I just bought a 440 Steiner. Very nice machine, but....

[masseygreg]

That results in uneven cutting,and when you hit undulations it results in all of the weight coming off of the front tires. In fact there is a warning on the machine about never mowing without floating the deck.

 

[masseygreg]

My strategy is to use the 430 type weight transfer system. I'll need to fabricate upper mounts , but they are available and much simpler than the discontinued 440 system. I'll let you know when I get it done. Thanks for all your ideas.

 

[sandman2234]

I think the 525 used a hydraulic system to offset the weight. Never quite understood it, but it must have worked because I never had any issues like what you're having.
What I can't understand is how a weight in front of an articulated machine can take weight off the front axle. With the hydraulic lift being attached to the front half, how does it do that?
Mine came with a rear weight bar with weights, so the rear end always had plenty of weight, which could be transferred to the front axle via the hydraulic set-up.
Yeah, I am no help at all with this issue!
David from jax

 

[oldnslo]

I think the 525 used a hydraulic system to offset the weight. Never quite understood it, but it must have worked because I never had any issues like what you're having.

Best guess is there was a valve like a pressure reducing valve keeping a constant pressure on the lift side of the cylinder supporting some of the weight.

What I can't understand is how a weight in front of an articulated machine can take weight off the front axle. With the hydraulic lift being attached to the front half, how does it do that?

Same geometry that causes front of tractors to lift when front loader is in float.

Mine came with a rear weight bar with weights, so the rear end always had plenty of weight, which could be transferred to the front axle via the hydraulic set-up.
Yeah, I am no help at all with this issue!
David from jax

 

[masseygreg]

I think the 525 used a hydraulic system to offset the weight. Never quite understood it, but it must have worked because I never had any issues like what you're having.
What I can't understand is how a weight in front of an articulated machine can take weight off the front axle. With the hydraulic lift being attached to the front half, how does it do that?
Mine came with a rear weight bar with weights, so the rear end always had plenty of weight, which could be transferred to the front axle via the hydraulic set-up.
Yeah, I am no help at all with this issue!
David from jax

Yes, I also don't understand the physics of it. The mower in float should be a neutral balance. But the front end pushes and the machine dog tracks or crab walks on a side hill. Impossible to maintain a straight line while mowing. In light of the fact that I bought the machine to mow a slope I need to find a solution.

 

[MowMN]

Yes, I also don't understand the physics of it. The mower in float should be a neutral balance. But the front end pushes and the machine dog tracks or crab walks on a side hill. Impossible to maintain a straight line while mowing. In light of the fact that I bought the machine to mow a slope I need to find a solution.

The weight transfer system on the Ventrac/Steiner provides a small amount of lift to the front implement when it is float. This accomplishes two things. 1) it reduces the ground force of the implement making it easier to move which is especially noticeable on hillsides. 2) it transfers the force from slightly lifting the implement onto the front axle which provides improved ground contact and steering/control to the front end. Similar to loading your tires or using wheel weights but in this case using the weight of the implement to accomplish the same thing.

 

[MowMN]

My strategy is to use the 430 type weight transfer system. I'll need to fabricate upper mounts , but they are available and much simpler than the discontinued 440 system. I'll let you know when I get it done. Thanks for all your ideas.

Agreed. That’s going to be a much simpler and significantly cheaper solution. Post some pics once you finish with the fabrication. I think you will notice a substantial improvement in the hillside performance once you make the modifications - those decks are great but they are heavy.

 

[oldnslo]

Does anyone have a hydraulic schematic for the 450 with the hydraulic traction assist - weight transfer system . In watching the video I wonder if they are simply putting a little back pressure on tank line since tank is common to work ports in float position.

 

[masseygreg]

So, I bought the weight transfer for a 430 model. The brackets when switched to the opposite side and redrilled fit fairly good. If the sheet metal it's attached to doesn't decide to collapse we'll be just fine. It also solved my side hill traction issues.