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Photo: John Deere The John Deere 2025R compact tractor is a nice option for smaller-scale farmers. However, it does come with some flaws that according to forums, users are not thrilled about. While any machine is going to need maintenance due to wear and tear, this tractor, in particular, may also need costly fixes and repairs. The John Deere 2025R exhibits problems such as the following: PTO not engaging Transmission leaks fuel and is not synchronized 4-Wheel drive operation difficulty No emergency parking brake Hard steering Electrical system problems Overheating Inconvenient rollbar Mower deck use Read on to learn more about the problems and fixes for the John Deere 2025R tractor. This tractor also has a list of pros and cons that are worth reading about towards the end of the article. 1. PTO Not Engaging The power take-off (PTO) is a part of the engine that uses power for operating an implement or the mower deck. The PTO may not work for a variety of issues such as a faulty or flimsy switch, inefficiency, and overall difficulty in enabling the mechanism. As a result, this will cause low power problems. The John Deere company is aware that the PTO is a problem on this machine and has had to replace them. Other issues can cause the PTO to not work that may relate to the overall functioning of the tractor. General Solutions Before you replace the switch, you can try some of the following general strategies to see if they help with the engagement of the PTO: Check that the oil levels for the transmission are at the proper amount Ensure that your tires are at the right air pressure. Look at the hoses and screens throughout the tractor to make sure they are not clogged or dirty, and clean or replace them as necessary. Refer to your John Deere 2025R’s owner's manual to locate the clutch drive assembly and the battery. Use a voltmeter to check the voltage, looking for a reading of a minimum of 12.5-volts. Charge the battery if necessary. PTO solutions Check the in-line fuse of the electrical system that connects to the PTO clutch assembly. If the fuse is black, or blown, replace it. Make sure you use the same ampere rating. If the PTO shaft is not turning, even though the light is on and the clutch is engaged, you will need to check the connections. Look at the hand lever, the clutch, and the driveshaft to see if anything is misaligned or bent. If so, these parts will need to be replaced. Check and replace the PTO clutch pack, clutching rings, or shaft if the grinds will not engage. Consult with a John Deere service provider before replacing any parts, especially if they are under warranty. 2. Transmission Leaks Fuel And Is Not Synchronized In addition to leaking fuel, owners do report that the transmission is not smooth during gear changes. When trying to slow down or shift gears the transmission struggles, and double-clutching will not work, since the engine won’t go fast enough to work with the transmission. Solutions Removing the entire transmission can be costly, so try to replace transmission parts first. If the fluid is leaking, you can try to replace pan bolts, gaskets, fluid lines, seals, and drain plugs. When driving the John Deere 2025R downhill, apply the brakes to slow the machine down or stop it before moving it into low gear. Some users have noticed transmission issues on a brand new tractor the day they bring it home. So, test drive it before you buy it. Also, keep an eye out for any leaks. 3. 4-Wheel Drive Operation Difficulty The 4-wheel drive (4WD) on a John Deere 2025R is more of a design flaw. The lever is located on the floor instead of near the driver’s seat. This makes it difficult to reach when operating the machine. Also, there is no light indicator telling if the 4WD is engaged. Additionally, some users have found that the 4WD is not smooth, offering an uncomfortable experience. Solutions Since the lever for the 4WD cannot be moved to a new spot, if you cannot reach it, you may have to stop the tractor, get out of your seat, and engage it. The coupler or front axle may be defective and needs a replacement for a smoother 4WD drive. 4. No Emergency Parking Brake The John Deere 2025R tractor does not have an emergency parking brake. It’s essential that you know how to operate this tractor if the brakes fail. The entire braking system works from one brake pedal which replaces a flat “pad”. Solutions You should never park the machine on a slope or hill. Before driving on a slope or hill, put the tractor into low gear. Do regular checks and maintenance of your braking system. Ensure that the brake pedal is tight and bolted securely in place. 5. Hard Steering Steering may be difficult due to sluggish idle, issues with related steering mechanism parts, or PTO issues. You can look over your mower to see what may be causing this. Solutions Check the suction screen to see if it is clogged. Clean or replace it. Look at the feedback rod and see if it is misaligned or out of adjustment. Make sure the lower hitch arms have some slack to them according to the user manual (or else it is in neutral which will affect steering). Jack up the front end of the lawn tractor and see if the steering cylinder needs to be replaced. Look at the PTO to see if the property valve needs replacement. 