Towing Machine (Engine Operational)

If a transmission failure prevents the machine from moving under its own power, manually release park brake before towing the machine.

If the engine can be started and operated to provide hydraulic pressure to the park brake valves, the following procedure can be used to enable the park brake tow (release) mode. When the tow mode is enabled, the manual and automatic modes are still active. However, the release mode disengages the park brake and ensures that the transmission is not power locked regardless of the multifunction control handle position and regardless of any fault conditions.

The park brake button on the armrest control console controls the park brake mode. The park brake mode goes from manual ON to automatic mode when the park brake button is first pressed. The second time the button is pressed the park brake goes from automatic to manual OFF mode. The third time the button is pressed the park brake goes back to manual ON mode. This sequence of three modes continues each time the park brake button is pressed while tow mode is enabled. Cycling ignition switch power off and then on deactivates tow mode.

IMPORTANT: Operator presence is required to disengage the park brake. Exiting seat causes brake to re-engage.

NOTE: If the engine cannot be started to provide hydraulic means to release the park brake, or there are failures which prevent the park brake release, then mechanical means of allowing tow mode is required. See your John Deere dealer.

  1. N88049
    N88049-UN-18MAR10

    N93479
    N93479-UN-08JUL11

    Menu Screen

    N86362
    N86362-UN-19AUG09

    Message Center Screen

    A - Menu Button

    B - Selection Dial

    C - Confirm Button

    D - Info Icon

    E - Diagnostic Addresses Icon

    Press the menu button (A).


  2. Using selection dial (B), highlight info icon (D) and press confirm button (C). Message center screen appears.

  3. Highlight diagnostic addresses icon (E) and press confirm button. Device selection screen appears.

  4. N86355
    N86355-UN-25AUG09

    Device Selection Screen

    N88169
    N88169-UN-23MAR10

    Device Drop-down List

    N88214
    N88214-UN-23MAR10

    Device Diagnostic Address Menu

    A - Device Drop-down Box

    B - Device Identifier PTP.001

    C - Down Arrow

    Highlight device drop-down box (A) and press confirm button.


  5. Using selection dial, scroll down and highlight device identifier PTP.001 (B). Press confirm button. Device diagnostic address menu appears.

  6. Highlight down arrow (C) and press confirm button until diagnostic address 120 appears on screen.

  7. N88215
    N88215-UN-23MAR10

    Diagnostic Address Selection

    A - Diagnostic Address 120

    Highlight diagnostic address 120 (A) and press confirm button. Diagnostic address input screen appears.


  8. N88216
    N88216-UN-23MAR10

    Diagnostic Address Input Screen

    A - Input Box

    Highlight the value in input box (A) and press confirm button.


  9. N88217
    N88217-UN-23MAR10

    Tow Mode Activation

    A - Input Box

    B - Enter Icon

    Use selection dial to change value in input box (A) to 1 and press confirm button. Highlight enter icon (B) and press confirm button to save value. Machine is now in tow mode.


  10. Park brake LED is illuminated steady, indicating that park brake is engaged. To disengage park brake, press park brake button two times. The following sequence occurs as button is pressed:

    • Press one – normal automatic mode (LED flashing, park brake engaged with multifunction control handle in Neutral)
    • Press two – manual OFF mode (LED OFF, park brake OFF)
    • Press three – manual ON mode (LED steady on, park brake engaged)

  11. N96253
    N96253-UN-13DEC11

    Tow Hook

    A - Tow Hook

    Attach tow chain to tow hook (A) on front main frame axle. Be certain that chain does not contact any hydraulic lines. Move row units as necessary to provide adequate room for chain.


  12. Tow machine in forward direction. Have driver in operator’s seat to steer machine.

  13. After towing operation is complete, cycle ignition switch power with key to return park brake to normal operation.

DP99999,000079E-19-20111213