John Deere announced this week that a brake linkage part could crack and cause a crash hazard. They are suspending all sales, deliveries, and demonstrations of the affected tractors until the issue is corrected.
UPDATE Aug 15, 2024: Recall Has apparently started. However, the list of serial. numbers included we built BEFORE the time window in this marketing bulletin. March 2017- October 2017. Perhaps this recall was issued even BEFORE the July 26, 2024 marketing bulletin? You can find the March-Oct 2017 recalled serial number list here.
Tractors Affected
1025R, 2025R, and 1023E tractors built between November 1st, 2017 and September 30th, 2022 have the issue. There is no serial number range listed in the bulletin
There is no way to find the built date on the tractor itself. The “calendar year” of the build is shown in the serial number. The 10th digit is the “calendar year”, and the 11th digit is the “model year”.
Here is a mapping of the letter shown in the serial number to the numerical year of production
Associated Video
This Tractor Time with Tim video discusses details, as well as some recommendations for you if you own one of these machines.
Video Corrections
The video mentions that the bellcrank is made of cast aluminum. This may be errant. Several commenters suggest that it is made of a zinc alloy commonly called pot metal. TTWT is not an expert in this, so we are not certain.
The Issue
According to the memo, the front bellcrank of the brake linkage could crack and fail, thereby creating a crash hazard.
In laymans terms, your brake pedal could become disconnected from the actual brake. Without a brake, you could, well, CRASH!
This diagram shows the brake linkage. The offending (sometimes breaking) part is circled in red.
The Fix
Unfortunately, Deere has not published a resolution at this time. The memo states that a formal MSPIP (Mandatory Safety Product Improvement Program) is being developed, but it is not ready yet.
What To Do NOW
First, check to see if your brake pedal is functional. I would recommend testing this on flat ground. While moving, apply the brake to see if it slows (or stops) the tractor. If not, check the linkage below the right floorboard, just inside the hydrostatic drive pedals. A broken linkage should be easy to spot.
If your brake linkage is broken or otherwise non functional, do not operate the tractor. It is simply not worth the risk. If you need to use the tractor soon, order a new front bellcrank. You will likely have to pay for the replacement bellcrank now since the MSPIP has not yet been finalized. We do not yet know if you will be reimbursed, but at least you will be safe. At present, the part is $86. Well worth it for your safety!
You can purchase the bellcrank here.
Updates
We’ll provide updates here as we learn more. Meanwhile the TTWT video above has more information, opinions, recommendations, and photos of broken bellcranks. Check it out.
2018 1025r. Mine snapped a year ago. I opened a case with J D. We’ll see if I can get reimbursement or a new part.
George
Please send me more information on your bell crank failure to johndeerebrakefailure@gmail.com. .
I’m a consumer who is very concerned with these problems and I’m documenting as many as I can you make 21 that I have on record.
Finally John Deere Corporate is acknowledging the problem.
Bill
Apseydeere
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Can I get the link to the information about the issue. As I have a 1025r myself.
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