The Best John Deere 1025R Upgrades (From the Guy Who Makes Them)

I bought a John Deere 1025R, found a handful of things that annoyed me, and started making parts to fix them — first for myself, then for a few thousand other owners. These are the upgrades I'd put on a new 1025R first, in the order I'd actually do them.

Everything here is made in the USA, made to order, and guaranteed to fit your 1025R. You can see the full list any time on the 1025R parts page.

New to the 1025R? If you only do one thing, start with #1 — it heads off the most expensive problem on this list.

1. Stop the front-axle leak before it starts — $35

This is the one I'd do first. The factory seals the front axle tight, and as the oil heats up and expands it pushes past the seals — that's the weeping you eventually find on the garage floor. My Front Axle Vented Dipstick replaces the factory plug and gives that pressure a filtered place to escape.

Want the full story on why this happens? Read Compact Tractor Front-Axle Leak: The Real Cause and the Fix.

2. Lose the key for the hood — $10

If you've ever stabbed at that little slot with your key or a screwdriver just to pop the hood, the Hood Latch Button is a five-minute swap you'll appreciate every time — especially with gloves on.

3. A diff-lock pedal your boot can actually find — $12

The factory differential lock bar is narrow and easy to slip off right when you need it. The Differential Lock Pedal presses on over the bar and gives you a bigger, textured pad — easier to hit by feel, muddy boots and all.

4. Plug the floor holes — $17

The open holes in the floorboard are mud and debris magnets. The Floor Caps press right in and make cleanup a whole lot faster after a wet day.

5. Tighten up the 3-point — $5

Over time the plastic rails around the 3-point stop lock can flex and the lock starts to feel sloppy. The 3pt Lock Clasp braces those rails — a tiny part that makes the hitch feel positive again.

A few more worth a look

Once you've got the essentials, these round things out:

• Loader Tee Handle — a T-grip that replaces the factory loader knob for better leverage.
• Mower Height Adjustment Knob — a bigger, easier-to-turn knob for your belly mower.
• ROPS Rattle Saver — kills the clank when you run with the ROPS folded.

The easy way: grab them together

If you'd rather not order one at a time, I bundle them and knock a few bucks off:

• The Originals — the first three parts I ever made (diff pedal, 3pt clasp, hood latch). The easiest way into the catalog, $5 off.
• The Ultimate JD Compact Tractor Pack — the six I run on my own 1025R, $14 off and shipped free.

Frequently asked questions

Will these fit a 1026R or 2025R too?

Most of them, yes. The 1026R is essentially the same machine — here's the full comparison. The 2025R fits as well; just pick your exact model at checkout.

Are these genuine John Deere parts?

No — they're parts I design and make myself to fit John Deere compacts. They're not OEM, and that's the point: most of these fix things Deere never made a part for.

What if it doesn't fit?

Then I'll make it right with a replacement or a refund. Not sure before you buy? Email a photo to sales@rob-makes.com and I'll confirm.

— Rob