HST driving tip needed

[jwstewar]

OK, I know it is a little different situation on a different tractor (my is a NH TC24D HST). We have a ditch that runs through our property. I have to bush hog it. I have to back the bush hog out over top of the ditch and start backing down the ditch. As I get to the point of no return I immediately have to get back on the forward peddle. I actually use it to hold the tractor in place for a second while I raise the cutter up to prepare for the climb back up the hill because at this point I've got it dropped as low as it'll go and actually catch (not drag) and stop me dead in my tracks so that is why I have to raise it before going back forward. And yes I'm at some pretty weird angles while doing this. I see no reason why you can't do something similar.

Just saw your post on the clutch. I also push the clutch in when going into gear. I believe you are supposed to. Sure makes it go in easier. Of course, I also shift into/out of 4wd on the fly. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

BTW, sounds like you need more weight on the rear. When I was setting the trusses for my garage I had my 4' cutter on the back with 12 4X8X16 solid concrete blocks sitting on it to hold the back of my TC 24 down. Since then I've loaded the rear tires with washer fluid.

 

[skent]

If you dont take more than a few seconds to dump, what about holding slight reverse pressure on your HST? I wear size 11's and my foot will just reach forward and reverse pedals at the same time, I'll usually use the HST to hold my position while dumping.

 

[Bob_Young]

The problem is 'forward creep' while you move the foot to the reverse pedal, right? Well, let the creep work for you. let it creep the last few inches to the dump point while you shift your foot to the reverse pedal. Then apply a little reverse pressure to hold it while you dump. With the load gone, that same pressure might be all you need to bring you back out.

The timber stop someone suggested would make it practically fool-proof.

But what do I know, my head's full of gears /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
Bob

 

[daTeacha]

So you guys are saying to use the HST like a brake in effect, right. I can't see why that wouldn't work, unless it could damage the tranny. It sounds like an answer to the problem.

It also sounds like riding a clutch on a gear machine, which is not a good thing, but since this all hydraulic, is there anything to be hurt by doing that??

 

[jwstewar]

Don't necessarily know if in time it will hurt anything, but that is what I've been doing now for about 3 years and 500 hours.

 

[_RaT_]

<font color="blue"> So you guys are saying to use the HST like a brake in effect, right. I can't see why that wouldn't work, unless it could damage the tranny. It sounds like an answer to the problem.

It also sounds like riding a clutch on a gear machine, which is not a good thing, but since this all hydraulic, is there anything to be hurt by doing that?? </font>

No, that procedure should have no adverse effects on the HST. Bob is right. I do allow some of my forward momentum to finish my last few inches of travel be it HST or gear type drive. I very rarely use the clutch other then to start the tractor or stop the PTO instantly. It all takes some getting familiar with, but I am sure anyone can do it.

 

[kevincook]

Rich,

Using the HST to hold you in position won't hurt anything.

Good Luck,
Kevin

 

[OrangeGuy]

Geez...alot of debates in the past as to whether two pedal or treadle are the better system for hydrostatic drive operation. Dateacha brings up a situation that may favor the treadle style. In situations as dateacha describes I have never had to use my brakes on my treadle style tractor. Just easing the treadle back on a downward slope or forward on an uphill comes naturally. I can see where the two pedal system would require some expertise. However, a little practice should resolve the situation.

I agree there is no harm to the hydro system. They're made for operations just like this.

OrangeGuy

 

[MossRoad]

I've operated three different HST pedal setups:

1. The Kubota that I maintained our Little league with had the heel/toe treadle and the brakes on the right side.

2. The IH that I owned for 10 years had the forward and reverse pedals under the left foot and the left/right/both brakes under the right foot.

3. The Power Trac that I currently have has no brakes at all. Just a forward pedal under the right foot and a reverse pedal under the left foot. It is a treadle, but operated by both feet instead of one foot.

Most of the time HST requires no braking. The only time I ever needed braking was when I was on a steep slope and had to hold the tractor while changing directions. The IH setup was very good for this because you could brake with your right foot while switching your left foot between the forward and reverse pedals. The Power Trac setup is also very good. By using both feet you can get just the right amount of forward, hold or reverse and never need any brakes. The Kubota setup was the worst and your situation is exactly why I did not choose a tractor with the HST controls on the same foot side as the brake controls. It makes no sense to have the brakes on the same side as the directional controls. You cannot use them both at the same time and there is that awkward, scary moment when you have to jump your foot from one pedal to the other hoping you don't miss the brakes or hit the forward part of the treadle instead of the reverse.

So what can you do about it? As others have suggested, you will have to get good at feathering your foot between the toe/heel to use the HST to hold you on the hills and get use to not using the brakes as much as possible. I really don't think it will hurt the transmission. These things are built tough and can take it. I would also look into a hand lever that could operate the brakes if you cannot get comfortable with the heel/toe feathering.

Hey, at least you recognize the dangers of changing the center of gravity on slopes by raising and lowering a bucket and seem sensible about not taking risks. That tells me you will figure out how to feather the treadle safely.

 

[beenthere]

I would use the emergency/park brake. On mine, it is hand operated.

With what you have described, it may just not be worth the risk of you and your tractor to try to do what is apparently a bit of a hair-raising experience. Otherwise, just do it quickly. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif I could never understand the engineers putting that brake combination together, that would restrict its use in conjunction with the HST pedal. Worse yet, seems they continue to produce them that way. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif