Reasonable grade to expect a Kubota BX 25 to climb

[Brad_Blazer]

I agree with the pedal error theory. Those things are counter-intuitive and there's no shame in not getting it right if you are a new operator.

30-35 degrees WOW! That is steep, 60-70% grade.

 

[prosperity]

Since nobody has asked yet, how is your throttle set when you are trying this? At what RPM? HST transmissions need the engine RPM up to pump fluid through the transmission.

 

[jim44]

I have no idea how steep a hill a tractor can climb. BUT, with a backhoe tractor, I would sure recommend wearing the seatbelt and snugging it down real good, when doing a hill-climb.:thumbsup:

 

[Martin Hache]

I usually run at about 2,000 rpm. However, I have to do it by ear as the display is always getting fogged up and I can't find a permanent way to keep it clear.

 

[oldpilgrim]

Did the dealer show you how to use the HST "go pedal" properly? The HST pedal is like an infinite gear adjustment, not an accelerator as in cars/trucks. If you're flooring it, that would explain the lack of power on a slope... that's effectively putting it in a taller gear. You want to back off the pedal instead, which gives it the lowest gearing. Lots of discussions here about using hydrostats... good info if you're just getting started with one.

this :thumbsup:

 

[kevinj]

I usually run at about 2,000 rpm. However, I have to do it by ear as the display is always getting fogged up and I can't find a permanent way to keep it clear.

That is just a fast idle, pull the lever all the way down and try it.

 

[Code54]

I often go up slopes where the backhoe drags as it starts up. Without the hoe or loader I cut some slopes that your weight is on you back and not your butt due to the steepness. Always run out of traction and never ran out of power. Don't be afraid to crank it up to 3K, won't hurt a thing and that gets you closer to the 540 PTO speed and a bit more HP.

 

[JoeL4330]

Your torque peak is probably about 2450 ...if you could get to 3500 rpms, you'd be on the back side of the curve ...less torque. Here's a test or two: start up the hill as you begin to run out of grunt, back off the hydro pedal a little and see if it climbs a little ...if so, re-read the stuff above about HST ...if it's still unwilling, raise the RPMs ...if it then does what you want, you've broken the code.

The only other thing not yet mentioned--and, I'm not familiar w. your machine--is a fuel feeding problem on very steep slopes ...so, one more test: try backing up the grade...if that works, you're onto something.

 

[Code54]

As JoeL4330 mention fuel could be an issue. May also want to make sure the brakes are not hanging up

 

[Martin Hache]

I will try these suggestions, however, not for a week or two.

Thx for these!