Why Your John Deere Mower Shuts Off in Reverse and What You Can Do About It

Why Your John Deere Mower Shuts Off in Reverse and What You Can Do About It

Posted by Kelsey Leubner

Have you noticed that your John Deere mower shuts off when you shift into reverse? You’re not alone. This is a very common question, and there’s usually nothing wrong with your machine. This happens because of the built-in safety feature: the RIO.

What Is the RIO?

The Reverse Implement Option (RIO) is part of John Deere’s advanced operator safety system. When you press the reverse pedal without engaging the RIO button, the mower automatically shuts off the blades.

This ensures that mowing in reverse only happens when you intentionally choose to do so, helping to prevent injuries and property damage.

Understanding Why Your Mower Shuts Off in Reverse

The John Deere RIO button is designed to prevent the mower blades from operating while the mower is backing up. This helps protect you, your pets, and your property from potential hazards. So, if your mower stops cutting grass when you reverse, that’s the safety feature of the RIO.

How to Release the RIO Button to Mow in Reverse

If you ever need to mow in reverse, for example when trimming near landscaping or backing out of a tight spot, John Deere has made it easy for you to do that safely.

Follow these simple steps to use the RIO button correctly:

1. Engage the mower deck (turn the blades on).

2. Make sure to look behind you to see the area is clear before backing up.

3. Press and hold the RIO button.

4. While holding the RIO, press the reverse pedal to begin backing up.

5. Once the mower starts moving backward, you can release the RIO button and continue mowing in reverse.

Pro Tip: It’s important to never bypass or disable the RIO system. It should always remain active, as it’s part of your mower’s safety features.

Safety First: Why the RIO Feature Matters

While it may seem like a small feature, the RIO plays an crucial role in preventing accidents. The RIO system is one of the many ways John Deere prioritizes safety.

Whenever you’re mowing, remember to:

· Always check the area behind you before operating your mower in reverse.

· Keep children and pets away from the mowing area.

· Avoid distractions and stay alert especially while backing up.

These precautions ensure you’ll get the job done efficiently without compromising safety.

Learn More at Shenna’s Green Garage brought to you by LandPro Equipment

What more information about operating the RIO? Watch LandPro’s how-to video on YouTube to learn how to use the RIO button and safely mow in reverse:

For additional information, you can stop by your local LandPro Equipment store for a demo or test drive or visit www.LandProEquipment.com. Our team can help you with everything from mower setup and maintenance to troubleshooting and seasonal service.

And don’t forget to subscribe to Shenna’s Green Garage on YouTube for more John Deere tips, tricks, and maintenance walkthroughs, from the pros who know your equipment best LandPro Equipment.