Operating a gear tractor

Rowski · Feb 4, 2001

I know, I know, should have gotten/w3tcompact/icons/frown.gif a HST! Next time!

I have been experimenting a little on how to operate a gear tractor for loader work. I'm sure there is no right or wrong way, just different. I hope for some help on what is more effecient and better for the tractor.

What I have come up with:

1)Set the hand throttle to 1200 rpm, for faster hydraulics. and use the foot throttle. Let up an the foot throttle when shifting.

2)Set the hand throttle to 2000 rpms. Don't use the foot throttle. Just shift from forwad to reverse.

3) Set the hand throttle at or above PTO speed (2300 or higher). Just shift from forward to reverse. No foot throttle.

As most of you know this for pushing back snow banks. I am in a low gear, not the lowest. I do use the differeential lock quite a bit, I do have chains on the rear wheels with a 55 gallon drum full concrete on the 3pt hitch.

#2 seems to work better for me.

Would the engine use less fuel running at 2000 rpm than always throttling up and down?

I'm going to be putting about 20 to 25 hours on the tractor this week for snow removal.

FREE SNOW... BRING YOUR OWN TRACTOR, PLAY ALL YOU WANT!!!!!

Derek

Thomas · Feb 4, 2001

Derek,
I found out when I use to plow w/Farmall H, tight tire chains&half throttle {about 2 grand}& keep the left foot ready for the clutch,for this keep up w/hydraulic gpm plus traction...and by doing this the clutch didn't smell nor damage.

Gear tractor do have there advanages over HST when pushing snow banks back also on ice. /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

Thomas..NH /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

JATO_RaT · Feb 4, 2001

Derek, I have yet to operate an HST other then trting it out in the dealers yard. I liked it alot and can see its benefits. When I use a shuttle shift tractor, I never set the throttle to any speed, I only use the pedal, part of this is because that is exactly what allows me to use this tractor much the way one might use an HST. While backing away from a pile of material, I am still rolling backwards when I go to idle and shuttle shift with no clutch, I can feel the hydraulic clutch slowly engaging itself for my forward motion which is when I'll put on some RPM's. All this takes place with no jerking and the least engine RPM. I don't need much GPM from the pump because I have my bucket and loader already in position from backing out at close to full throttle. If I'm loading a truck though, that is not enough time to fully raise the loader and I have an extra step. I do realize that the tractor I'm using may be quite different then yours and this method, if it is even understandable may not work with yours. The tractor I use has a wet clutch which means its always in oil, runs cool and is silky smooth. It ain't HST, but its the next best thing, Rat...

Boots · Feb 5, 2001

I've got a gear JD and have done quite a bit of box blade work in the last few days and have been using your method 1. It works best for me since my tranny shifts a little easier when I let off the throttle. My biggest problem is I need one more arm or leg to work the differential lock since all my other limbs are busy clutching, steering, shifting, throttling and braking!/w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

Boots

alan40 · Feb 5, 2001

Hey Derek, This is the way I do it. Put it up in high RPM, let the clutch out slow. When you feel the tractor hit the bank and start to stop or log dowm roll your bucket up a little and keep going into the snow untill your tractor logs down or the wheels spin. Push in your clutch and decrease idle so you don't get a big jerk going backwards.At this time your probably in as far as you can go. Hope I got this down right. If not all the other reply's sound good too!!!!! It'd be allot easier to explain when we get together again.
Pushing snow in the morning with the 1720
Al

paccorti · Feb 5, 2001

Hey Derek,

I wish I could help you with that snow. Any excuse to use the loader is great in my opinion!

Peter

WVBill · Feb 7, 2001

Derek:

I use your method #1 on my Kubota B6100DT. In fact, I may be setting the hand throttle a little lower than 1200RPM - don't know, I don't have a tach.

I like this method because it lets me control the speed/power of the tractor by using the foot throttle. If I need to raise the FEL while moving, I have plenty of RPM for the hydraulic pump.

I've never driven an HST and I know that most people here sing their praises but I just think it would be wierd to have the engine blasting along at high RPM all the time regardless of how fast you're going or how hard you're working the tractor. I like the fact that when I'm sitting stopped, resting - so is the engine. To me, the GST or shuttle shift would seem like the best compromise - but I've never driven one of those either.

dieselpwr · Feb 7, 2001

My Previous tractor was not a HST & I typically used your method #1 with most success. I always felt that letting off the throttle while shifting helped the lifespan of the clutch. (when replacing it requires a tractor split you don't want to do it any more often than you have to) It also helps to give you a little extra control for your speed as well. You don't always want to hit a bank going wide open... sometimes plow parts break if you catch some frozen ground too fast at the wrong angle under the snow bank. I always thought that it allowed me to feel things out a little better if I could hear the engine start to labor a little. You won't hear that as much if your running wide open. It all comes down to personal preferance & what works best for you.

Troy

Corm · Feb 8, 2001

I operate most of the time using your option #1. I can't bring myself to let the clutch out with the RPMs any higher than that... I prefer to engage the clutch at low RPMs and then give her some juice. I've split tractors before to replace clutches, and don't want to do it again if I don't have to/w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif. My Cub is a straight gear job, no shuttle shift.

Corm

Anonymous Poster · Feb 8, 2001

I have two choices, either get a big pair of clown shoes to operate the diff lock and the gas pedal, or keep a big stick in my mouth for the diff lock! Someday compacts will have a nice electric diff lock on the steering wheel or loader control!