How To Reverse John Deere 100 Series

There’s no denying the fact that mowing regularly in the right way is essential to keep your lawn healthy and happy. 

I have been a lawn-keeper for quite some time now, and my friends and family often come to me for suggestions on keeping their lawn in pristine condition all year round. So, when my nephew asked me how to reverse John Deere 100 series mower? I decided to pen down a short guide on the same. 

Read on if you, too, are looking for this answer. 

How To Reverse Your John Deere 100 Series Mower?

1. Start The Engine 

Before I walk you through the steps for successfully reversing the mower, let me quickly tell you how to engage the engine. 

For starters, turn the key towards the right side to achieve the start position, and keep it this way for at least 5 seconds. Release the key and see if the engine starts on its own. If not, then turn it again and maintain the position for a little longer (about 10 seconds). 

You may need to repeat this step multiple times if the mower hasn’t been used in a long time or the engine has become “cold” due to low external temperatures. 

2. Reverse The Mower 

If you want to reverse the mower while riding, then bring it to a complete halt before following this step. Likewise, if it’s stationary, make sure that the engine is engaged. Next, find the RIO (Reverse Implement Option) button, which is usually located in the control panel below the steering wheel. 

Once you locate this button, press down on it for a few seconds and release. Then, drive the mower in reverse. Repeat this step every time you need to avail the reverse function while keeping the mower blades operational, but make sure that the mower is completely stationary. 

Is Mowing In Reverse A Good Practice? 

Many landowners consider mowing in reverse an efficient way to cut or trim the grass around tight spaces or corners of the lawn. However, there are certain disadvantages that you should be aware of if you're planning to mow in reverse. 

For one, this technique can restrict your field of view and operational control. Although many riding mowers like the ones from the John Deere 100 series are equipped with safety features, you may need a lot of practice to ensure a safe reverse mowing experience. This is one of the main reasons why many safety authorities recommend mowing only in the forward direction. 

Secondly, reverse mowing can lead to irregular or choppy-looking cuts since the blades move in an opposite direction. Plus, the glass clippings from below the deck may not be discharged properly, as you’re essentially riding the mower against its natural path. 

Long story short, you should only adopt this technique if you’re confident about negating the disadvantages in the best possible way. Otherwise, you may end up doing more bad than good for your lawn! 

Final Words 

That’s all I had for you today. 

Whether you prefer mowing forward or backward, always remember to cater to its maintenance needs. The least you can do is disengage the spark plug and eliminate the grass clippings manually before storing it away. 

I’ll see you next time with more such guides. Till then, take care!