place too

[@demcburney]

Awesome video. It made me realize some of the dumb things I’ve been doing with my mowing deck. Any videos like this coming with the 2038R?

[@russconklin3414]

I have the best fix for the belly mower! I put it out in the back of the barn and bought a towing mower, never have and trouble connecting, quick hitch and PTO setup.

[@gnchuey]

Also new owner. Could not get my mower deck off for anything. The front adjustment was too tight. Great video - thank you!

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Glad it helped! The deck is simple to adjust on e you roll up your sleeves and dive in to figure it out!

[@danwukelic1260]

@@TractorTimewithTim No it isn't, the manual says to level the deck if too low at the front is to adjust the draw bar at the front with the large nuts, if you do this you lose the 1/8 inch gap needed at them. then the deck is jammed and you can not release the spring loaded latches at the back

[@dwightmcintosh8511]

Excellent video, thanks. I've done exactly what you mentioned; I lifted the deck by putting forks through the hoop of the drawbar now the bar won't stay attached to the hooks on the front of the deck. There's a gap of maybe a 16th of an inch between the bar and the little u-bolt and the bar just pops out. Can you suggest a repair? I'd hate to take a sledge hammer to it but can't think of anything else.

[@steveheimerman2092]

Does the gap measurement (about 1/8”) on the front crossbar to the brackets also apply to the 2032 and 2038 tractors? Great, informative video!!

[@waynephillips2777]

I always switch my PTO to rear only until I connect to the MMM.

[@buckhorncortez]

PTO splines and other areas you don't want dust & dirt to adhere - lube with molybdenum spray. The carrier evaporates and leaves a dry moly coating on the surface of the metal.

[@roygosling2317]

You could put a rubber cap over the coupling to stop dirt mixing with the grease take it off when you want to put the mower on

[@vannorman1116]

I need to know where to get those tires please !!

[@davidcarleton6928]

Finally a discussion regarding grease collecting dirt and grit. For example, it is commonly recommended to lube the socket connections on the three point. Seems counter productive to me. Not really that much movement when an attachment is secure side to side. However the level of dirt can be high. Why apply lube that can trap grit in the joint? I leave mine bare and flush clean during use when possible. Any further discussion? I do grease other areas that are more protected such a FEL pins. I do however find alot of dirt trapped in the bucket pins. However the joint is quite tight and excess grease helps keep the joint clear.

[@jeremyc.6900]

A great starting point for adjusting the front to back leveling of the deck is to loosen the 28mm nuts on the front hanger and run them out flush with the end of the threads and run them back 6 full turns and tighten the rear nuts. i set these up at work every day and i found that doing this either gets it right on the money or close enough to not notice a difference.

[@danwukelic1260]

if I do what you said, my deck is way to low in the front? if I tighten up the larges nuts to raise the front, then here is no gap at the front yoke slots that suppose to have about an 1/8 inch? basically impossible to release the latches on the back of the mower to release it

[@jefflinback8723]

@@danwukelic1260 I loosen the front nuts every time I take the deck off. It doesn’t take long to tighten up to the jam nuts then.

[@craigflatley7370]

Not just a watcher now, just got a 2015 1025R

[@TractorTimewithTim]

WooHoo! Congratulations!

[@jimdesilets7497]

Try garage door spray dry lube on the quick attach pto splines . then you can just use compressed air the connection.

[@rayz7197]

Thank you so much. The JD manual is worthless. I just ran into problems this video addresses. Lots of mystery taken away from using the auto connect, which isn't that 'auto' if you don't watch this video !

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Thanks for the kind words. Hard to describe some of this in writing, and with only black and white still photos.

[@kenhunt4356]

Regarding the PTO level adjustment bolt, I also thought my bolt was bent, however I believe it only looks like it is bent on mine because the bolt hole is drilled at an angle. Maybe yours is made the same? Great job on all the videos, Brother. Loved your Honduras road-building video using a 1025R.

[@dpd16790]

i know someone makes some sort of cap to put over the end of that pto under the tractor so you can leave it greased and keep it clean at the same time....maybe measure it and eBay it... may need a hose clamp to hold it on but it would work...

[@cashxx]

I have to try and adjust mine again this spring. But the problem I have is the black rear pins on the arms seem too high to slide into the mower slides shown at the end of the video. I would think you would adjust that with the silver spindles for the side to side to lower the arms or am I wrong?

[@tomcook5813]

I suggest a dry graphite spray for anyplace you were putting grease. It won’t attract dirt, once a month spray

[@djsmith1036]

Hey Tim, your ROPS leans forward , looks like the cab fits but on the web they say no. I have a 2019 1025 and would like one for next winter. Will it work for me..?

[@wyattbonnette3414]

Great video. Now do the 2038R

[@desmo8755]

Most of the problem I've had with this is the gold-colored spring latches are weakly sprung and won't latch up on their own. Even lubed up the bushings aren't very precise. So check that out on the deck by itself. More than once have manually latched by removing the latch bar then replacing when the tractor is in place. And then I realize, had they just made the latches with a simple manual option, like a half-turn cam, this would be easy. When the "auto" connect doesn't "auto" it's many times harder than a manual latch would be.

[@skimaker]

Thanks, great info. I took off my snow thrower in May and put the bucket on. just took the bucket off and put the PTO mechanism on. I cannot get the lift mechanism to move up and down.I called my dealer and he said there is a switch neat the right front tire I need to move to make it work since I had a snowblower on. I can't find any switch up there. can you help? Thanks

[@jaredricker6994]

Love your videos! How do I get my deck arms to not move when I’m using the rear 3 point arms?

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Set the mower cutting height knob to highest setting.

[@user-hs5fp1dg5u]

Can you do a video on how to adjust the "new style" front bracket?

[@joefuoco7425]

Can you lock the mid mount up when not in use?

[@russellpeterson6517]

Tim, can you ask Matt why on the 700 series the blades on the deck set up under the edge of the deck and the 1025R they are flush with the bottom of the deck. thanks

[@yogib37]

I am not against putting lube in the PTO Spine point and yes it can attract dirt and other stuff and when connected can act like sand paper. My suggestion or question is, why is there not a cap that will fit over that PTO Spline coupling hole to protect it? that way you can have some lube in it and then protect it when the deck is not attached?

[@hogheadrun9139]

When do we get load n gos for the 54D decks?

[@Freecan67]

Just Gosse it!!!

[@williamingle1684]

Are the 54d and the 60d autoconnect decks interchangable?

[@ShaneZettelmier]

Lol. I don’t even have one but because of all the height requirements and everything I’m guessing tire pressure is pretty important. Over inflated tires are under inflated tires could mess up all that alignment. I think another thing that might help would be to cut some wedges out of two by fours and rubberized or glue some rubber onto it, basically just make little wedges that you keep in front of where you store your deck that way it will hold the deck back and keep it from sliding and when you back up it’ll just leave them there maybe? 🤔

[@jeremylichtenwalner4163]

Try dry moly graphite on pto instead of grease

[@ianwhitecross4196]

When I am using my 1025 without the cutting deck I have a rubber cap that fits over the cuppler.

[@chris3m98]

Again why did the dealer not tell a person about some of the problems they might have before they cause a problem like a grease issue!

[@joeldesselle3110]

Where did you get that rubber cap

[@daveengstrom9250]

I don't have any trouble getting the mower on the tractor, but I have a devil of a time getting it off. I have no idea where it is sticking but it sticks HARD. Whats to be done about that??