Pucker Factor Rating?

[WVBill]

Another factor to consider when operating on extreme slopes concerns tractors with Hydro drive (v.s. gear). Last winter there was a long thread here on TBN with folks trying to help a member get his Kubota M? (as I recall) up an extreme slope where it had died. Seems he's just installed his FEL or something and hadn't topped off the hydro fluid so the drive pump was "sucking air" and not working.

I don't recall if anyone ever figured out if manufacturers publish the maximum tilt that the hydro will work at - but maybe if it's completely full it doesn't matter.

Sorry if one of you is "the guy" - I couldn't think of a search that would narrow the number of "hits" enough to figure out the exact message thread. Anyone remember?

I think he eventually got enough fluid forced into the hydro reservoir with a hand pump to get the tractor up the slope.

 

[BillyP]

JD 4500/4600/4700

Outside Width
Minimum width w/R1-62"
w/R4-71.5"

Maximum width w/R1-91.1"
w/R4-92.6"

Inside Width
Minimum width w/R1-34.2"
w/R4-32.2"

Maximum width w/R1-60"
w/R4-58.5"

 

[BigRon]

Thanks for all for the support! I have looked at numerous tractors now, some dedicated to cutting steep hills, while others intended for more general, all around use. (The Farm Machinery Show in Louisville even showed me some tractors that were larger than I ever thought existed; pretty awesome.)

Anyway, think I’ve decided on a new John Deere 4510, mainly due to the ability to kick the wheels out far for stability on the slopes, resale value, plus the flexibility for other uses such as road maintenance, loader work, post holes, etc.

This past Saturday, I visited the local JD dealer again who has been in business for many years and has a good reputation. The dealer offered to take a new 4510 down to my farm just to see how well the tractor would do on the hills. The dealership was about to close for the day, snow was in the forecast for later in the week and my work schedule was conflicting with other opportunities for a test drive. When he suggested, “how about we test it right now”, I jumped at the opportunity. (With that kind of service, it’s understandable why they have been in business for so many years – excellent customer service!)

A 4510 w/R1’s had just arrived at the dealer, they removed some tags from the hood, added some fuel, loaded the tractor on a truck and off we went. The dealer advised that the setup was probably not configured the best case for the hills; wheels in close, tires had way too much air plus they were not loaded and the ground was a little moist. This should be a good test.

Even with that configuration, the tractor stuck to the hills like glue. (Other brands may have done just as well.) The dealer showed me the true capabilities of that 4WD tractor. Next, it was my turn to get some seat time. I spent about 30 minutes driving around on the farm, getting use to things, proper operation, brake turns, etc. He (the dealer) doesn’t know it yet but he sold me on the spot. Price is about 18% off of MSRP. (See attached photo – that area is actually about 25-30 degrees even though the picture doesn’t clearly show it).

Ron

 

[jdmar]

Great photo. I bet the dealer DOES know he hooked you! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

If you found a tractor that feels good the drive, a dealer you can trust...at an affordable price..you will be happy for a long time to come. Congratulations!
Peter

 

[Moon]

Congrats!! You found a Great tractor and a Great dealer from the sound of things. I'd bet you'll be happy for many years to come with that setup.

 

[Henro]

BigRon,

Just wondering if you are still around TBN and if you could give us an update on if you bought that tractor and how it performs on the slopes... /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

I had lost track of this thread and just stumbled on it when searching for something else... /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif