New TC24DA owner hydro question

[fdny_hick]

Hi guys,
I've had the machine about 3 weeks now and so far I'm really impressed.
But today I was moving some rocks around with about 500lbs in the bucket I was having trouble turning the wheels at a stand still(actually they wouldn't turn). Is this normal or is there a valve I can adjust to get more flow?
Also was a little dissappointed in the power to go uphill in high range. Thats another reason I question the flow. It has about 10 hours on it if that has anything to do with it.
Thanks for any input you can send my way.
Mike

 

[Bob_Skurka]

No tractor brand has a tractor that will go uphill in high gear, it is the nature of the beast. Now that said, you also have to realize that the hydro tractors work better at higher RPMs, and that will also aid with the steering. Also, realize that the more pressure you put on the hydro pedal, the less torque you have going to the drive wheels so if you try to push down to climb a hill you are actually reducing the tractors ability to climb. This confuses many new operators. But to climb a hill in high gear (which is generally not recommended) you actually have to let off the HST pedal so that you are putting LESS pressure on the pedal. As you have less pressure on the pedal you are asking the tractor to drive forward at a slower speed, but you are simultaneously providing it with more torque so it has a greater ability to climb a hill. Often you will still find, that even if your technique is correct, a tractor will not climb a hill in high gear.

 

[SacandagaBrad]

Everything Bob said, and make sure your front tires are inflated properly for easier steering. I wind mine up to over 2000 rpms, even full throttle for some jobs to get the power I need to the steering and transmission. That is just the way it is with HST.

Keep in mind it is only a 24 hp tractor, but let it work within its limits and it will amaze you at the work it can do. I have had mine for 3 years and continue to be impressed. Couldn't be without it, and for my needs wouldn't want anything bigger.

 

[hazmat]

Ditto what the others said on the hydro.

For the steering - in addition to front tire pressure & higher rpms, make sure you have a good amount of counterweight on the three point. (ballast box or heavy implement). The lever effect will reduce the amount of load on the front axle greatly improving your steering.

Loaded tires only keep the back end down, they don't "lighten" the front end.

 

[fdny_hick]

Bob, Brad, Steve
Thanks for the input.
I was running around 2000rpm but without the weight box, only the grass catcher(very light). Counter weight definitly makes sense for lightening the front end. As for the hill I guess I was just used to my Yanmar 1300d, no problem in high range 1st or 2nd gear.

 

[daTeacha]

I have 60 hours on my DX29 (TC29DA) and I'm still not used to the pedal action of the hydro. My old Kubota B7100 gear and I got along very well for many years, but my reflexes are not attuned to the hydro yet and I often find myself doing things wrong, using the hydro pedal like a foot throttle. As you found out and others stated, it doesn't work very well like that.

My tractor won't come up my driveway in high range with no load on it. The little 'bota would pull it in 6th with a load in the bucket or dragging a log, but it would be working hard to do it, blowing black smoke and the occasional spark or two. HST's have their good points, but brute pulling force isn't one of them. If you ask too much of them, the engine just bogs down and you go nowhere.

Before this thing sets everyone off, keep in mind that the Kubota and loader weighed in at about 1450 lb with a 16 hp engine. My DX is 2400 or so without the loader, probably closer to 3200 with it, 3300 with the grapple, and only 29 hp, so the power to weight ratio on the DX29 is not as high as it was on the 'bota. In hindsight, I would probably have been better off with the 33.

 

[PineRidge]

I think everyone that owns a hydro goes through some kind of a learning curve. The 1st time I jumped on mine after it was unloaded off the dealers truck I thought that I had made a terrible mistake in the purchase of a HST.

After learning the correct way to use it you couldn't get it away from me. By the way most of our property is mowed in Range II / turtle, so a hydro will scoot if you work the pedal correctly.

New owners should treat the hydro pedal like there's an egg underneath it, until it becomes more familiar to them. A little pressure = more torque, less speed. More pressure = less torque, higher speeds.