2520 - Running Out Of Power

megaboz · May 25, 2011

I've noticed that when backing up steep grades running the mower deck I lose power, too me big power even when going slow. Running at 2700 RPMs, I have seen the RPMs drop to 1200 when running the belly mower.

I've tried going slow, and even then I lose 500 to 700 RPMs.

This is all in LOW range, not Hi.

Anyone else have similar experiences?

Gizmo2 · May 26, 2011

Isn't reverse a higher gear ratio in these tractors?

PCABE5 · May 26, 2011

I was working mine a week or two ago and with loader on, 72" deck mowing and in low range I could drop it down 200-500rpm. My hill is a 10% or greater hill. You need to take yours in and get it checked. I was pulling my trailer yesterday with a couple yards of dirt and I didn't go over 1300rpm up small hills.

classic · May 26, 2011

Is your tractor new? I have a 2320 and it was only 11 HP. We put it on the dino for an hour. Power came up to 18 where it should be. They need to be worked hard to break 'em in.

Gizmo2 · May 26, 2011

megaboz,
You didn't have the reverse pedal to the floor did you?

megaboz · May 26, 2011

I have tried everything, reverse to the floor shuts the tractor off, I've tried variable speeds, it just loses a lot of power no matter what. If I creep about one MPH it does ok, not great but ok.

Sadly, now it is kinda of whining (making a high pitch noise in a forward gear now) kind of like it is struggling. I'm beginning to think there is something wrong with the with the whole hydro static.

Several times today I noticed a some power loss in forward gear in low range when climbing hills.

With 7 hours on it, I am starting to worry.

pdp11 · May 27, 2011

I don't mow on very steep grades, but I've never had a loss of power like you describe while running the MMM. I have 60 hours on my 2520.

charleyfarmall · May 27, 2011

You need to have the dealer come look at it.

jenkinsph · May 27, 2011

charleyfarmall said:
You need to have the dealer come look at it.

Agreed. ^^^^^

tomd999 · May 27, 2011

Hi,

I would check the fluid level. Is there fluid in the sight glass when on level ground? Did you pull the dipstick and verify the level? (it's below the range selector lever, you'll need a rod to hook the dipstick and pull it out.)

Hydrostats make noise if the pump picks up air and they don't have any power at that point either. (The guy next door found this out on his Cub lawn tractor last year)

If your backing up a hill and the fluid level is low you could be uncovering the pickup for the pump which I believe is to the rear on the 2x20 series. (not 100% on that though)

Tom