Help a brother out: Is e-Hydro safe for haying operations?

[Wobblin-Goblin]

I've heard rumors here and there that hydro transmissions aren't very good for haying, as the constant "same speed" towing for hours can hurt the hydro transmission.

Is this true...or is the JD e-Hydro developed enough (and stout enough) to handle haying for hours?

I have a twinkle in my eye for a new 4520 and would prefer the e-Hydro because I do a fair amount of loader work as well...but the PowrReverser would do I suppose.

Anybody with answers on this?

 

[Bird]

I'm no mechanic, engineer, etc., so I can't say for sure, but I guess everyone has heard that manual gears are better for constant speeds, especially with ground engaging equipment such as plows. So you can take what I say for what it's worth.

When I was helping a neighbor with hay work, he wanted me to run his bigger tractor with the baler while he did the raking, and he had an old Farmall Super H that he was using to do the raking. Well, it broke down early in the day once, so we got my little B7100 Kubota and he continued raking the rest of the day with that. I don't remember how many hours he ran it, but it stared with a full tank of fuel and he ran out. I had to bleed the injectors, refuel it, etc. and he continued the rest of the day.

I later had a Kubota B2710 and used a 5' brush hog with it. Three times I mowed for a neighbor on a job that took about 21 to 22 hours and I did it each time in 2 days. So I ran that little Kubota 11 to 12 hours at PTO speed in mid-range.

I sure can't tell you how well that e-hydro John Deere will last, but personally I wouldn't be afraid to work it in the hayfield.

 

[KB9UDE]

I bought a JD 4120 Power Reverser for loader operation. I love it!!!

John

 

[nmu98]

That makes little sense as most jobs a tractor does in the field are a constant speed for many hours on end. I know that gears might be better for heavy duty ground engaging, but I think thats mostly for power since the hydro does eat a bit of power. As long as you have a tractor large enough for the job, the hydro will be reliable and stay cool.

 

[ddivinia]

I've heard rumors here and there that hydro transmissions aren't very good for haying, as the constant "same speed" towing for hours can hurt the hydro transmission.

Is this true...or is the JD e-Hydro developed enough (and stout enough) to handle haying for hours?

I have a twinkle in my eye for a new 4520 and would prefer the e-Hydro because I do a fair amount of loader work as well...but the PowrReverser would do I suppose.

Anybody with answers on this?

What part fo the hay work are you doing with it?

I use my 4720 to pull a rake and move round bales.

You will want the $75 cruise option - your ankle will get tired.

D.

 

[Wobblin-Goblin]

At the very least, if I buy a 4520, it will do the mowing (haybine) and bailing (squares).

The raking will most likely be done with the Massey or my dad's JD 850.

We have about 40 acres of hayfield.

 

[ddivinia]

Don't overheat it and I think you will be fine. There is a screen in front of the radiator - make sure you keep it clean.

D.

 

[mark.r]

I wouldn't hesitate to use it. I don't see how it is any different than using it to brush cut or finish cut large acreage. I plan on using my DK HST for raking eventually but for the mean time I'am looking for a small disc mower and square baler for smaller pastures. I do use if for lots of loader work and bale moving now.

 

[VABlue]

I'd think if the hydro wasn't sturdy enough to be used for working a field - any work - then JD (or any other make) wouldn't install them on the bigger machines. The only problem I see with a hydro would be holding down the go-pedal. Make sure you have cruise control!

 

[Wildcat Ranch]

We have used our hydro 3720 to Rolabar rake and even pull a small NH baler. It had plenty of power just the physical size is too small. Can't lift the rake off the ground but it handled the NH baler fine. No way it could even think of pulling the JD 327....

Since I bought the TN65, we only use the 3720 to tedder with a two basket. Its used mostly for loader work, pulling a 6' flail mower and 6' rototiller and spraying with a 100-150 3pt sprayer. Like ddivinia said, get the full cruise kit. When we bought the tractor, it came with cruise control only. It was a real pain to reset the speed every time you stopped the tractor. We bought the extra controls from JD (I don't remember how much $$) and within an hour I had the 2 switches in. Now once you set the cruise speed. all you have to do is push the switch and it brings you back up to the same speed. It also has a limiter switch. If your doing loader work and do not want to go above a certain speed. Last, there is a 'strength?' switch that I only use if I'm carry something with the forks thats ready to topple over at the slightest jerk.

Personaly, I prefer a clutch and gears because it feels more positive but there is nothing like getting into tight places and directional changing like a hydro. Also, you can crawl along at .2mph if you wish.

I have driven a 4x20 with the power reverser. Pretty sure it was 4720 but not positive. Very nice tractor!! I'm sure that tractor would be big enough but it all depends on what size equipment. My only concern for the hydro would be if you work it hard, that it won't last as long as a geared tranny.

Dan

 

[ddivinia]

We have used our hydro 3720 to Rolabar rake and even pull a small NH baler. It had plenty of power just the physical size is too small. Can't lift the rake off the ground but it handled the NH baler fine. No way it could even think of pulling the JD 327....

Since I bought the TN65, we only use the 3720 to tedder with a two basket. Its used mostly for loader work, pulling a 6' flail mower and 6' rototiller and spraying with a 100-150 3pt sprayer. Like ddivinia said, get the full cruise kit. When we bought the tractor, it came with cruise control only. It was a real pain to reset the speed every time you stopped the tractor. We bought the extra controls from JD (I don't remember how much $$) and within an hour I had the 2 switches in. Now once you set the cruise speed. all you have to do is push the switch and it brings you back up to the same speed. It also has a limiter switch. If your doing loader work and do not want to go above a certain speed. Last, there is a 'strength?' switch that I only use if I'm carry something with the forks thats ready to topple over at the slightest jerk.

Personaly, I prefer a clutch and gears because it feels more positive but there is nothing like getting into tight places and directional changing like a hydro. Also, you can crawl along at .2mph if you wish.

I have driven a 4x20 with the power reverser. Pretty sure it was 4720 but not positive. Very nice tractor!! I'm sure that tractor would be big enough but it all depends on what size equipment. My only concern for the hydro would be if you work it hard, that it won't last as long as a geared tranny.

Dan

Any proof on the last as long as a geared tranny? I would think that it might out last a geared tranny in many ways.

D.

 

[Wildcat Ranch]

ddivinia, I don't know for a fact. For loader work, I can see where a hydro would be less 'wear and tear' but for straight line work? I was just giving my opinion. Maybe someone more knowledgeable can comment.

Dan

 

[4720 OWNER]

Did some discing with 4720 hst. Wow lots easier with the cab and such, basically could just relax and let the tractor have its way with the field and listen to the barely heard rocks bounce off the disc blades. Have driven gear as well and if there is a choice i prefer the hst with computer assist to do my work, plus the a/c is awful nice on a hot day. And with the snow removal can just about take it at leisure knowing will be snug as bug in rug even if blowing and snowing. Cannot say as far as longevity or other issues, but the new gear ones are almost as complicated electronically as the hst under the hood.

 

[DK_Farms]

I have a 4610 HST that I use for raking and square baling. I have also bush hogged with an MX-6 for hours at a time. It has 600+ hours and it doesn't seem to be bothered by continuous operation. If you get one, make sure you order the cruise control.

 

[Briana03]

I moved your thread to the new Haying forum!