Deere Adds Hydraulic Down Pressure Option On 3PH

npalen · Dec 24, 2015

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

4570Man · Dec 24, 2015

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 · Dec 24, 2015

4570Man said:
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 · Dec 24, 2015

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 · Dec 25, 2015

4570Man said:
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 · Dec 25, 2015

MtnViewRanch said:
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 · Dec 25, 2015

4570Man said:
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 · Dec 25, 2015

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 · Dec 25, 2015

MtnViewRanch said:
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 · Dec 25, 2015

buickanddeere said:
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.