Draft control - Newbie needs help

4110guy · Dec 15, 2005

Hi all,
First, I want to thank TBN and all of it's members. I spent a lot of time here researching before buying my first tractor. It really shows the value of the Internet. I debated between the Mahindra 4110 or the NH TC40A. I just got my new 4110 Mahindra w/ FEL and I am very happy so far. I plan on giving back by writing a review, but I going to spend some time with it first. I posted some pics, if anyones interested. Today, besides becoming a member, I've been reading the forums on operation and safety.
So, to my question. I have a grasp on everything so far but the draft control. The manual is misprinted, and only says a few lines anyway. I was thinking this would cause positive down pressure on the 3pt hitch, but playing with it I know that not the case. The diagram shows a range of FREE FLOATING, Scope of the draft control, ASCENT. I've been using a grader blade to smooth my driveway(that was in desperate need). Any info would be appreciated. Rick

P.S. This is what the manual says verbatim:
"Soil engaging implements can be set for precision work by using draft control. By mounting the lever forward. The depth increase & by moving the lever backwards the depth increases."

6or7dazeaweek · Dec 15, 2005

Rick: From one "newbie" to another...welcome aboard. I've yet to take the plunge....I was waiting the results of some medical tests before spending that kind of money and NOW that the results are in, I'm good to go. Might be green, might be orange, might be any color at the moment. I do like the green dealer that's close by.

I bought Muhammed's book on TBN and it's a wealth of information for us newbies. From what I understand about draft, it is an adjustment that helps to keep 3pt implements from digging in to deeply. I too was under the impression that it was an adjustment of "down pressure" but that's not the case. I'm pretty certain it only allows the implement to dig in so far and then it drafts the implement back to the original setting?

I may be wrong and I'm certain that there are better explainations out there from other members. Can anyone else help Rick out?
Jon

redlevel · Dec 15, 2005

Here's a recent thread.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/showflat.php/Cat/0/Board/genbuy/Number/768601/page/0/view//sb/5/o/all/fpart/1/vc/1

redlevel · Dec 15, 2005

Harry Ferguson is credited with inventing draft control and getting his "Ferguson System" patented some 80 years ago. Here is a good description of the concept from another website:

http://www.ytmag.com/articles/artint261.htm

4110guy · Dec 15, 2005

Thank, Redlevel. The links were helpful. I searched the forums prior to posting, I didn't find that one, sorry.

I understand what it does now, and I guess I can just play with it until I get the hang of it. But can anyone elaborate on using it? If it's all the way back, say, it would be off. So the more you engage, it the more load on the tractor required before the hitch lifts, or vice versa? Do you vary the DC to vary the depth? Am I making any sence? Thanks again.

Soundguy · Dec 15, 2005

I'm not sure how YOUR draft control works.. but the draft setup that ferguson used on the 3pt was a feedback issue on the toplink. With the handle all the way forward.. the implement is basically 'unresponsive' to draft ( force sucking it into the ground ). and won't raise. As you move the 3pt handle back.. the draft response becomes more sensitive, meaning that it takes less and less pressure to make the lift react, and move the implement up. In the all the way up position, generally the implement is 'raised' as in transport mode. generally 1 handle is draft on/off, and the other handle is lift control.

Some units also use 2 levers.. a 3pt position control lever, with a constant draft lever next to it, setting draft on/off.. or in between with some level of sensing always on. My 'old' fords used just a single lever.. on/ off on the draft, and then the lift handle set the draft. On my newer NH tractor.. the draft handle is of/on, plus setting draft level, and position control handle works in conjunction with the other.

Soundguy

SteveM · Dec 15, 2005

I would bet (never worked that Mahindra model) that it is simply a float setting, there in the back blade will simply drag along the surface of the ground, with no pressure what so ever. One thing is nearly certain, the 3pt does not have the capability to push 'down' only to lift...unless that is a very unusual setup in the Mahindra.

Charolais · Dec 15, 2005

Been driving tractors since 1958 and the only time I ever used draft control was pulling the bottom/moldboard plow and a few other tillage implements. In today's min-till or no-till style I have two tractors that I've never used the draft control. For myself I have little use for it today.

Draft control is a great option for turning soil with the mold board plow. It was a great invention.

4110guy · Dec 15, 2005

The 4110 has 2 levers, position and draft, from playing with it today, draft is virtually off when the draft level is full forward. From reading about it, I know that mine uses the heavy spring at the top link. My ignorance may show, but I was amazed watching it follow the contour of terraces I crossed. I didn't know this feature existed. I can see it saving a lot of constantly looking back and adjusting the position lever. The Mahindra doesn't have any down force, that was my mistake when I was trying to figure out what draft was. I figure I'll just keep playing with it until I get a feel for it. Unfortunately my driveway may get worst before it gets better /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif Thanks again.

MMM · Dec 15, 2005

Might cause a wavy driveway as you meet various resistances to implement. In other words, hitch will allow full weight/bite of implement in easy, soft spots, and lift when engaging a tough spot. This is opposite of what I want when grading. Your drive could be different from mine.