I purchased a new JD 4210 (with FEL) 2 months ago. It has performed flawlessly except when in the high speed ('C") range on paved roads(with no load). The RPMs drop dramatically when going up hills!! Is this normal?
Most tractor are like that. I've had large and small tractors - the highway gear will bog most of them on hills. The gearing is high for flat road travel, but too much for most on the hills.
If your 4210 is ehydro equipped, you may want to try engaging the Load Match feature. This may help keep the rpms up and modulate the transmission to keep rpm. It is used for heavy loader work. I use it sometimes on my 4410 to keep the rpms up on steep hills when I am cutting heavy grass.
I would like to second Chief's suggestion. With the LoadMatch switch turned on, the engine speed should not drop below about 2400 rpm, even when climbing steep hills. Try it and let us know how it works for you.
Conducted test as follows:Initial RPM 2500, ground speed max in "C" range with cruise control engaged.
1. Going up hill with "Load match" engaged--RPM dropped to 2300.
2. Going up hill with "Load match" off-- RPM dropped to 1800.
So, engaging the load match feature helps a lot. Thanks!!!!!