GT 235 pulls 2500lbs

[Boog]

I do like the TBN boards. I was at the Cub Cadet site until I bought a used Deere and as a fellow there suggested, I am now here. I want to share my test last night of hooking up the GT235 to my 5x10 rampgate utility trailer. I had a load of firewood logs that I estimate put total trailer weight at 2500lbs. Before I hooked it up, I put the bathroom scale under the tongue and it pegged the 300lb limit. I then moved some logs back until I got the tongue weight to 180lbs. I removed the mower deck (which by the way is very easy and quick to do on this machine) and put the trailer tongue on the ball hitch /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif I then went to the front end and tried lifting the tractor - it felt solidly planted still. The tractor pulled it easily through my mostly level lawn to the wood pile, no problems! Only glitch was that it would not back it up once I got on my loose stone driveway; it just spun the wheels in the loose gravel. But I expected that, no heavier than the tractor is and with the turf tires. I unloaded the logs and the tractor then handled the 1200lb trailer forward and backward easily in the loose gravel. I had previously tried this with a smaller load of logs. I continue to be impressed with what this machine will do. I might try a heavier load if I can keep the tongue weight down. Take care all.

 

[bontai_Joe]

I've pulled a Ford F-150 with my old Deere 316, but don't recommend it. I had no problems, and it was a situation where it needed to be done with no other alternatives available. There are things to consider when pulling such heavy loads:
1. Going uphill or down hill is not a good idea as the tractor's brakes are not up to the task. And if you loose traction in either situation, the weight will either pull or push your tractor down hill totally out of your control (don't ask me how I know) The rough rule of thumb is to not let the towed weight exceed the weight of the tractor
2. The tranny wasn't designed for that kind of load as a steady diet, so replacement of hydro oil and filters more often as the fluid degrades from the excess heat is recommended, as well as keeping the housing clean and any cooling fan should also be kept clean to aid in heat disapation.

So enjoy your tractor, and don't be afraid to make it work, just be careful.

 

[timb]

Depending on what document you read, Deere tends to recommend as a general rule of thumb on tractors of all sizes (if the trailer doesn't have brakes) keeping the trailer weight within either the working weight of the fully ballasted tractor - or sometimes it reads as 1.5 times the fully ballasted weight.

That's actually defined as the tractor, plus attachements (mower deck), all fluids, wheel or suitcase weights, plus the operator.

That's more due to safely controlling or stopping the trailer than the sheer power to drag it around.

Short distance, on level ground, if you've got the traction to start it without slipping you're probably ok, just keep your wits about you - and always make sure (as you did) that you've got an appropriate and safe *positive* tongue weight.

 

[art]

If you increase the tongue weight you will find that you can pull more or back up on the gravel. Downside is the belt drive with continued use of heavy loads. We have seen the pulleys split as well as the belt before. I tow my 19' I/O boat which weighs about 2800 with trailer and I do it with my gas golf cart both up and down mild slopes between the lawn and driveway. We also use it from time to time moving dead cars in and out of the garage. Just for the sake of conversation we from time to time hook a 15,000lb tractor to the back of a shaft drive Cadet garden tractor and tow them in the yard! Have gone up the grade to the shop but had to have some good momentum built up to make it!

 

[Ledgemere Farm]

Ah. Nothing Runs, er Tows Like A Deere... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[cphilip]

Well I must say that I one time pulled a large metal drum aeriator with my little Snapper LT16.... One of those five foot wide steel ones filled with about 20 gallons of water. I estimate this thing was about 400 pounds. Now its not the weight here but the pounding motion of the thing dancing on all those metal triangular spikes. Rocking the little yard tractor back and forthI I got almost done... before I blew the gears out! Rebuild later... never to do that again. The thing got pulled a good deal after that with a 4 wheeler ATV! /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

 

[KentT]

Even towing something that heavy on level ground, you have to be VERY careful. Once you get it moving, the tractor isn't heavy enough to stop it very well, and LT/GT brakes are typically marginal to start with....

I've towed a 17.5' boat and still tow my 14' landscape trailer with a 700 lb garden tractor, but I go VERY slow and gradually ease it to a stop...

Something that heavy can push the tractor around, jackknife it, and then run over it, etc...

 

[Jubie]

KentT offers solid advice: "Something that heavy can push the tractor around, jackknife it, ...etc... "

I'm recovering from two broken ribs after moving an empty 16" flat trailer with my STX38 to mow in the backyard. After moving it to a different location weekly without any problem, decided (obviously without critical thinking skills) to run it further down the mountain and park it next to my workshop out of the mowing area. Everything was going great until the trailer weight overcame the braking power of the tractor half way to my intented destination and I lost control. The trailer hit a huge pine tree which jacked the STX38 suddenly throwing me backwards onto the steel bar on the trailer then to the ground! Whoops!

Please be careful out there....accidents can happen in seconds! I know from experience! /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif