Now that I've driven it a lot more, the whine (definitely the HST as they all do it to some degree) pretty much disappears once it gets up to speed.
I've used all three ranges now and got her up to speed in high range. With the weight of the FEL, filled tires and that 7' HD cutter, it really struggles to accelerate in high range, have to get the engine RPM's up near the 540 PTO operating range to use the high range gearing for sure.
If the published weights for the tractor, FEL and cutter are correct and assuming the quoted weight for the rimguard in the rear tires is right, I'm sitting right at 10,000 lbs. That's a fair bit of weight for 50HP to be moving at any clip.
When I did my mowing the other day I was running at full speed in the low range which seemed just about perfect for the thickness of weeds and grass (it was wet too). I'll have to try in medium range on some of the thinner stuff when it is dry and see how that goes as a little faster than top speed in low range would definitely be desirable in some cases.
I'm sure when I disconnect the cutter and get the much lighter box blade on it it'll be more responsive. Just waiting on my box blade as the dealer had to order it not having one in stock. Would have been handy to have it starting tomorrow as we're supposed to get hammered with snow. Oh well, will make due with the FEL for snow removal duties for now.
[ don't ask me how I know ]
