Mowing Land Pride 15 - 48 with GC 2300

[ChuckBarnett]

Newcomer into the tractor world having just bought a 2005 Massey Ferguson GC2300. Picked up a Land Pride 15 - 48 brush hog for it. Don't have a manual for either. Do you run the tractor throttle full speed for this implement?

I would welcome any other tips on this topic that you might throw my way.

Thank you, folks!

 

[oldnslo]

Typically run at PTO speed or higher while operating bush hog. Also keep an eye on the temperature gauge since dust and chaff can plug the radiator causing engine to overheating.

Welcome and enjoy the tractor.

 

[ChuckBarnett]

I don't see a temp gauge on this tractor. Don't see any indicator to show PTO speed. What am I missing?

 

[cdaigle430]

I don't see a temp gauge on this tractor. Don't see any indicator to show PTO speed. What am I missing?

Odd;
The GC series tractors have a temp gauge and on the tachometer there are labels and color indicators for PTO speed.

 

[DMW]

Check the PTO shaft length if it didn't come with the tractor.

The early GC2300s do not have a tach , and a warning light for engine temp. PTO speed is about 3/4+ throttle. I usually just go full, then back it off a little. The engine should not be able to go over the redline, which is why the originals never had a tach, but consumer demand made the change on later models.


When hooking of the rotary cutter, ensure the proper shear pin or properly adjusted slip clutch is used. Set engine rpm low enough that engaging the PTO will not stall the tractor, then increase engine speed afterwards. Do no engage at WOT, that's a lot of shock to the PTO shaft. Engage PTO when cutter is lowered, less strain on the PTO shaft universal joints.

Wear hearing protection. It actually makes it easier to hear any strange noises from the tractor or cutter.

 

[ChuckBarnett]

THANK YOU, DMV!! I was beginning to doubt if I actually had the tractor I thought I did! And thanks for the tips about hook up, etc.

"Check the PTO shaft length" ... not sure what to look for; it seems to work. It was tough to slip on. By that I mean I had to beat it on with a hammer. I wire-brushed and steel-wooled rust off and hit it with a little 3M machine oil but it still was tough. Not sure how to get it back off when I'm done...

"ensure the proper shear pin or properly adjusted slip clutch is used" I'll have to research what all that means for me but it sounds important.

Thanks again!

 

[DMW]

For the PTO shaft length, you just don't want the half shafts to bottom out when the 3pt is raised all the way up. Keep the 1/2 shafts, universal joints, and connectors well greased. If you don't have a grease gun, time to get one.
Previous owner may have put a larger or higher grade bolt as the shear pin. Search online or recommended size/grade. It's there to protect the tractor from damage. If it has a slip clutch, they can rust up ,negating their usefulness.

 

[cdaigle430]

I did not know that about the earlier GC2300s-Good to know-same here I usually go full throttle and then back it off some when running PTO implements-except the post hole digger.

 

[irvingj]

My 2007 GC2310 (one of the last ones) has a tach/hour meter, but came with no temp gauge; I just added one from a car parts store. There's already a hole under the stick-on dashboard cover for it, right in the center.

Chuck, if your tach looks like mine, that small white mark is the PTO speed point, around 2300 rpm. (That's also where rated horsepower is achieved, I believe.)