Snow Bogging down pushing snow

[Kedor]

I have a L3130 HST and during winter conditions, -15 to -35 C , the tractor seems to bog down when pushing a small amount of snow with a back blade. Even after good and warm I have to take it slow to keep moving. I normally have it in M range and only go to low and 4x4 for pushing a round bale. I am assuming the dealer put the correct hydraulic fluid in last service. Any thoughts ?

 

[keyman1808]

Does it slow down or does the engine bog down??

 

[nybirdman]

I had a L3130 with a six foot sub-frame mounted plow and a six rear blade.You should be plowing in LOW RANGE,I could push three feet of snow no problem,low range and let OFF the HST pedal.Keep the revs up also.

 

[s78wingrider]

Got additive in fuel for cold?

 

[JoeL4330]

R U at 2450 rpms?

 

[bp fick]

Agree. Low range and 2000+ rpm.

 

[Kedor]

Hello all, thanks for your thoughts. Yes I have fuel additive, usually RPM's are between 1500 and 2000, I will use L range, and the engine has stalled out if I don't let off the Go pedal quick enough. How did you find the 2450 rpms ?
Thanks again.

 

[PapaPerk]

Agree. Low range and 2000+ rpm.

Third that. Keep the RPM up and the box in low. Snow get's heavy fast. And the cold temps make it harder to pump the hydro fluid.

 

[638]

Wide open, full throttle, let er rip, you won't hurt it if it's warmed up. You will hurt it if you lug it down.

 

[Kedor]

Thanks everyone, more snow is coming so I will let you know how it goes in a couple weeks.
Next step is rear lights ... I have read there are quick connectors under the fender for utility lights?

 

[bp fick]

Thanks everyone, more snow is coming so I will let you know how it goes in a couple weeks.
Next step is rear lights ... I have read there are quick connectors under the fender for utility lights?

Took me awhile to locate mine. They were under the rear fender, in the tail light wiring harness, but doubled over and covered up with tape. Still haven't gotten any female leads that match up yet, but next trip to town maybe.

 

[nybirdman]

IF YOU ARE NEW TO HST;the further you push the pedal down (the taller the gearing),LESS PEDAL THE SHORTER THE GEARING,AND THE MORE POWER YOU HAVE.These tractors are not like motor vehicles,let up for more power not push down.
I owned my tractor for a YEAR before I realized this!

 

[gerard]

IF YOU ARE NEW TO HST;the further you push the pedal down (the taller the gearing),LESS PEDAL THE SHORTER THE GEARING,AND THE MORE POWER YOU HAVE.These tractors are not like motor vehicles,let up for more power not push down.
I owned my tractor for a YEAR before I realized this!

First ditto above post. Counterintuitive I know but if you start bogging, let OFF the pedal, don't depress further. Second how many hours are on your fuel filter? I just ran into the same thing on my gear tractor. Under heavy load it started bogging down where I didn't think the load was that heavy. Changed the fuel filter and that's all it was. Apparently it was ok under normal fuel demands but when you upped the fuel demand enough fuel couldn't pass through the filter. Same thing would happen to a HST.

 

[Kedor]

Thanks, I had changed the fuel filter last year with the same thought in mind but it didn't make any difference.

 

[Thomas]

Also agree about low range.
Does your B have tach meter?,if so you can gauge/feel comfortable zone for pushing.
By chance did you notice color of exhaust?
Your not only pushing snow but causing drag/fiction from ground as well..little more stress.

 

[JoeL4330]

I am betting 2450 is just beyond your torque peak (and the rpm setting to achieve 540 rpm at the PTO...good planning)...the advantage of being just over the torque peak (on the "backside") is that if the engine starts to bog, rpms drop and torque increases slightly! neat ...

 

[reed52]

Maybe you need to change the fuel filter, it will cause the problem you are describing. Cheap check and no harm done by doing it.

Reed

 

[dex3361]

If the filter has wax build up it will do as you describe. Are you by chance still running on summer blend fuel? If so I would add fuel treatment and mix in some winter blend diesel. I always add fuel conditioner to be on the safe side.

 

[Leejohn]

Check your air filter also.

 

[PILOON]

Check your air filter also.

YES,

Buddy's blue tractor often slows to near stall as the intake sucks in fine snow and frosts up from time to time.

I am looking into some form of baffle to avoid that issue for him.

Even thinking that in winter he might just as well remove the air filter as in effect the air is relatively clean and dust free. (but knowing him, he would probably forget to re install come spring)