1026R: ballast, PTO cover, break-in time?

chelydra · Nov 6, 2011

Just getting familiar with the new SCUT, so a few questions:

1. The mid-PTO came without any kind of cover, and dealer wasn't aware of one. But I don't like to leave it bare while doing loader work on rough ground. There are two screws that look like they might be made to mount a hard cover. Can someone please advise?

2. With my previous tractor, break-in gave a noticeable increase in power over the first 50 hours or so. What's a good break-in time for the 1026? How many easy hours before safely running max RPM or high engine loading?

I'm also wondering why JD puts the idle so high; Kioti CK20 was set for about 800 RPM, and seemed happy (and quiet) there.

3. I was able to pack bricks into the ballast box to a fill factor of at least 95%, saving an inch on top to store two 20' chains. If it weighs 374 lbs full of concrete (per manual), that ought to give me about 350#. Is that about right for max loader capacity? I was trying to guess CoG position with full loader, and guessing it will still be well back of front wheels. Would prefer to keep rear weight only as high as needed, to improve front traction.

Thanks for info from more experienced owners.

beenthere · Nov 7, 2011

Regards 1.
The cover shows as a part number LVU21989

chelydra · Nov 9, 2011

beenthere said:
Regards 1.
The cover shows as a part number LVU21989

Appreciate that, beenthere. Didn't find it in the on-line parts diagram; now I know where to look.

Tried to buy the spline cover from JD on-line parts counter; it wouldn't accept the number. Called dealer, who says he can't get it either. Guess it's not actually in production yet.

I am curious. Not everyone buys a mower, and a lot of us have mid-PTO attachments on only part of the time. Isn't spline damage when doing loader or brush hog work in rough terrain an issue with such a low ground clearance?

Guess I'll look for a simple plastic/rubber cover at local dealers until the real thing is available.

Thanks-

chelydra

beenthere · Nov 9, 2011

I don't think you will have to worry about spline damage. Doubt you will have a problem as the splines will stand up to as much or more than the tin can cover (which IMO just keeps the dust off). Best to avoid the belly dropping onto any rocks or heavy logs that might damage a lot of belly parts if it happens.

But getting the cover will make you feel good about it.

tomd999 · Nov 11, 2011

Hiya,

If you want a PTO shaft cover, go talk to the mechanics around back. New tractors with factory mid PTO's come with a cover over the stub shaft. They are the same size as the cover for the rear PTO.

One mechanic I asked said he must have thrown hundreds of them away over the years.

BTW, the screws stay in, the covers have slots for the screws to slip in and spring tabs to provide tension so the cover stays on.

Tom

megotatractor · Nov 12, 2011

beenthere said:
I don't think you will have to worry about spline damage. Doubt you will have a problem as the splines will stand up to as much or more than the tin can cover (which IMO just keeps the dust off). Best to avoid the belly dropping onto any rocks or heavy logs that might damage a lot of belly parts if it happens.

But getting the cover will make you feel good about it.

I agree, don't think it would be a problem. If you're working around big rocks and stumps that can hit up in that area then I'd be more worried about the hydro oil filter and other stuff that's up under there. Maybe make a plate that covers the entire bottom?

formulabruce · May 18, 2012

My new 1026 Idles at 1500, and no "rated" mark ( on the tach) as other JD I have owned. Seems high, but I am a bit new to compacts, or subs with hydrostatic drive.
Need to add my neighbors trademark thick angle bar to the weak bucket with chain slots and find the rockshaft for some pressure improvement

megaboz · May 18, 2012

As far as the shaft. I really wouldn't worry about it. But that is my opinion. But as someone else said you will destroy something else first.

As for the ballast, what I have found when in 2wd, the rear tires don't have enough traction (seems most of the traction comes from front tires in 4wd when negotiating hills go down) so the rear weight is a plus.

Having the rear weight with the loader really isn't a bad idea. Didn't realize the need until I got one.