Traction tight maneuvering with my JD850

[lilburr]

My 850 2WD seems awfully light in the front; many times when I need to make a tight maneuver, it just 'washes out' in the front; the wheels are cut (usually to the right, it seems) but the tractor pushes it forward or straight against the turned front tires. Tried it creeping along and doesnt make a difference so this means stopping the tractor, backing the tractor to a more direct route instead of the tight turn I am attempting and starting over in forward. and sometimes I still miss the turn and have to do this backing again. I have added four 40# weights and no apparent change (although they may be helping a little). I have added ballast to the rears per manual.

This tractor is used in a hilly wooded environment that requires tight and accurate attention.

More weights ? Something in the steering or linkages ?

 

[k0ua]

My 850 2WD seems awfully light in the front; many times when I need to make a tight maneuver, it just 'washes out' in the front; the wheels are cut (usually to the right, it seems) but the tractor pushes it forward or straight against the turned front tires. Tried it creeping along and doesnt make a difference so this means stopping the tractor, backing the tractor to a more direct route instead of the tight turn I am attempting and starting over in forward. and sometimes I still miss the turn and have to do this backing again. I have added four 40# weights and no apparent change (although they may be helping a little). I have added ballast to the rears per manual.

This tractor is used in a hilly wooded environment that requires tight and accurate attention.

More weights ? Something in the steering or linkages ?

More weights. You might actually load the front tires too. You probably notice it more when you are going uphill. The front end gets light, and a sharp turn just "plows".

 

[TerryR]

I'm not familiar with the 850 - doesn't it have separate left and right brakes on the rear wheels like most tractors to help it turn?

Terry

 

[Cherokee140]

What if anything do you have on the rear of the machine

 

[greenmojo]

I have a 4300 with steering brakes and have never separated them.

I've had the exact same issue on occasion and I never even thought to use the "steering brakes" to steer. :-/

Someone should revoke my JD license.

 

[whis]

diff lock on ?

 

[RG1]

My 850 2WD seems awfully light in the front; many times when I need to make a tight maneuver, it just 'washes out' in the front; the wheels are cut (usually to the right, it seems) but the tractor pushes it forward or straight against the turned front tires. Tried it creeping along and doesnt make a difference so this means stopping the tractor, backing the tractor to a more direct route instead of the tight turn I am attempting and starting over in forward. and sometimes I still miss the turn and have to do this backing again. I have added four 40# weights and no apparent change (although they may be helping a little). I have added ballast to the rears per manual.

This tractor is used in a hilly wooded environment that requires tight and accurate attention.

More weights ? Something in the steering or linkages ?

Four of the small JD suitcase weights is only 168 lbs (they are 42 lbs each). Try using the 70 lbs weights instead. More if needed.

 

[lilburr]

I have a 4300 with steering brakes and have never separated them.

I've had the exact same issue on occasion and I never even thought to use the "steering brakes" to steer. :-/

My story too. This is a good solution and I'll give it a try. Seems like I am all the time using my heel (on the right side) on the Differential lock pedal, at least in working situations. Thanks.

Meanwhile, I have attained 2 more 40 lb'ers.

5 ft boxblade's on the back, sometime 6'.

 

[Cherokee140]

Sometimes I have had to go into reverse to get the diff to unlock...keep that in mind when using differential breaking.

 

[Sportsman762]

I would first split the brakes. The steering wheel is simply an accessory when making hard turns, the brakes do all the work. Sometimes a quick jab of the brakes will free a diff lock that is stuck on. Otherwise backing up is necessary.