SLUGGISH HST

[flINTLOCK]

I'm not sure if this is a symptom of wear or if it is to be expected. I cannot climb a moderate grade in high range with any significant 3-pt load such as a rotary cutter. It is in transport where I notice the slippage of the HST. The implement is elevated at this time. No problem operating in low range pulling a disc, box blade or spring tine harrow. I'm just wondering if it is a sign of things to come which may get worse or if I'm asking too much of the HST??

[jbrumberg]

flintlock:

It may be a function of HST high range. All things being relative (size for size) I always have had trouble handling steep uphills when transporting heavy attachments (tiller) even on the highway. I have no problems with mid or low range. Jay

[john_bud]

Were you able to go up the same hills at the same speed with the same load before?

If so, the first thing I would check would be the filters. A clogged filter can rob your power. Next would be a dirty hydraulic radiator. Hot fluid can also steal some power.

jb

[yellowandbeige]

I think thats just the limitations of hydrostat, Gear would bog the engine.
High range is just for level ground, transportation at higher speed.
Y&B

[flINTLOCK]

That's what I was hoping. That it is not weakening of the HST. Thanks.

[schmism]

my TC doesnt like high range.... even a little drag and the bypass screems uncle

but it does haul @ss going down the road.....

[daTeacha]

Mine has about 160 hours on it. I consider it broken in now, and it still won't come up my driveway hill in 3rd range, load or no. With no load on the back and in 2wd, it spins the rear Ags on the driveway. With a load on the back, it bogs down and stalls out. It's done this since it was new so it's a function of the gearing in the road range of the HST.

My little Kubota B7100 gear would climb the same hill in 6th while dragging a pretty good size log destined to become firewood. It snorted and bellowed (in a tiny little 16 hp voice) and belched black smoke all the way, but it made the hill. This is why some guys prefer gear machines for heavy pulling.

[jbrumberg]

daTeacha:

I agree with your comparison to geared and HST. My little geared Ford 1100 (13/11 HP) would snort and bellow and belch black smoke but it would pull some amazing loads. It would also haul @#$ on the hill my HST "whines" about. Jay

[Soundguy]

I don't have a hst model like that to compair.. but I'd be concerned if my tractor wouldn't run in high gear up a hill, carrying a significant load... My gear unit seems to have no problem with that sort of thing... just pour the throttle to her and make sure she doesn't lug...

soundguy

[SFish]

I have both a gear and HST tractor of roughly equivelent size and can see very little difference in performance. The gear tractor will lug down when the going gets steep and I have to stop and change gears. With the HST tractor I just increase the "gear" ratio by backing off on the pedal to keep the revs up, but the transmission is noisier.

With the gear tractor I try to pick the range and gear that will get me up a hill without having to stop to change gears. With the HST my general rule is that if I could go the same speed or faster in a lower gear range (I have three ranges), I use the lower one.

Steve