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How to Use Manual Mode & Set Speed Buttons on Your John Deere E23 Transmission

Understanding E23 Transmission Operation for Safe and Efficient Tractor Control

If you operate a John Deere tractor with the E23 Transmission, understanding Manual Mode and Set Speed buttons will help you maximize control and efficiency in the field. This guide covers how to choose transmission modes, set safe speeds, and use Efficiency Manager, based on practical examples presented by Koenig Equipment.

What is the E23 Transmission?

The E23 Transmission offers three operation modes:

  • Manual

  • Custom

  • Full Auto

Most situations recommend using Full Auto, but Manual Mode gives you complete control for specific operational needs like backing up safely or precision speed adjustments.

Checking & Changing Transmission Modes

  1. Go to your tractor’s run page.

  2. Look at the bottom of the transmission pod on your display.

  3. Select the transmission pod to enter transmission settings.

  4. You can operate in Manual, Custom, or Full Auto mode.

Tip: Full Auto is best for most operations; Manual Mode is ideal when you want full control over gear and throttle.

Setting Maximum Speeds for Safety

  • Within transmission settings, you can set maximum allowable speeds, especially for reverse.

  • Example: If 8mph in reverse is too fast, adjust to a safer speed to prevent accidental high-speed backing up.

Using Manual Mode

Manual Mode keeps operation similar to older 16-speed PowerShift transmissions:

  • Use the shift lever for gear changes between forward and reverse.

  • Scroll wheel is present but disabled for speed changes unless you use a Set Speed button.

  • For speed adjustments, use the throttle and shift up to higher gears manually.

How Set Speed Buttons Work in Manual Mode

Set Speed 1 and Set Speed 2 transform transmission operation:

  • Pressing a Set Speed button allows the scroll wheel to adjust the chosen set speed.

  • When activated, efficiency features engage (“automatic type mode”): the tractor shifts up and throttles back to reach your set speed efficiently.

Example Usage:

  1. Engage forward gear.

  2. Press Set Speed 1.

  3. Use scroll wheel to set your desired speed (e.g., 3mph).

  4. Full throttle is required to reach the set speed; the tractor will shift gears and adjust RPM automatically for best efficiency.

  5. You can toggle between Set Speed 1 and Set Speed 2 (e.g., 3mph and 9mph) for quick operation changes.

Note: Adjusting throttle affects actual speed, not the set speed target.

Efficiency Manager

When using Set Speed buttons, the tractor's Efficiency Manager automatically:

  • Shifts up and throttles back as needed.

  • Maintains desired speed while optimizing fuel efficiency.

Common Questions

Q: Can I change speeds without Set Speed buttons in Manual Mode?
A: No, speed changes require gear shifts and throttle adjustments unless a Set Speed button is active.

Q: Why won’t my scroll wheel adjust speed in Manual Mode?
A: The scroll wheel only works when a Set Speed button is pressed.

Q: How do I set max speeds for safety?
A: Access transmission settings in your display and adjust the max speed under “eco” and RPM settings.

Q: What happens if I lower throttle while in Set Speed mode?
A: Actual speed drops, but the set speed target doesn’t change.