When you're spending long hours behind the wheel of your tractor, constantly shifting gears and ranges as you move from field to road and back again, the declutch button on John Deere's AutoQuad 2020 transmission is going to become your best friend. If you’ve ever driven older machines or equipment without this feature, you know the pain of endlessly working the clutch pedal with your left foot. But with this button, life in the cab just got a whole lot easier.

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What is the Declutch Button?

The declutch button is found on the AutoQuad transmission in the 6R Series tractors. Unfortunately, as of 2024, the 2020 AutoQuad transmission will no longer be found in newer models, but if you’re still running a machine equipped with this setup, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with this feature.

So, what does it do? The declutch button allows you to change ranges on your transmission (A, B, C, D) without using the traditional foot clutch. Instead of having to press the clutch pedal to shift between ranges, you can simply press the button located on the gear shifter. It eliminates the need for constant use of the clutch, especially when switching between gears frequently, which is a game-changer for operators who spend long days driving their machines.

Driving With the Declutch Button: How It Works

Let’s walk through how to actually use the declutch button while driving. The first time you use it, it may feel a bit unusual if you’ve been conditioned to rely on your foot clutch, but trust us, this button will become second nature in no time.

Starting the Tractor

Begin by starting the machine as you normally would. You’ll still need to press the foot clutch and the brake to release the parking brake and put the tractor into neutral. Once you’ve done that, shift the gear shifter into A1 (your first gear in the A range; see image above). As you release the foot clutch, the tractor will start moving forward.

Shifting Through Gears

Use the gear shifter to move through the gears in your current range by pressing the up button on the gear handle. For example, if you're in A1, press the button to shift into A2, then A3, and so on. You’ll feel the machine shift seamlessly through each gear without needing to touch the clutch pedal.

Using the Declutch Button to Change Ranges

When it’s time to switch ranges, this is where the magic happens. Instead of pressing the foot clutch to move from, say, A to B, just hit the declutch button on the gear shifter. This allows you to pull the shifter back into B1 without touching the clutch. Then, simply release the button, and you’re ready to keep going. You can move from A to B, and even from B to C, with just that single push of the button.

Why This Button Is a Lifesaver

If you've spent years driving older tractors, the constant back-and-forth motion of the clutch pedal is a familiar but tedious process. Your left leg can take a beating by the end of the day, especially if you're doing fieldwork, clearing out pens, or hauling loads that require constant shifting.

The declutch button allows you to take all of that strain off your leg. With the touch of a button, you can shift ranges, leaving your foot free and your body less fatigued. It’s especially helpful in jobs that require a lot of forward and reverse motion, as you can keep one hand on the gear shifter and the other on the forward/reverse lever, streamlining the entire process.

A Few Tips for Mastering the Declutch Button

Now, I get it. Putting all your faith in this little button might feel a bit nerve-wracking at first. It’s hard to trust that something as simple as pressing a button will fully replace what your foot normally does. And that’s fine—there’s no harm in using the foot clutch if you’re still getting the hang of things. But once you’re comfortable with it, you’ll wonder how you ever got along without the declutch button.

If you're worried about trying it out in tricky situations or under heavy loads, just take your time. You’ll find that after a little practice, using this feature will save you a ton of effort and make your workday a whole lot smoother.

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The declutch button on the John Deere AutoQuad 2020 transmission might seem like a small feature, but once you start using it, you’ll quickly realize it’s an essential part of your daily routine. It simplifies shifting, reduces operator fatigue, and makes long hours in the tractor more bearable. Whether you’re working fields, transporting loads, or performing maintenance tasks, this button is your ticket to a more comfortable and efficient day behind the wheel.