425 vs 1025r mowing comparison/review

Next, maneuverability. I'll start with the fact that I have a lot of trees and some steep short hills along with some wide-open areas. Quite a variety in not a lot of area. I had the 60-inch deck on the 425 and I have the same on the 1025r.

Turning radius seems better on the 1025r. I don't know if that is technically, per the specs correct, but that is what it practically feels like. What limits me around trees are the ROPS and my desire not to abuse the deck. Given that the decks are both 60" cuts the 1025r is for sure just a bit narrower. I have a couple trees that I used to have to squeeze the 425 deck through and I am able to pass through them with ease on the 1025r. That is without the deflector on either. All that being said, I am probably going to wind up weed eating more around trees with the 1025r.

Mowing up and down my short steep hills are better. I can engage the 4x4 and keep the rear wheels from slipping going up. On my wide-open areas, it seems easier to maintain straight lines and I have decided I like mowing in low speed with the pedal to the floor. I also installed the mulch baffles and blades, so I am able to mow either direction next to the landscaping and other objects.

I mow back and forth, and I am finding it harder to do 3 pt turns and get them right. Not sure if it because of the longer wheelbase, the more aggressive r4 tires on the front, or it could simply be inexperience. Probably a combination of all 3.

TLDR: Maneuverability seems to be comparable between the two machines as they both have their limitations with a slight edge going to the 1025r mainly because I love the mulch kit.

Finally, cut quality. This was my biggest concern. I have slowly taken my yard from a jungle to decent to completely destroyed by septic install and a basement installation back to pretty dang nice for a normal country yard.

The 425 left my yard looking great in my opinion. I kept up on the blades, and deck level like it was my job. I always mow different directions. I fertilize and spray for weeds. For what it was, the 425 striped pretty dang good and I love diagonal stripes in my yard.

I was extremely nervous to give that up. Reading posts on here can sure give a guy stress about making this jump but I wanted the loader, 3pt and the load and go, so in the end I figured I’d give it a try and keep the 425 for a while just in case.

I will say that I am very pleased with the results from the 1025r. My first mow was what I consider the most efficient route that I take. My grass was also 6 inches long as I was waiting to mow till the 1025r showed up. I mowed without the mulch kit, with the deflector on and without checking the set up from the dealer. My yard looked good minus some visible grass clippings and a slight side to side unevenness. Honestly probably acceptable to most people.

The next mow was 90 deg to the first mow and this time I leveled the deck myself and removed the deflector. Ah what an improvement. No visible grass clippings except what I blew around from the previous mow. With out the deflector the grass seems to disperse better. I wasn’t cutting off 3 inches of grass which helps. The negative to not having the deflector is that grass shoots further and it’s harder to keep off the landscaping and sidewalks.

My third mow I decided to install the mulching kit. I also went for the real test and decided to mow diagonal. I love the mulch kit because it allows me to mow either direction around objects and doesn’t leave and visible clippings. The 1025r with mulch kit leaves decent stripes but not quite as good as the 425.

I have a hilly yard that I already mowed to avoid scalping with the 425 and it’s 60 inch deck so I didn’t have any issues with scalping. Not sure I knew this but the new 60inch deck still doesn’t have a middle roller but it does have a sort of skid that I think helps with scalping. I mow at about 3.5 inches and that puts the gauge wheels at their lowest position. I did mow at 3.75 with the same gauge wheel setting and it was fine but probably better at 3.5.

I have a 2025r with a 60” deck setup for mulching and also like it. The RIO? I’ve mowed with mine maybe a 100 times and there has been maybe twice that I haven’t almost killed the tractor by forgetting to hit the switch. Surprisingly I have only killed the tractor a few times, most of the time it just starts to die and I catch it.

dodgeman said:

I have a 2025r with a 60” deck setup for mulching and also like it. The RIO? I’ve mowed with mine maybe a 100 times and there has been maybe twice that I haven’t almost killed the tractor by forgetting to hit the switch. Surprisingly I have only killed the tractor a few times, most of the time it just starts to die and I catch it.

Click to expand...

Yeah it seems even when I remember my foot is just slightly faster than my finger and it stumbles a second.

Thank you, this postis very informative and useful. I have a 430 (L&G) and 445, both with 60" decks and expect delivery of my new 2025r (60" deck) next week. I was going to sell the two older tractors, but my children each want one in the future once they purchase homes, luckily they have different favorites. I too wondered about cut quality and maneuverability but wanted the FEL and especially the auto-connect deck and load-n-go for my back; this post really helps!

