MX4800 and LP RCF2772 cutter. Is it enough HP?

[GTT99]

With the 8 speed shuttle (stick) transmission you have there is no such thing as the turtle or rabbit as seen on hydrostatic lawn machines for slow and fast. You select the gear that fits what you are doing and use it. Your trans is probably a 4 speed stick with a high and low range. The high and low range might even be labeled with a turtle and rabbit which is irrelevant. Lowest gear (greatest mechanical advantage) is first gear, low range. Highest (fastest but least mechanical advantage) is 4th gear in high range.

Very likely shifting gears within the 1/2/3/4 positions is synchronized (meaning it won't scrape and make a nasty noise when shifting among those gears while moving.) Shifting between low and high range is probably NOT synchronized and that means you need to stop to shift ranges. Dear me, read the operator's manual.

No one can tell you which one. Just do it. It will become natural for you to pick a medium rpm engine speed around the standard rated rpm for the engine and tractor (read your operator manual!), then select a gear, let out on the clutch and proceed. If it feels to you like it is struggling or lugging down, shift to a lower gear. If it feels like it is too easy for the tractor, shift to a higher gear or back off on the throttle. You may or may not need to shift a few times as you maneuver over your pasture while cutting. You just gotta get out there and get some experience. No one can proscribe this for you.

I am going to ask an important (and certainly not meant to be offensive, ) question: Have you driven standard transmission cars/trucks or tractors before? That makes a big difference in fully seeing your situation.

Thank you for the detailed response. It's been a very long time since I drove a manual transmission car but I do have some experience.

 

[azbinder]

Keep in mind thar for the cutter to operate properly, you will want to keep the engine at the required speed. If you need to slow down, DO NOT throttle down but downshift gears.

 

[3gunr]

Depends on how many gears you have an 8x8 or 12x12, on my shuttle i normally use 3rd or fourth gear in mid range, Dependingon how rough the ground is .

 

[GTT99]

Depends on how many gears you have an 8x8 or 12x12, on my shuttle i normally use 3rd or fourth gear in mid range, Dependingon how rough the ground is .

So here is what I have: 4 gears shifter (+Neutral), a lever with Low (turtle)-Fast (Rabbit), and a lever with Forward/Neutral/Reverse.

 

[LD1]

So here is what I have: 4 gears shifter (+Neutral), a lever with Low (turtle)-Fast (Rabbit), and a lever with Forward/Neutral/Reverse.

Great. Still cant answer the question. Just go try it and find what gear you like

 

[loggin]

So here is what I have: 4 gears shifter (+Neutral), a lever with Low (turtle)-Fast (Rabbit), and a lever with Forward/Neutral/Reverse.

I would say stay away from high range and stick with the first 4 gears low range especially initially until you get a feel for things. 1st gear high range might do but depending on terrain and density of grass might be a bit fast. This also depends on which tires you have, ag, industrial or turf. Turf tires have the smallest circumference and would allow you to choose a higher gear. 2nd gear high range will likely be too fast and start latling things apart.

Hope this helps!!

 

[GTT99]

I would say stay away from high range and stick with the first 4 gears low range especially initially until you get a feel for things. 1st gear high range might do but depending on terrain and density of grass might be a bit fast. This also depends on which tires you have, ag, industrial or turf. Turf tires have the smallest circumference and would allow you to choose a higher gear. 2nd gear high range will likely be too fast and start latling things apart.

Hope this helps!!

I have R1 Ag tires. Mowed yesterday, mostly in 1st gear high range, every so often switching to 3rd gear in low range. Thanks for the advice!

 

[JWR]

I have R1 Ag tires. Mowed yesterday, mostly in 1st gear high range, every so often switching to 3rd gear in low range. Thanks for the advice!

Good ! Super instructive to you I am sure. That is very much my own routine gear wise (using a larger tractor and a 7ft bush hog.) I too have an 8 speed shuttle like yours, really a 4 speed with a high and low range. One nuisance with mine (on rougher pasture fields) is that I seem to spend a large % of time right in that speed area wanting to be between 4th gear low range and low gear high range exactly as you described. The nuisance is having to stop to shift between low and high range because that is not synchronized.

 

[rbargeron]

I'm with everybody who is saying to get more seat time with what you have. A tractor, like your other tools, helps you manage your physical environment. How it fits your sensibilities can only be known with experience in your particular setting. If a heavier M-series is still calling to you in a year or two, maybe you'll want a second tractor, not a different one

 

[GTT99]

Please someone talk to my wife and convince her that I need a second tractor!!!