More HP out of XJ2025H

sbct · Sep 9, 2016

I come from a muscle car background where there are always ways to squeeze a little more power out of a motor. I have run into a few scenarios with either my box blade or trying to drag some fallen oak trees around where I simply ran out of power and the tractor came grinding to a stop. Didn't have traction problems, simply didn't have enough power to turn the wheels.

Has anybody done any tweaks to squeeze a little more HP and torque out of their tractors?

jeff9366 · Sep 9, 2016

sbct said:
I have run out of power and the tractor came to a stop. Didn't have traction problems, simply not enough power to turn the wheels.

If you have this perception of your sub-compact tractor after a short period of ownership it will make you crazy as time passes.

There is only so much a 1,600 pound tractor, with a two-range transmission can do. Consider a 3,200 pound tractor with 30-40 horsepower and a three-range HST. Tractor weight is the key consideration.

Heat accumulation often results if tractor diesels are tweaked.

Instead of dragging Oak trunks on the ground, obtain a relatively cheap cross-drawbar + boom which will allow you to elevate butts above dirt, reducing friction and keeping logs half clean. Cross-drawbar will increase your trunk pulling capacity by 50%. Elevated trunks will save your chains from abrasion, if you pull over hard surfaces.

I use a Dura Hitch with a short boom on a Kubota 'B'. It has been indestructible. Two widths: 20"/26"

LINKS: DURA HITCH

SHORT BOOM POLE ADAPTER

How much experience do you have with Box Blades? Maybe the BB is too wide. Maybe the BB angle of attack needs to be adjusted with Top Link. Maybe you will have to be content with partial fills. Maybe you will have to wait for a soaking rain, then optimum soil moisture. Maybe you need a heavier prime mover.

I would suggest letting tractor roll down sloped pavement with engine off, listening, to be sure you do not have a sticking brake or some other friction fault.

Expand on "grinding" stop.

sbct · Sep 10, 2016

Thank you for your input. I agree that I can work a little smarter to be more efficient with the power I do have such as elevating the Oak trunks like you suggested. I am also by no means an expert on box scraper operation and will do some more reading and research to try and learn better ways to use the implement.

I don't think there is anything mechanically wrong with my tractor, I just used the term "grinding to a stop" as a figure of speech. Mechanically she seems to be working perfectly as designed. I chose this 25HP size on purpose as I think it will be perfect for the maintenance of my property. The property is just new at the moment and never been used/lived on/developed in any way so I am asking for a little extra work out of this 2025H up front and she has taken a beating and keeps firing up for more the next morning! This post was by no means a complaint on the 2025H as she has performed awesome and probably done more and put up with more abuse that designed for. This post was just me trying to get more out of her than she is designed to provide.

LD1 · Sep 10, 2016

We're you in low range?

I have only ever owned gear tractors, and just recently on my first HST which has 3 ranges. I have yet to have any of them that would run out of power before gear.

Hst's are different. Need to get the rpms up, and when it starts to lug....most people's first reaction is MORE pedal....and that's backwards on a HST. As it starts to lug...let off the pedal.

jeff9366 · Sep 11, 2016

sbct said:
I am by no means an expert on box scraper operation and will do some more reading and research to try and learn better ways to use the implement.

LINK: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/122762-beginners-guide-using-box-blade.html

4570Man · Sep 11, 2016

Were you in low range? A tractor of that power to weight ratio shouldn't be running out of power. My tractor has a much lower power to weight ratio and still runs out of traction before power. It's a HST.

sbct · Sep 16, 2016

I was in low range and have the tires filled with water.

LD1 · Sep 16, 2016

Trying to give the pedal full power? Or letting off when it starts to struggle? Like I said, HST's are backwards if you're not used to them

4570Man · Sep 16, 2016

You do know the proper way to drive a HST don't you? More pedal doesn't equal more power like it does in a vehicle.

sbct · Sep 16, 2016

I am aware of that and typically grab the throttle handle to give it more rpms if it starts to bog down. Is that a bad idea?

4570Man · Sep 16, 2016

If I'm doing something that I know is about to bog it down I prefer to throttle up before hand. Unless your low range is geared too high you shouldn't be running out of power. My base tractor weighs more than twice as much 1600vs3400 and only has 9 more hp. My loader also weighs nearly twice as much. I've also got loaded tires, and a backhoe&subframe. I can still break traction before running out of power.

LD1 · Sep 16, 2016

If you are working it hard, you should try to keep the rpms at 1500-2000 easy. But more throttle isn't the only answer. Let off the pedal.

Full or near full rpm, you should be able to chain to a stump and easily spin tires in low range and 4wd.

I do not think you have a power problem. You have a rpm and pedal control problem. Keep trying, you'll get the hang of it

sbct · Sep 16, 2016

Interesting. Thanks for sharing. On dry dirt I really can't remember ever breaking the tires loose. I wonder if there is a problem in the HST? If I tied off to an anchor point, I would definitely bog down instead of spinning the tires.
I'll start with checking the basics like fluid levels. Any other suggestions?

sbct · Sep 16, 2016

When I'm doing medium size work I usually have the rpms set around 1700 and when I'm doing something I think is going to really challenge the tractor I go up to about 2400-2500. I don't rev it higher than that.

4570Man · Sep 16, 2016

Your relief pressure could cause a lack of power, but since you're stalling the motor that likely isn't the problem. How does the motor seem to run? How does it behave when you load the PTO? Maybe you're not getting rated HP.

sbct · Sep 16, 2016

Only other diesel I am familiar with is my Ram with 800 pounds of torque so I don't really know what to compare it to. Going off of sound the engine sounds like it's running perfect. All my 3pt implements work fine including my 12 in. auger that that digs post holes like nothing without any hint of a hp shortage.

The absolute only thing I have noticed is that the HST makes a pretty loud squeal if the rpms are too low (under 1300) and you start to push the pedal down and then goes away as soon as you get rolling. It makes this same exact high pitched squeal when you turn the key off and the drivetrain is coming to a stop.

Not sure if that squealing could be related to my problem in any way?

P.s. I really appreciate your guys time and sharing of your knowledge and experience.

4570Man · Sep 16, 2016

Most HSTs whine. I'd say that's normal.

LD1 · Sep 16, 2016

Not familiar with tractor. Does it have some kind of traction control to prevent spinning?

Are you sure if you tied off to an anchor point, give it full rpm, the just ease into the HST pedal....maybe 10% and no more.....are you sure that won't spin them?

sbct · Sep 16, 2016

Yep, 100% positive. If the anchor is strong enough, the rpms with drop and the engine will bog and the tires will remain stationary. It just acts like is has amazing traction and if it can't pull something it just won't move. No way those r4 tires in just regular dirt have amazing traction but they sure act like they do.