Deere Adds Hydraulic Down Pressure Option On 3PH

[npalen]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iKJUxLgniik
Video shows some uses of the down pressure.

 

[4570Man]

I can't imagine it being very useful except for drilling post holes. It just takes weight off the rear tires decreasing the draw bar pull .

 

[MtnViewRanch]

I can't imagine it being very useful except for drilling post holes. It just takes weight off the rear tires decreasing the draw bar pull .

Yes, but the pressure is put on the front axle, so as long as you are in 4x4 mode you actually have not lost all that much traction. So I hope that they beefed up the front axles and the rest of the driveline to be able to handle this feature if used on a regular basis.

Don't get me wrong, I am in favor of using heavy implements instead of the 3pt down pressure system. Another problem with this feature is that it makes a light duty implement cut like a heavy duty implement. Ultimately if this was relied on with a light duty implement, the implement would end up failing in some manor simply because it is not built to take the stresses that can be put on it because of the additional hundreds of pounds of down pressure that can be exerted.

Just trying to understand JD reasoning is all. :confused3:

 

[4570Man]

Some pressure is transferred to the front axle, but the most of it is transferred to the 3 point implement. Also when you went over a dip wouldn't it hold the rear wheels off the ground?

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Some pressure is transferred to the front axle, but the most of it is transferred to the 3 point implement. Also when you went over a dip wouldn't it hold the front wheels off the ground?

No, wouldn't it force the wheels down into the dip? By forcing the 3pt down, that lifts the center. Lifting the center puts pressure down on the ends, thus the 3pt implement and the front tires.

 

[4570Man]

No, wouldn't it force the wheels down into the dip? By forcing the 3pt down, that lifts the center. Lifting the center puts pressure down on the ends, thus the 3pt implement and the front tires.

I meant to say rear wheels. When you went over a dip wouldn't the tractor sit on the front wheels and the 3 point implement letting the rear wheels spin in the air?

 

[MtnViewRanch]

I meant to say rear wheels. When you went over a dip wouldn't the tractor sit on the front wheels and the 3 point implement letting the rear wheels spin in the air?

Yes and just another reason that it does not seem like all that good of an idea to me and many others for that matter. Although the down pressure feature does not have to be used, and that is a good example of when NOT to use it. I know that if I were purchasing a new tractor that had that as an option, I would not bother, especially since there is some sort of problem with having a "T&T" system with the feature.

 

[jenkinsph]

zi looked at it out of curiosity but it does limit the other hydraulic options so it is a no go for me. Can't think of a reason I would need it either.

 

[buickanddeere]

Yes and just another reason that it does not seem like all that good of an idea to me and many others for that matter. Although the down pressure feature does not have to be used, and that is a good example of when NOT to use it. I know that if I were purchasing a new tractor that had that as an option, I would not bother, especially since there is some sort of problem with having a "T&T" system with the feature.

I recall when power steering was an option on tractors and highway vehicles. There were some people that would not order the PS option because they did not "need" it.
Down pressure desirable for use with post hole diggers , disk cultivators and sometimes moldboard ploughs.

 

[jenkinsph]

I recall when power steering was an option on tractors and highway vehicles. There were some people that would not order the PS option because they did not "need" it.
Down pressure desirable for use with post hole diggers , disk cultivators and sometimes moldboard ploughs.

I can see the benefits for the implements you mention but I use a backhoe mount auger, tillers and no moldboard ploughs.

Why get power steering either? Just let the mother in law do the driving as she is quite muscular and will tell you where to go anyway.

 

[JMER817]

I believe it is an option. Does not come standard. So if you feel the need for and want down pressure order it up. Otherwise pass on it.

 

[buickanddeere]

I can see the benefits for the implements you mention but I use a backhoe mount auger, tillers and no moldboard ploughs.

Why get power steering either? Just let the mother in law do the driving as she is quite muscular and will tell you where to go anyway.

I did not know that you had met my Mother in law .

 

[prs]

My mother-in-law can not be spared to steer the tractor. The tranny froze-up years ago and we need her to pull the rig as we cultivate the fields.

Frankly, I always wondered why all 3 point rock shafts did not/do no have down pressure. What a joy for sub-soiling or trenching; or jacking up the rear tires for service.

prs

 

[RoyJackson]

I see fairly limited use...but for those guys who add weight to a box blade or back blade...might be worth while

 

[MtnViewRanch]

I recall when power steering was an option on tractors and highway vehicles. There were some people that would not order the PS option because they did not "need" it.
Down pressure desirable for use with post hole diggers , disk cultivators and sometimes moldboard ploughs.

This is true, but just as Jenkinsph said, good for those implements. There are no positive sides to it for grading that I can think of. A down pressure kit can be had for less $$$ for a PHD, a moldboard plow shouldn't need it if used properly at the proper time, it pulls itself into the ground and a disk should be used under different conditions other than when it would need that additional weight.

So, to sum things up, it allows you to do things when in reality you should not be doing them. (Conditions are not really right) I understand that being a weekender myself. The right conditions are not always available when we need to do things. So while I suppose it has it's merits, I believe that it should be available without hindering other hydraulic alternatives on the machine.

As I have mentioned before, the additional stresses exerted on the lighter weight implements by the down force from the hitch will eventually lead to the implements failure simply because the implement does not have the physical mass to withstand the additional force that is applied, if applied on a regular basis.

 

[stuckmotor]

My Tractor Supply post hole auger, I think it's a County Line, has a screw on the end. So far, I've been pleased with the way it goes into the ground. My 3ph doesn't have down pressure.

 

[roadhunter]

I can certainly see some uses for it depending on how the machine was used. Post hole digger and box blade seem obvious but I'm sure there are more like with a disc where some weight or down pressure helps make the implement work better. For working gravel, driveways, snow, ice, etc it would handle more like a skip loader style tractor. Nice to have it as an option.

 

[medic3720]

I would add that this option would be great for a rototiller! I have a lot of clay around my place, and my tiller likes to bounce off the clay.

 

[LD1]

It only adds 500# of pressure. I assume there is a relief valve somewhere in the system to not exceed that.

The rear of the tractor weighs a good bit more than 500#. Going over a dip I would assume the tires would follow the ground.

I can see a real benefit for post hole digging. But for lifting the back of the tractor to change tires it will not.

 

[300UGUY]

I have a old Farmall that has down pressure. I can lift the rear of the tractor. I don't see it as being very useful. Even the phd, which I used on the Farmall quite a bit, the down pressure wasn't really useful. As far as rototilling, I think putting much down pressure on the tiller and tines would be a bad idea. A little slop is preferable, lets the implement move a bit, so as to not break things. I did break a rear blade on the Farmall, too much bite, and hit a root with the corner edge bent things up pretty good.