CK30 HST- Steep grades on Road

[Spanky100]

Anyone have experience driving up and down steep grades on paved roads with HST CUT Tractors? I mow 2 locations that are 5 road miles away from each other. The road separating the two places is a asphalt coutry road that has a couple of (my estimate) 16 percent grades that are about 600 feet long. My concern - will the HST CK30 in low range have enough engine braking thru the HST to keep a safe down hill speed without over using the brakes? I would usually have the FEL and a Rotary Cutter on the back so around 5000 pounds total weight. R4 without loaded tires.

I have seen a Ford 8n on the same down hill section moving way to fast for me at estimated 20 MPH (I was behind him in a truck staying back so it is a rough estimate). Don't know what gear he was using or if he was using brakes but to fast for my likes on a tractor. The one hill has a slight turn of about 45 degree so I do not want to arrive at the turn to fast.

Thanks

Wayne

 

[k0ua]

I operate my Kubota L3400HST on some extremely steep grades. going down the road it holds back perfectly, just "drifts" with HST pedal in neutral. In low range.. One thing to watch for is if heavy loaded make sure you are in 4WD, as on a steep road with gravel on it, you rear tires could slide going down hill, When in 4WD, you front tires will "hold back" also, so more rubber on the road. I think you will be good to go with the HST. In this case going down steep slopes overrides the admonition to not use 4wd on the road.

James K0UA

 

[jimmyj]

I go down two particularly steep roadways with my CK30 (R4's HST in low range). Even with a trailer that weighed probably 2000lbs. It was fine.

A pal of mine tried though with too much in the bucket (much larger tractor) and the thing did a rear wheel wheelee. Be careful of load distribution.

I'll go out today and see what the grade is of those hills and post for you.

 

[Spanky100]

James and JimmyJ

Thanks for the help. Looks like it will be better than I thought.

I sure would rather drive 5 mile each way on the tractor down a country road instead of hitching up a trailer to the truck, loading the tractor, securing it, unload, and repeat. Driving the tractor for a short distance would be my preference.

Thanks

Wayne

 

[dex3361]

You will do fine. The HST is a great hill transmission. like others said if it is steep put it in 4WD especially if you are loaded front heavy.

 

[Dmace]

I have a decent slope to my paved road (10-12%) and when I let off the HST pedal coming back from the mailbox to my driveway, IT STOPS! Even in high gear, it slows to a crawl. I honestly never use the brakes while driving, only as a parking brake.

 

[Spanky100]

Dex and Dmace

Thanks for your experience. Looking forward for a pleasant tractor ride to the other property and not the time to load the tractor on the trailer. I will get to use the Slow Moving Sign and the yellow flashers that the tractor came with. Sounds like will not have to even wear the brakes down.

Thanks again everyone.

Wayne

 

[1wheeler1]

Same experience with the CK25HST, never use the brakes. I use mine on some pretty steep hill on my property and once had it pop out of gear which will cause you to freewheel in neutral down the hill so you always want to have that foot ready to use the brake just in case. I'm sure the cause was not having it fully engaged in gear. I would guess it could also happen with a full gear tractor.

 

[mrutkaus]

Should be fine even in middle gear. But as said above, ever be on the alert for it popping out of gear which could be very bad. I have a ck30hst, 2005 and also almost stops on a steep slope just with the gears.

Also, I wouldn't use 4WD on paved roads, too much torqueing around.

Mike

 

[Bigboyskioti]

I have a decent slope to my paved road (10-12%) and when I let off the HST pedal coming back from the mailbox to my driveway, IT STOPS! Even in high gear, it slows to a crawl. I honestly never use the brakes while driving, only as a parking brake.

Same tractor about the same drive with the same result here.