Hi or low when traveling slow?

[rnbrn21]

I don't know if it matters but I am new to tractors and hydrostatic drives. When traveling at a slow speed like when using a rear rotary mower and you don't need the torque of low range, is it better to be in low range if you can go the speed that you want or is is better to be in high gear and just go slow. I don't know if one method puts less strain on the drive train than the other.

 

[whistlepig]

My hydro has a pressure relief on it. If I am in too high a gear I can feel this relief kick out. The tractor will "jump" a little bit when the relief kicks out. My owners manual says to shift to a lower range if the pressure relief kicks out. Typically for me I use low range for heavy rotary cutting and dirt work with the loader, medium range for mowing with the RFM and moving snow with the loader. I use high range only for road gear. When travelling on the road or driveway.

 

[kuboman]

As a rule it is best to run the hydro stat in the upper 1/2 to 3/4 speed range. select which ever gear lets you achieve that.

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

I use low for working (Turtle on BX and F) and Rabbit for moving from locations.
On the 3 speed Bs I use L or M for working that requires more traction and torque and if I start spinning or working slow I go to low and also do 4wd if I start spinning. I only use H and 2wd for moving up the street or across property.
I don't mow super fast so I always mow in the lowest gear and let my foot determine my speed. I know some like to mow in high and believe it's OK while not mowing any faster than they can do in low, not me. I've gotten to some steeper sections and my tractors (RTV) slowed down and I've forgotten I have them in a higher gear, shift and then prtess throttle down. I believe in going with the lowest gear at all times that will allow you to work at the speed you desire and if the tractor (RTV) doesn't bog down. If you can stay on while working faster then go up a gear..

 

[SSdoxie]

If you can travel the same desired speed @ full pedal stroke in low range as 1/4 - 1/2 pedal in Mid-range, it is easier on the hydrostat and engine to use low. The increase torque advantage in low allows the hydrostat to work at lower pressure generating less heat, and lower pressure in hydrostat is less load on the engine. As long as engine isn't lugging or HST isn't stalling (hitting relief), you're not causing any major damage to tractor in Mid-range but both engine and HST will run a little cooler in Low.

 

[TripleR]

"Slow" is a pretty nebulous term as my definition is different than my wife's, she was known by the local constabulary as "The Blue Flash" in her younger years and it translates to her tractor driving/mowing. I prefer low on our BX except for transport and my wife only uses it on hills. One of ours BX's is ten years old and running fine so far, so while one may be better than the other nothing bad is going to happen using high on fat ground, your engine/transmission will let you know if you are pushing it.

 

[Grandad4]

I don't know if it matters but I am new to tractors and hydrostatic drives. When traveling at a slow speed like when using a rear rotary mower and you don't need the torque of low range, is it better to be in low range if you can go the speed that you want or is is better to be in high gear and just go slow. I don't know if one method puts less strain on the drive train than the other.

I used to ride a lot with an older neighbor who had an F100 pickup truck with the old "3 on the tree" stick shift. He was a bit forgetful about downshifting in traffic and would frequently have it in 3rd gear when starting at a traffic light. He never stalled it, but the engine certainly lugged! That's sort of what your BX does when it's in high range. After a while, you should get a sense of when high range is making everything work too hard.