Here is a review of my new 1026r after a few hours of use. The overall tractor is one fine deere, and a great machine. Anyone thinking about this tractor will not be disappointed. Although the machine itself is a big improvement and a great machine there are some minor issues that need to be addressed by John Deere. The first one deals with the auto-connect deck, I have the same issue as some others here have had with the deck not reconnecting. There needs to be a redesign in the spring loaded latch on the rear of the deck that snaps back in place to lock the deck on when reconnecting. Either the spring is too weak or needs to be relocated in a different position as to apply more pressure on the latch. This is an easy fix, but it should be address at the factor level not after it is delivered to your home. Needs to be redesigned. The second thing I have noticed so far deals with the dial for the mower height. This too needs to be redesigned or just readjusted. Setting the dial at or below the "L" setting on the control dial is too low for any normal mowing. At this level you will be mowing dirt, nobody is going to mow a yard at this setting or you will just kill your grass or damage your blades from hitting dirt. It would be better if the control knob had 1", 2", 3" or 4" on it for the height settings so you would not have to guess or measure at what height you're cutting. That would be a big help and a nice redesign. And last it would be nice if the fuel gauage was on the instrument panel where it belongs instead of on the fender, but I understand why it's not. And I don't understand why these tractors have to idle at 1500 rpm's seems to high to me,but if that's the normal operating range then that's what it is. Ok to me, still one great tractor. Will update you guys with anything else I notice as I get more time in the seat.
