I'm a newbie with a 15 acre horse farm. Question- is it better for the tractor to drive to and from the manure pile and shavings pile, in high or low gear? Speed is not a big issue, but if I do want to go faster with a bucket load, which gear should I be in before pushing up the throttle? Also, when I go to pick up the shavings and/or manure, which gear/throttle should I use? THANKS!
when to use high and/or low gear with JD 2305
- Thread starter lhwilley
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Ihwilley,
On my 2520, I let the pedal be the indicator as to when to use the high or low range. When in the high range, if the load on the trans is too great, the pedal will give greater resistance in forward or reverse. Sometimes, a greater resistance is encountered at the initial travel command in high gear but once rolling, the load on the trans is decreased as is the pedal resistance. Experience will be your best indicator. Keep in mind that although the JD hydros are very robust, the less load that you demand from the trans will most likely pay off in longetivity and reliability. Usually when moving a heavy load, I figure what's the rush anyway and go with the low range using the engine rpm to adjust for speed. Hope this helps.
On my 2520, I let the pedal be the indicator as to when to use the high or low range. When in the high range, if the load on the trans is too great, the pedal will give greater resistance in forward or reverse. Sometimes, a greater resistance is encountered at the initial travel command in high gear but once rolling, the load on the trans is decreased as is the pedal resistance. Experience will be your best indicator. Keep in mind that although the JD hydros are very robust, the less load that you demand from the trans will most likely pay off in longetivity and reliability. Usually when moving a heavy load, I figure what's the rush anyway and go with the low range using the engine rpm to adjust for speed. Hope this helps.
Thanks! It does help. My business partner keeps trying to tell me we should only drive the tractor in high, that in low we are putting too much strain on the engine. We're both first time tractor owners and I keep telling her she is wrong. Driving in low all the time is fine isn't it?
Yes, she is wrong. The more load is applied when using the high gear under heavy load. With the ehydros, the strain is more on the trans than on the engine. When in doubt, use the low range. As stated, the high range will push back when overloaded. Have fun.
jake98
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Hey, where you guys all come from???
I'm in Michigan - the not so best state to start a business in!
ScottK
Silver Member
This is a good time to buy property in Michigan with pharmaceutical and auto industries depressing prices there. I agree with DJ. Low gear is less stressful on the tractor. It is pretty easy to tell when you are stressing the tractor in high gear though, as it simply won't respond to the pedal and you will think something is wrong.
Manure is not very heavy compared to gravel, rocks, timber, etc., that many of us move around. I would not worry about it too much. The tractor is built to handle all of this. Just don't go ramming into things with the loader bucket at high speed and you will be fine.
Manure is not very heavy compared to gravel, rocks, timber, etc., that many of us move around. I would not worry about it too much. The tractor is built to handle all of this. Just don't go ramming into things with the loader bucket at high speed and you will be fine.
RWolf
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Just an FYI when carring a load in your bucket keep it as low to the ground as practical. Seems like a no brainer but I've seen many people moving material a distance with the bucket up high. Changes the center of gravity quite a bit.
Have fun from Central Texas where we haven't seen rain in a L O N G time.
Have fun from Central Texas where we haven't seen rain in a L O N G time.
Bob_Young
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I normally mow in low range with pedal to the metal using my B7610 Kubota. Speed is just right. Afterward the transmission cooler lines up ahead of the radiator are just warm to the touch.
As an experiment one day, I mowed in high range, partial pedal, same speed. Couldn't tell the difference as far as the engine was concerned but, afterward, the cooler lines were quite hot to the touch.
Operating in low range puts less stress on everything...much like starting out in low with a stick shift puts less stress on clutch and tranny than starting out in 2nd or 3rd.
As an experiment one day, I mowed in high range, partial pedal, same speed. Couldn't tell the difference as far as the engine was concerned but, afterward, the cooler lines were quite hot to the touch.
Operating in low range puts less stress on everything...much like starting out in low with a stick shift puts less stress on clutch and tranny than starting out in 2nd or 3rd.
RalphVa
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I always use Low when using the FEL.
For going about the property, I use High range but gear down to Low when on a steep upslope. It sometimes will not drive in High when starting off in it on a steep slope. I pretty much have to keep the rpm on the engine above 1500 to keep from straining the engine when going upslope in High.
Low range gives a lot more retardation than High when going downhill. ALWAYS park with it in Low. Don't think High will keep it from rolling. My 4010 is about the same weight as your 2305. Always park with the brake on, too.
Ralph
For going about the property, I use High range but gear down to Low when on a steep upslope. It sometimes will not drive in High when starting off in it on a steep slope. I pretty much have to keep the rpm on the engine above 1500 to keep from straining the engine when going upslope in High.
Low range gives a lot more retardation than High when going downhill. ALWAYS park with it in Low. Don't think High will keep it from rolling. My 4010 is about the same weight as your 2305. Always park with the brake on, too.
Ralph
LBrown59
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That's me .
Everything else is low range.
