John Deere 1200A

Forward and reverse foot control

The foot control design of the 1200A increases productivity with ease of operation. To change from forward to reverse, a convenient pedal system is located on the left side of the foot platform, allowing for quick and easy engagement with the touch of a toe. 

To select the forward gear, simply press the front pedal forward. To switch to reverse, press the rear foot pedal rearward. Neutral position is required for starting, and can easily be located by utilizing the bar welded to the foot platform.

Differential lock

Also located to the left side is the lever for the differential lock. Simply engage by pressing down with the left heel. 

NOTE:  Differential lock should only be activated when the unit is at a complete stop or damage to the transaxle may occur.

Brake and throttle foot controls

The brake engagement is located on the right side of the foot platform.  A foot-activated transaxle disc brake allows for quick and controlled stops. To activate the parking brake, simply step on the brake pedal and engage the retaining lever.  To de-activate the parking brake, simply disengage the retaining lever by pushing forward with the right foot or toe.

Also located to the right side of the operator platform is the throttle pedal.  To move the 1200A, simply select the direction of travel on the left hand side, disengage the parking brake, and press on the throttle pedal.  The further the pedal is pushed, the faster you will go. The maximum speed is 12.6 mph (20.3 km/h).

NOTE: Revving the engine or failing to brake to a complete stop prior to changing from forward to reverse and vice versa will result in gear clash and may damage the machine.

Drive system

The torque converter and transaxle design delivers a 164-to-1 gear ratio for excellent pulling and pushing power. The belt from torque converter is permanently engaged, greatly reducing the potential of belt wear. A durable Kanzaki® transaxle with a differential lock allows for increased traction and reliability.

The rear differential design allows for the 1200A to turn on a tight 12-in. (305-mm) turning radius for outstanding maneuverability, yielding high productivity.  Speeds are variable in forward and reverse from 0 mph to 12.6 mph (0 km/h to 20.3 km/h), providing excellent raking quality at reduced ground speeds without sacrificing quick transport from bunker to bunker.

Kanzaki is a U.S.-registered trademark of Kanzaki Kokyukoki Manufacturing Company.

Raising the hinged rear fiberglass cowling exposes the air-cooled, four-cycle, overhead valve engine. This engine features a powerful 401-cc-cc single-cylinder design, which generates 13.5 hp (10.1 kW)*.

• High torque for pulling power
• Fuel efficient for lower operating cost and extended operating range
• 3.6-U.S. gal. (13.6 L) fuel tank for long hours of operation with leaded or unleaded gasoline
• Full-pressure lubrication and oil filter for good reliability
• Low vibration for long component life and operator comfort
• *At 3600 rpm. Engine manufacturer gross power tested in accordance with SAE J1995. The engine hp and torque information are provided by the engine manufacturer for comparison purposes only. Actual operating hp and torque will be less. Refer to the engine manufacturer’s website for additional information.

Knobby tire option

High flotation tires are inflated to a low 6 psi (41.4 kPa) to minimize ground compaction.  Two tire treads are offered:

• Knobby is for increased traction in bunkers, two-ply design.
• Turf is for reduced marking in turf applications, such as spiking greens. This tread is also an excellent choice for baseball applications, four-ply design. 

Both tire options feature a 22.5x10-8 front tire and two 25x12-9 rear tires. 

The 41.5-in. (105.4-cm) wheelbase provides good stability on steep inclines.

Instrumentation and controls

All instrumentation and operator controls are located on the front dash for ease of use and premium visibility.  These include:

• Hour meter to keep track of service intervals
• Voltage indicator to monitor for proper charging of the 12-V power circuit
• Ignition switch on right hand side of the console for quick and easy starting
• Easy-to-reach optional front light switch, mounted on the left side
• Choke control on left hand side of console for easier cold starts
• Easy access to the rear implement lift and lower switch, located on the right side of the dash

A heavy-duty air filter is standard equipment on the 1200A Bunker and Field Rake.  Featuring a cyclone design, this dual element filter can eject 90 percent to 95 percent of dust particles before they reach the paper element core.  This reduces overall maintenance costs through less cleaning and replacement.