Grading First Usage of the DK4210SE HST

Pete in Reno NV · Oct 7, 2019

Today I took out the new tractor for its (and mine) maiden voyage as a first time owner/user. We have about two miles of trails for the ATVs that were cut into the property last year when I had fire breaks built around the property perimeter. I had to clear brush and weeds that threatened to obscure the trails. I used an LR2072 landscape rake, made several passes and it did the trick.
I noticed on several occasions when I was climbing grade (nothing really steep) but with materials and debris loading up the rake, the engine would stall and quit. I壇 put the parking brake on, put it in neutral and lift the rake and it would start right back each time. It seems the combination of the grade and weight of materials built up in front of the rake caused the stalls. Is this common, avoidable or just typical for an old city boy with a farm implement? Thanks.

JimR · Oct 7, 2019

Pete in Reno NV said:
Today I took out the new tractor for its (and mine) maiden voyage as a first time owner/user. We have about two miles of trails for the ATVs that were cut into the property last year when I had fire breaks built around the property perimeter. I had to clear brush and weeds that threatened to obscure the trails. I used an LR2072 landscape rake, made several passes and it did the trick.
I noticed on several occasions when I was climbing grade (nothing really steep) but with materials and debris loading up the rake, the engine would stall and quit. Iå£‡ put the parking brake on, put it in neutral and lift the rake and it would start right back each time. It seems the combination of the grade and weight of materials built up in front of the rake caused the stalls. Is this common, avoidable or just typical for an old city boy with a farm implement? Thanks.

What gear are you in and what RPM are you running at? You should be running the RPM's up around 2000 plus and in a gear suitable for the incline so that the tractor is not bogging down.

Threepoint · Oct 7, 2019

Pete, also, since this is your first HST tractor, keep in mind that the HST is not like the automatic transmission in your car or truck. When you are climbing a grade, or pulling an implement like a rake or box blade that is gathering material, you can't just keep pressing the forward pedal harder and harder as you begin to slow in order to retain your speed. The transmission is not going to downshift to a lower range for you, so pressing harder can actually make things worse. Try easing up on the pedal until the rpm recovers. Or come to a stop, shift to a lower range, and start off again. It may take you awhile to get used to how the HST responds in each of the three ranges that you have.

Pete in Reno NV · Oct 7, 2019

Thanks all. Obviously I just slapped it up from neutral and never touched the gear. I was treating it like a car tranny. Can’t wait to jump back on the horse tomorrow.

coldsteelva · Oct 8, 2019

High range for travel, mid-range for flats/easy work, low for climbing with a load (or increasing resistance). Always keep those RPMs up though - maximize the hydro flow.

Thomas · Oct 8, 2019

As others already said most of all don't lug down the engine...enjoy your new investment. :thumbsup:

JimR · Oct 8, 2019

Is it a learning experience that you will figure out eventually. Enjoy your new tractor and never bog it down. These tractors work better at high RPM's and that keeps the soot from building up inside your DPF canister (exhaust system).

Pete in Reno NV · Oct 8, 2019

Thanks to everyone for their guidance. Now that I’ve been schooled on gearing, I think I need a grading scraper. I have a half mile plus gravel driveway. I was given a $44,000 quote to blacktop it which is pointless since the driveway spills out to another 2.3 mile gravel country/private road. I think a grading scraper would help make the gravel driveway more tolerable.

MtnViewRanch · Oct 8, 2019

Pete in Reno NV said:
Thanks to everyone for their guidance. Now that I’ve been schooled on gearing, I think I need a grading scraper. I have a half mile plus gravel driveway. I was given a $44,000 quote to blacktop it which is pointless since the driveway spills out to another 2.3 mile gravel country/private road. I think a grading scraper would help make the gravel driveway more tolerable.

Any chance of a few pictures of the drive that you will be maintaining? This can make a difference as to what might be recommended for your use.

While a LPGS (land plane grading scraper) typically is GREAT for road maintenance, it often is not all that is required though.

Just an FYI if you don't already know this, but weight is your friend when it comes to grading. Any grading implement that you get, get the heaviest unit that you can afford that your tractor will handle to capacity in most of your applications.