My only other concern is one steep slope along a road, 20 degree slope about 1/4 mile long and 30 feet (vertical rise) from bottom to top. My 445 handles it well (need to use the differential lock sometimes because the uphill rear tire gets "light." The 430 is fine too unless I have the MCS on the back, then even with 6 front end weights the uphill rear wheel will come off the ground if the right wheel is on the downhill side (must be in the narrow position to use the MCS and the MCS raises the center of gravity). I have wheel weights for the 2025r and have ordered 2" wheel spacers too.

Thanks again for sharing!

Rob R said:

Thank you, this postis very informative and useful. I have a 430 (L&G) and 445, both with 60" decks and expect delivery of my new 2025r (60" deck) next week. I was going to sell the two older tractors, but my children each want one in the future once they purchase homes, luckily they have different favorites. I too wondered about cut quality and maneuverability but wanted the FEL and especially the auto-connect deck and load-n-go for my back; this post really helps!

My only other concern is one steep slope along a road, 20 degree slope about 1/4 mile long and 30 feet (vertical rise) from bottom to top. My 445 handles it well (need to use the differential lock sometimes because the uphill rear tire gets "light." The 430 is fine too unless I have the MCS on the back, then even with 6 front end weights the uphill rear wheel will come off the ground if the right wheel is on the downhill side (must be in the narrow position to use the MCS and the MCS raises the center of gravity). I have wheel weights for the 2025r and have ordered 2" wheel spacers too.

Thanks again for sharing!

Click to expand...

I have a semi steep ditch out front that I stressed a little on the 425. Wheels in the wide position.. I was a little nervous after reading on here tip over risks but I feel like the 1025r does fine on the hill. I really don't know the angle though. Just go slow

Rob R said:

Thank you, this postis very informative and useful. I have a 430 (L&G) and 445, both with 60" decks and expect delivery of my new 2025r (60" deck) next week. I was going to sell the two older tractors, but my children each want one in the future once they purchase homes, luckily they have different favorites. I too wondered about cut quality and maneuverability but wanted the FEL and especially the auto-connect deck and load-n-go for my back; this post really helps!

My only other concern is one steep slope along a road, 20 degree slope about 1/4 mile long and 30 feet (vertical rise) from bottom to top. My 445 handles it well (need to use the differential lock sometimes because the uphill rear tire gets "light." The 430 is fine too unless I have the MCS on the back, then even with 6 front end weights the uphill rear wheel will come off the ground if the right wheel is on the downhill side (must be in the narrow position to use the MCS and the MCS raises the center of gravity). I have wheel weights for the 2025r and have ordered 2" wheel spacers too.

Thanks again for sharing!

Click to expand...

Also what engine is in the 430? I like that vintage of tractor but only had 3 series in that age range.. 314, 318, and a 330..

I’m in exactly the same spot as @Rob R, running a 430 I purchased new in 91 with a quote on my desk for a 1025r with the same thoughts and questions @Hitchme34 answered in his first 3 posts, thank you! I would think my 430 is basically the same as a 425, I ran one a couple of times as my FIL had one. I’m wanting the loader, load and go, 60” deck, tiller, land plane/box blade, grapple, wheel weights, ect........

Thank you for your opinions @Hitchme34 much appreciated!

Hitchme34 said:

I thought it was the diesel.. thats got to be a fun machine.

Click to expand...

I purchased a 445 new in 1997 with the move to a new home with 7+ acres to maintain. In the early 2000's, my son wanted to help mow (and was old enough) but could not reach the hydrostat controls on the 445 (you really need to be over 5' tall and he was still young). I found a used 430 with < 500 hours for a really reasonable price (with 3 point hitch, rear PTO, MCS, full suspension seat - not the "C-springs" which some standard, etc.). The hand hydrostat control meant that you did not need long legs to drive. This was also great for my wife who is just barely 5' tall.

Now that my children are grown, I alternate between tractors for mowing (445 does a better job and is more maneuverable, 430 is more fun and it good to keep both working well). I have a quick hitch for each so in the winter (Wisconsin) I put a blade on the 430 and broom on the 445. I also have a 2-stage flower which sees very little use as the 430 with suitcase weights on the 3-point and tire chains will push a lot of snow...broom nice for light dustings and final cleanup after the blade.

