Max 26XL - lack of power

[bulldog9]

Curious if any other Max 26 owners out there have found their tractors to be lacking power. Just purchased a Max 26XL Hydro with loader and am underwhelmed with it's power delivery to the ground. Specifically, in low range at max rpms, I have no trouble getting the tractor to stall out without spinning the tires while pushing/pulling a heavy load. This is on loose to moderately compacted dirt and will happen even in 2wd. Never had a tractor where the motor would give up before the tires would break traction in low gear. Very disappointed with this tractor's lack of guts compared to my old NH TC 24D and hoping there is a remedy. Fortunately, I have a well-established dealer with a top notch service manager who will do whatever is needed to make it right. Anyone else have a similar experience with one of these Max units?

 

[Cramby]

I have the same model, and have not been disappointed at all. Very strong machine for its size. I have pushed and pulled big logs, rocks, and other heavy stuff. Never once stalled or even tried to stall out. Don't know about your problem, but I would have a talk with your dealer. Something not right for sure.

 

[johnsonauto]

When you are pushing with the tractor what are you doing when it starts to stall out? Are you pushing harder on the HST pedal or letting off on the pedal?

 

[DavesTractor]

I've seen a number of Max26 with system hydraulic pressure set a little low. I never thought that mattered with the actual tractive force. But I had a guy complain his loader would only lift 1200, instead of 1400. We measured, he was correct. He also complained it would stall pushing into piles. I raised the system pressure and we got 1400 lbs loader lift and we would spin the tires before stalling.

That being said, what JohnsonAuto is bringing up could be the entire issue. A little HST pedal gives you the most torque, a lot of pedal gives you speed but less power. It is counter-intuitive to the new HST operator.

 

[bulldog9]

Many thanks for the suggestions. No issue with HST pedal operation as I am an experienced operator, but your observation makes perfect sense. My first impression was that the hydraulic system pressure might be a little lower than spec as Dave suggested, so I will ask my dealer to check it and see what we get. Tractor looks to be constructed like a miniature version of my 5035, so I really do want to get this corrected and be able to use it to its' full capability. I'll post the resolution when it's figured out - thank you again for the input. Experiences like this highlight the importance of buying from a reputable dealer with a strong service department and is why I don't purchase anything based solely on "lowest price" any more.

 

[BlackOps]

i have been very pleased with my max 25 hst. for what it's worth...

 

[mike69440]

Many thanks for the suggestions. No issue with HST pedal operation as I am an experienced operator, but your observation makes perfect sense. My first impression was that the hydraulic system pressure might be a little lower than spec as Dave suggested, so I will ask my dealer to check it and see what we get. Tractor looks to be constructed like a miniature version of my 5035, so I really do want to get this corrected and be able to use it to its' full capability. I'll post the resolution when it's figured out - thank you again for the input. Experiences like this highlight the importance of buying from a reputable dealer with a strong service department and is why I don't purchase anything based solely on "lowest price" any more.

I fixed mine with a 0.03" stainless washer,then backed the loader relief off so I was only 5% over spec pressure.
Lift is now not an issue, but that did not help breakout force much, so I modified Hydraulic bucket cylinders from a 1526 loader.

Now the little Max has as much hydraulic force, as it can handle, as much as larger machines

 

[DavesTractor]

I fixed mine with a 0.03" stainless washer,then backed the loader relief off so I was only 5% over spec pressure.
Lift is now not an issue, but that did not help breakout force much, so I modified Hydraulic bucket cylinders from a 1526 loader.

Now the little Max has as much hydraulic force, as it can handle, as much as larger machines

Yep, that does it. I'll put in the obligatory disclaimer that not everyone should try this at home, as a 1/16" washer as opposed to the 1/32" washer you used is more common and will raise the pressure too much. It needs to be done with caution, but once done it really makes the tractor perform as per spec. Most folks are pleased with the breakout when the pressures are proper and do not need to upsize the cylinders. You Mike, are pretty sophisticated in both your operational skills and mechanical skills and you probably ask a little more out of your machines then the typical user.

 

[mike69440]

Yep, that does it. I'll put in the obligatory disclaimer that not everyone should try this at home, as a 1/16" washer as opposed to the 1/32" washer you used is more common and will raise the pressure too much. It needs to be done with caution, but once done it really makes the tractor perform as per spec. Most folks are pleased with the breakout when the pressures are proper and do not need to upsize the cylinders. You Mike, are pretty sophisticated in both your operational skills and mechanical skills and you probably ask a little more out of your machines then the typical user.

Anyone who has a large tractor and can afford another should really consider a Max sized machine. It is such a good chore tractor, it makes those small big jobs so much easier, especially with back issues. It is my go to tractor for puttering around. That my Max can fight above its weight is an added bonus, for it's size the 3pt is a beast, plus it keeps the hours down on the bigger equipment. This weekend I used the 3pt carry all as a portable work bench, tool carrier, then as a mini pickup truck. Then I used the FEL to turn ashes in a burn pile and also to load some firewood.

 

[bulldog9]

Update. Returning the Max 26 and upgrading to the 1526 HST. Put a 1526 through its paces last week over at the dealership and will be getting significantly more tractor, for not much more $$$. While ultimately disappointed with my experience with the Max 26, I am lucky to do business with an outstanding dealership who has been there every step of the way to try and figure this out. Many thanks to Dave from Dave's Tractor too for sharing his extensive knowledge and expertise - he is one heck of an ambassador for the Mahindra brand.