2816 Operating Question

[duckhunt]

I was wondering what Engine RPM Speed do you normally operate when doing misc FEL work, pushing small trees with FEL, or just driving around. My tractor has a gear drive, the manual says run, basically wide open. I do understand while bush hogging you need 540 at the PTO, but I am asking about other times when not using the PTO.

I drive mine like a truck, using the throttle petal, rarely exceeding 2000 rpm. I was reading in another post that someone said always operate at recommended engine speed.

Another question, Do yall find that Low Range is a bit too low, and medium is bit too high. It may just be in my head but I feel like I need a Low fourth Gear and a faster reverse.

 

[LAWALLSTRACTOR]

Run the tractor at the speed that feels safe and comfortable to you, and gets the job done.

 

[capi75rs]

I agree with LaWall, depending on what I'm doing I run my 2810 FEL at different speeds when using the loader. Digging into hard dirt I use the low range and take my time so I don't tear up the machine. If running into loose pea-gravel to spread, or pushing a small pile of tree or brush branches, I may use a mid range. Just be safe and keep an eye and ear open. If tractor seems to bog down too much use a lower gear, If you don't feel safe at a mid range use a lower gear. Only experience will make you feel comfortible, so get out and use the ole gal. Have fun and be safe.

 

[driver444]

On my 2015 (also a gear drive) I do pretty much what you do. I leave the throttle lever at idle, and use the gas pedal for loader work. My reason is that I want the engine at the lowest possible RPM when changing direction and letting the clutch out. The slower the engine is running when you let the clutch out, the longer it will last. Constantly letting the clutch out at high RPM's will lead to premature clutch wear.

In my opinion, the only reason you need the hand throttle on a gear drive machine is for hogging, and other constant speed/RPM activities, or warming the machine up in the winter.

Even when I use my brush hog, I put the clutch in, engage the PTO, put the tractor in gear, let the clutch out, and once it's out, I throttle up. You have an independant PTO, so you can start the implement without the machine in gear.

On a hydro machine, I agree with the other responses. do what works.

And YES, on my 2015, reverse low is too slow, and high is too fast for most loader work. I find myself going between high and low range alot. (I only have 2 ranges.)

 

[skipmarcy]

When doing loader work I like to keep the hand throttle at about 1500 rpms to keep bucket speed up and just use the pedal to cover ground faster. At idle the hydraulics are too slow and in alot of cases around here you're on some sort of hill and need to use your brakes when dumping - very difficult to hold the brake and give it throttle with the one right foot. I'm very hard on my tractor and haven't had clutch problems because of engaging it above idle, I don't ride the clutch out on my vehicles either though. Once the clutch starts moving the vehicle a bit and gets drivetrain slack out, let her on out & go.

I'm not familiar with the gearing on your tractors but my 4110 has great ratios - I seldom use anything but my 4 mid-range gears, even when plowing. Of course when I get it on the road I use high range but nowadays that's only a couple times a year for a mile or two. I think I've only used any of the 4 low gears 3 or 4 times in the 7 years I've had my tractor.