I checked the old manuals & it doesn't say anything about RPM's. I assume they just ran the 3600RPM deck at 2000? Definitely better to go slower than faster.The problem with these is the rear PTO is 2000 rpms, can be hard to find implements at the speed.
The MF1655/1855 had a rear mount mowing deck, you could also get a rear tiller, JD I believe had a rear tiller at 2000 rpm.