Is this normal?

[AlbertC]

I have a New Holland 3930 that I use mainly for cutting grass in pastures. When I get in A particularly thick area, I notice that the engine will start to bog down and smoke comes from the exhaust. Usually I just hit the clutch to slow down until I get through the thick section and everything returns to normal - ie no smoke.

Is this smoke normal or does it indicate a potential issue with my tractor?

Thanks

 

[WinterDeere]

Diesels produce soot under heavy load. Normal, but you might want to consider what your asking that engine to do.

If a gasser, then that's different, usually burning oil / rings issue.

 

[Rockbadchild]

From my search, this units you have is a diesel... It's normal to a extent, your RPM goes down causing a imbalance with the fuel to air ratio causing black smoke (unburn diesel)... I would make sure your air filter is clean, clogged air filter would cause this to be more pronounce and if it's still the case once this is done it's normal. Give this little guy a chance to keep up with the task.

 

[LouNY]

Under a heavy load black smoke from a diesel is common. If you are slipping the clutch to slow down it will not last long. I am assuming that this is a gear drive tractor and not a hydrostatic. The proper course of action would be to down shift one gear and continue mowing.

 

[AlbertC]

Diesels produce soot under heavy load. Normal, but you might want to consider what your asking that engine to do.

If a gasser, then that's different, usually burning oil / rings issue.

So am I overtaxing the engine? Should I raise the cutter and go over it twice, slow down. Etc. I just assumed the engine could handle it

 

[LouNY]

Either one will work slow down or raise the mower.
Also how much are the rpms dropping just a couple of hundred or several hundred, just a couple of hundred would be no problem if you are running at pto speed or a bit above.

 

[zzvyb6]

Its normal. The governor is asking for more rpm than the motor can provide, so it's excess fuel being burned.

 

[Fixastuff]

In my experience if you use a tractor clutch like a car clutch it’s going to burn up in a use or two.

 

[scott_vt]

Good Morning AlbertC,
LouNy has it right ! When I am mowing through thick stuff and am pulling a steeper hill, I will drop down one gear and that usually takes care of it. As some one mentioned, you dont want to slip the clutch !

 

[cbg8670]

Agree with the others drop a gear.
For really small patches I use the foot throttle to speed up rpms right as I hit patch then let off