John Deere 60D AutoConnect Drive Over Deck Review

Today, we’re taking a close look at the AutoConnect 60D John Deere Drive-Over Deck—a game-changing belly mower designed for certain series of John Deere compact utility tractors. This deck offers convenience like no other and is perfect for those looking to maintain a clean cut across their lawns without the hassle of removing and attaching the deck manually. The AutoConnect system takes the work out of the equation by letting you simply drive over the deck to attach and detach it. Let’s break down the details of how it works and why it could be a great fit for your tractor.

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Model Compatibility and Sizes

The AutoConnect 60D Drive-Over Deck isn’t just for one specific model. It’s designed to work with various John Deere tractor series, including the 1 Series, 2 Series, and 3 Series tractors. Shown below is the 60-inch model outfitted on a John Deere 1025R, but you can also get a 54-inch model for this series or go up to a 72-inch model for some of the larger 2 Series and 3 Series tractors. The only difference between the models is how the deck hooks up to each tractor, but the core functionality remains the same.

AutoConnect System Features

One of the standout features of the AutoConnect deck is right in the name—AutoConnect. Unlike traditional mower decks where you’d have to get under the tractor, align parts, and manually connect everything, this deck makes life so much easier. To connect it, all you need to do is drive over the deck. It’s that simple.

When it’s time to disconnect, you’ll see that it’s just as easy. You’ll get off the tractor, pull a couple of pins, and flip two levers—one on each side. After that, you just back off the deck, and you’re done. No more wrestling with parts or struggling to get everything lined up.

Deck Specifications

This drive-over deck is built tough. It’s made of heavy-gauge steel and reinforced on the trimming side for extra durability. The deck also has four adjustable gauge wheels—one at each corner—to help with a smooth cut, and it’s equipped with a washout port for easy cleaning. The front and rear of the deck feature fins that help guide the tractor over the deck for a smooth connection, and you’ve got the discharge chute on the right-hand side for grass clippings.

Deck Width and Mower Size Options

As we mentioned earlier, this specific deck is a 60-inch cut, but when you consider the overall width with the chute, you’re looking at about 63 inches with the chute raised. With the chute down, it spans 72 1/2 inches. This is important information to keep in mind if you’re trying to maneuver the deck through gates or store it in a shed or garage. Make sure you measure your available space before deciding on the size of your deck.

Ordering Considerations

If you’re thinking about getting an AutoConnect deck, there are a few things to consider before ordering. First, you’ll need to know which tractor you’re pairing it with—whether it’s a 1 Series, 2 Series, or 3 Series. The deck itself doesn’t change, but the attachment parts do, depending on the model of your tractor.

Next, consider which lift system you’d like to use with your deck. There are three main lift system options:

Mechanical Lift System: This operates off of the 3-point hitch lever. When you raise or lower the mower deck, the 3-point arms at the rear will move as well. Keep in mind that if you have an attachment on the back of your tractor, it will raise and lower along with the deck.

Hydraulic Lift System: This system connects to your loader’s hydraulic joystick. The side-to-side motion of the joystick controls the deck’s lift, allowing for independent movement from the 3-point arms.

Independent Lift System: This system uses the third function control on your tractor, which allows you to raise and lower the deck without affecting any other attachments. A simple up/down switch controls the deck lift.

Operating the Deck

Operating the AutoConnect 60D is straightforward. To choose which PTO shaft to engage, use the selector located on the left side of the seat. Slide it to the mid PTO for the mower deck. Then, simply push the yellow PTO button on the dash to engage the shaft and get the mower deck rolling.

As for adjusting the cutting height, there’s a dial on the left side of the driver’s seat that allows you to adjust the height in increments between 1 and 4 inches, much like you would with a standard lawnmower.

Removing & Reinstalling the Deck

Let’s go over how to remove the AutoConnect deck. It’s a quick and easy process:

1. Unlock the gauge wheels by flipping up the levers on all four wheels.
2. Set the height adjustment knob to the “install” mode (you’ll see a white square with forward and backward arrows).
3. Lower the deck to the ground using the control lever.
4. Put the tractor in park and neutral, get off, and flip the two levers near the rear tires, pulling the pins and flipping the levers up and over on both sides.
5. Back off the deck using the tractor's low gear and four-wheel drive.

To reinstall the deck, follow the same process in reverse. Be sure the lift mechanism is in the lowered position before driving over the deck. Align the left front tire with the rub rail, drive over, and listen for that click to confirm connection.

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The AutoConnect 60D Drive-Over Deck is a fantastic investment for anyone looking to maintain a perfectly manicured lawn with ease. It eliminates the hassle of constantly removing and reattaching the mower deck, making it perfect for those who want a simple, efficient mowing experience.

When it comes to pricing, the deck itself is priced at around $2,500. However, keep in mind that there may be installation, delivery, and shipping fees depending on your location and dealer. I highly recommend purchasing the deck when you buy your tractor to save time and ensure everything is properly set up from the start.