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Read articles →Told from personal experience, this three-minute video covers two specific gotchas for first-time brush-hogging on the 1023E/1025R: keeping the mid-mount mower deck locked at its highest position so it doesn't cycle up and down, and correctly positioning the PTO lever all the way forward (not back or middle) to avoid accidentally spinning the mower deck driveshaft. Best for new compact-tractor owners who haven't touched the owner's manual yet.
Appears to be an owner-operator sharing lessons learned from early mistakes on their own property, with no dealer or brand affiliation evident.
If not raised to top level, lowering the bush hog to match field height also raises and lowers the mower deck brackets and PTO, which can dig into mud or ruts.
Push it all the way forward. The middle position also spins the mower deck driveshaft, and the back position is actually the PTO underneath the tractor.
Thick, high weeds can wrap around the spinning driveshaft like a rope and pull it out from underneath the mower deck, requiring repair.
| John Deere 1023E | John Deere 1025R | |
|---|---|---|
| PTO horsepower | 16 hp | 18 hp |
| Loader lift capacity | 120R: 1,823 lbf (at pivot point) | Not Published |
| 3-point lift capacity | 1,177 lb | 1,177 lb |
| Hydraulic flow | 3.5 gpm | 3.5 gpm |