2025r on its way (at the dealer since the 7th, expect delivery next week) because I want (not need) a FEL and need the auto-connect deck and load-n-go for my back, those 60" decks on the 430 and 445 are heavy and I like to clean and sharpen every few mowings.

Jdw1 said:

I’m in exactly the same spot as @Rob R, running a 430 I purchased new in 91 with a quote on my desk for a 1025r with the same thoughts and questions you answered in your first 3 posts, thank you! I would think my 430 is basically the same as a 425, I ran one a couple of times as my FIL had one. I’m wanting the loader, load and go, 60” deck, tiller, land plane/box blade, grapple, wheel weights, ect........

Thank you for your opinions @Hitchme34 much appreciated!

Click to expand...

Yes, the 425 (I have a 445 and 430) is very similar to the 430. A little more maneuverable and a little better cut with both having 60" decks if you mow "fast" I believe (don't know) because the blades on the 445 turn faster. Foot controls (445 and newer) are easier to use and coordinate with steering and snow removal (blade angle, lift, etc.) because you can do 3 things at once and I only have 2 hands. The hand hydrostat controls on the 430 are really nice because it is like a "built in cruise control" and if you are less than 5 feet tall (my wife, children with appropriate supervision) you can drive a 430 but it is a stretch to reach the foot controls on a 445).

Rob R said:

I purchased a 445 new in 1997 with the move to a new home with 7+ acres to maintain. In the early 2000's, my son wanted to help mow (and was old enough) but could not reach the hydrostat controls on the 445 (you really need to be over 5' tall and he was still young). I found a used 430 with < 500 hours for a really reasonable price (with 3 point hitch, rear PTO, MCS, full suspension seat - not the "C-springs" which some standard, etc.). The hand hydrostat control meant that you did not need long legs to drive. This was also great for my wife who is just barely 5' tall.

Now that my children are grown, I alternate between tractors for mowing (445 does a better job and is more maneuverable, 430 is more fun and it good to keep both working well). I have a quick hitch for each so in the winter (Wisconsin) I put a blade on the 430 and broom on the 445. I also have a 2-stage flower which sees very little use as the 430 with suitcase weights on the 3-point and tire chains will push a lot of snow...broom nice for light dustings and final cleanup after the blade.

2025r on its way (at the dealer since the 7th, expect delivery next week) because I want (not need) a FEL and need the auto-connect deck and load-n-go for my back, those 60" decks on the 430 and 445 are heavy and I like to clean and sharpen every few mowings.

Click to expand...

Yeah my first deere was a 212 and it was a huge jump up from my free yard machine.. traded that for a 318 and I thought when I got it that it was the finest mower deere had ever made.. then I traded for the 425 and again I thought this might be the finest mower deere ever made.. I wonder if i would have jumped up to a new 7 series or 9 series zero turn if I would have thought the same thing.. doesn't matter.. I wanted a loader and more than that I wanted the load n go so here I am. While the jump from 425 to 1025r mowing isn't as mind blowing as my previous jumps I still feel as though I have a very fine mower!

I also have the same combo of tractors. The 425 has a 54 inch deck and was bought new in 1996 to replace a used and overworked Simplicty with too many band-aids. After buying a slightly used and well equipped 1025R last year I was going to sell the 425 but decided to keep it and I'm glad I did. I rebuilt the deck and did some painting and it looks almost new and still mows great. I'm been trying to decide which mows better. It seems I mow faster with the 425 but not by much when I actually time it. Both have the MCS I use when I want mulch for the garden. I added a front anti scalp roller to the 60 inch deck which definitely tightened the competition. Either way they both mow great and my mood lets me decide which to use. It's nice to have a choice.

Hitchme34 said:

I mow back and forth, and I am finding it harder to do 3 pt turns and get them right. Not sure if it because of the longer wheelbase, the more aggressive r4 tires on the front, or it could simply be inexperience. Probably a combination of all 3.

Click to expand...

It is mostly the size of the machine you need to get used to. I mow stripes and subject myself to the 3 or 4 point turns. Eventually you'll get the hang of how much room you need to make that maneuver and where to stop.

In general, I mow 'head rows" 2 or 3 passes wide and that's how much I need to make the 3 point turn. If you're mowing diagonal, make your first turn the sharp one (opposite of the diagonal) to horizontal. When you back up, you'll be lined up to turn gently into the next stripe.