Going up a steep slope in my new (to me) JD955

[onthehill]

Ok, so I guess I should start this with the fact that I recently bought a new (to me) JD955. Everything is going great with the tractor so far...boy, a lot to learn over the Craftsman lawn tractor I've been using for years. I do have a question though. On our property, I have a very steep/long hill. This weekend I thought I'd give it a go going up the hill. So, what I did was put the tractor in low and engaged the MFWD. I slowly started up the hill and got about 3/4 of the way up and then the tractor stopped moving forward (the engine didn't hestitate or anything, it just stopped moving forward). The harder I pushed the forward pedal, I got a louder whine but not further forward. So, I backed down the hill and tried it without the MFWD. The tractor made it all the way up the hill (slowly). I thought I might not make it, but I did. I've also learned that I can't go up any hills if it's in high gear but I'm figuring that's pretty typical.

So, my question is, is that normal? I wouldn't have though that the MFWD would have had a negative impact on the climbing ability. I've read a bunch of posts online that talk about problems going up hills due to the pump not being able to pump due to the slope (or something like that). What do you guys think? What am I doing wrong? Would backing up the hill work better?

I'm totally new to this so I'm open to any input. Thanks in advance!


Bob

 

[beenthere]

:welcome:
Haven't been reading about problems with the pump not pumping going up hills.
I'd try the backing up idea, in mfwd just to check out that pump thought.

I've no problem with my HST JD 4300 going up steep hills, and no difference that I can tell if in front wheel assist or not.

Interesting problem.

 

[dklistul]

Low on hydrastic fluid? I know nothing of HST tractors but if your transmission oil level is low, maybe the pickup is being uncovered on a steep hill.

Just the airplane mechanic in me thinking with my fingertips. . .

 

[mjncad]

Welcome.

If that 955 has a HST, it sounds like you are in High Range, which is essentially for transport.

What kind of tires do you have on it? What kind of ground (e.g. dry dirt, mud, grass, brush, etc) were you trying to climb?

Depending on the slope's angle, I'd back up the hill for safety. Going up the hill in forward will make the tractor want to flip backwards as shown at: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/safety/169207-idiocy-surviving-chance.html

 

[RoyJackson]

The harder I pushed the forward pedal, I got a louder whine but not further forward.

Bob

I'm no hydro guy, but I think you'll want less pressure on that foward pedal.

 

[kennyd]

I'm no hydro guy, but I think you'll want less pressure on that foward pedal.

Exactly, 100% correct as usual Roy


Welcome to TBN Bob

HST's are "infinatly variable". The tendancy for new operators is to push the pedal harder when they encounter resistance-more power right? But, that effectivaly put's the tranny into a higher gear causing exactly the problems you had. What you need to do is to let up on the pedal to get "more power".

You did not mention what RPM's you where operating at, but you need to keep them up for good flow, And also low range as already mentioned.

 

[thetooth]

you may be a little low on fluid and the angle of the tractor on the incline exaggerated the low fluid.

 

[onthehill]

Thanks for all the info everybody! Yes, the tractor does have HST. I'll have to check the fluid and see if that helps. Supposedly the dealer serviced the tractor before I took delivery so the fluid should be full but you never know. As far as what RPM I was at...I'm not sure what the RPMs were reading but I had the tractor at full throttle.

kennyd...yes, I was definitely making that mistake. I guess I was figuring it was like a car...push the accelerator down harder as you go up a hill.


Bob

 

[Acehardly]

If the fluid isn't low, you need to go back to the dealer. I can't imagine my 955 slowing down for any hill in low unless I was towing an anchor. How big was this hill anyways?
Tony

 

[JD755]

There definitely is a problem. I can mow up the back side of my dam and my much lower horsepower 755 never slows down.