6. Electrical System Problems The John Deere 2025R is not prone to electrical system problems often. Usually, it is due to battery issues if they do occur. Solutions Consider if there is a problem with the ignition switch and if it needs replacement. Clean battery terminals and connections. Charge or replace the battery. Make sure that the wires are intact on the correct terminals (positive/negative). Follow the wires along the connection to make sure they are intact with the ignition switch. 7. Overheating Overheating can result from a faulty sensor, dirty filters or oils, or low levels of coolant. If the tractor is overheating, the tractor may not run, and you could even hear boiling sounds. It is important to address this problem right away in order to prevent further damage or create the risk of fire. Solutions Determine if the sensor is faulty. This would be especially true if the display panel alerts to overheating when the tractor is first turned on. A dealer or service professional can check this for you as well. Clean or replace oil and air filters. The tractor is also not built with use and ease in mind. For example, the oil filter can be easily knocked off by a nearby branch. Check and maintain the correct level of fluid for the radiator. Make sure there is enough coolant in the machine. 8. Inconvenient Rollbar The roll bar on a tractor keeps farmers safe if the tractor rolls over during operation. On this model, the rollbar does not fold completely out of the way, so taller users may bump their heads on it. Make sure you pay attention when getting onto the machine to keep your head safe. 9. Mower Deck Use Some owners of the John Deere 2025R may feel that the overall set up and design of the mower deck are inconvenient. The mower deck requires that the loader be taken off in order for the deck to be put on. Users feel that a frame design modification could fix this for future models. For now, owners will have to plan a little extra time to prepare the mower deck for use. A Closer Look at the John Deere 2025R The frame of the John Deere 2025R is larger than the John Deere 1025R, with a wider wheelbase. Additionally, the tire size is bigger allowing the tractor to make more ground clearance and have better stability. Read on to learn about other features and pros of owning this tractor: Features 4-tier Yanmar engine 2-speed hydrostatic transmission Autoconnect mower deck 3-cylinder diesel engine Lift capacity: 915 pounds (415 kg) Standard cruise control 63-inch (1600 mm) wheelbase Fuel tank capacity: 5.39 gallons (20.4 L) Attachments for the John Deere 2025R There are over 25 attachments that can be used with this model. Here are some examples: Loader Mid-mount mower deck Standard duty box and rear blades Snowblower Power rakes Woodchipper 3-point trencher Broadcast spreader Pros of the John Deere 2025R Overall, there seem to be more cons than pros. However, there are certain features that users like about the John Deere 2025R: Size: This tractor has a higher lift capacity. Its compact size allows it to be maneuvered more easily in tight areas. Use: This machine is easy to use with simple controls. Power: The hydrostatic transmission and sealed radiator offer power and durability. Fuel: This is a fuel-saving machine. Recalls The John Deere 2025R models with serial numbers between 1LV2025R×HJ100101 – 101005 were recalled due to issues with the braking system. 60-inch broom attachment kits were also recalled for repair because they were not attaching to the machine properly. 120R loaders that can be attached to the John Deere 2025R tractors were recalled in 2017 for improper ballast connections making the tractor unstable. FAQs Is the John Deere 2025R better than the 1025R? These two models are pretty similar with horsepower, 3-point hitch capabilities, PTO, and hydrostatic transmission. However, the 2025R presents many more problems and cons, while the 1025R seems to be easier to fix by the user for minor issues. The only benefit may be the larger size, tire, and ground clearance that the 2025R offers. Determine what you need to do on your land before making a decision. The 1025R is better suited for mowing, while the 2025R may be better for groundwork and traction. In the author’s opinion, the John Deere 2025R is not better than the 1025R. A video on YouTube shows the comparison between several models including these two. They discuss things that are preferred on each model and talk about the loader capacity, wheel-base and weight, attachments, layouts, and more. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Va5HcCuRxU What Kubota is comparable to John Deere 2025? The compact Kubota B2601 comes with a 4-tier and 25.5 horsepower engine and is the closest comparison to the John Deere 2025R. The Kubota offers a more durable frame with metal fenders and hood, with a steel transmission. It also offers a 3-speed hydrostatic transmission for more control over lower-speed driving with slightly more, but noticeable horsepower than the John Deere 2025R. The Kubota’s fuel tank is also a slightly larger capacity, holding 6.1 gallons (23.1 L). Is the John Deere 2025R underpowered? The engine size is the minimum requirement for this type of tractor at 24.2 horsepower. Some users feel this tractor’s engine is underpowered to operate this machine, especially at the higher purchase cost. Conclusion The John Deere 2025R has a considerable list of problems and other complaints. This machine may feel awkward to use and may require more costly fixes and maintenance. It is important to test drive this machine to see if the benefits outweigh the issues.