Small tractor performance

mcnitt · Nov 20, 2006

How steep a hill should my MF 1220 (3 cyl. 20 hrsp. hydrostatic) be able to climb? The tractor quickly fails to move forward on even a moderate incline. (Couldn't even get up the loading dock ramp at the repair facility) The engine RPM stays up, but the transmission strains and I can feel it trying to move with my foot on the clutch pedal. Also, the tractor fails to move in the high range on anything but the flatest part of my property. I had a dealer replace the fluid and filters, but I don't think it helped much. The tractor also fails prematurely in the low range I think once it warms up.

Anybody have a clue what's going on?

Egon · Nov 21, 2006

Dealer repair time.

1250Man · Nov 21, 2006

Sounds as if either the clutch is out of it, or the hydro is getting weak.

JerryG · Nov 21, 2006

If it is a hydrostat, you have to let the pedal up as the pull gets harder. The hydro pedal works opposite of an accelerator pedal. We are all so programmed using an accelerator pedal in cars and trucks that we tend to use the hydro pedal like an accelerator. When in essences, it works just the opposite. If you knew all of this please disregard.

mcnitt · Nov 21, 2006

No, I didn't know that. I use the pedal just like the gas pedal in my car. I think I have tried the pedal in every possible position, but I will try what you suggest. I'll try it, but I don't understand why it would work.

Thank You for replying.

mcnitt · Nov 21, 2006

What do I do to get the hydro back to where it functions properly?

Thank You for your help.

thing181 · Nov 22, 2006

Have you checked the hydraulic oil level? Even if it was just changed at the dealer I would check to make sure it is at the proper level. If that is not the problem I would contact the dealer and get his opinions.....

kwolfe · Nov 22, 2006

JerryG said:
If it is a hydrostat, you have to let the pedal up as the pull gets harder. The hydro pedal works opposite of an accelerator pedal. We are all so programmed using an accelerator pedal in cars and trucks that we tend to use the hydro pedal like an accelerator. When in essences, it works just the opposite. If you knew all of this please disregard.

I don't understand what that means. I push the pedal to go faster or for more power. It sounds like you are saying let off the pedal to do that. Sorry, I am kinda slow.

JerryG · Nov 22, 2006

Pushing the pedal down on a hydro is like going to higher gear. If you push the pedal just a little, that is where it has the most power. Any more is like a higher gear.

ovrszd · Nov 23, 2006

mcnitt said:
No, I didn't know that. I use the pedal just like the gas pedal in my car. I think I have tried the pedal in every possible position, but I will try what you suggest. I'll try it, but I don't understand why it would work.

Thank You for replying.

If your HST is properly functioning, it would kill the engine if you pushed the pedal down too far for the load being put on it. Jerry failed to mention that part. What he is saying is correct as for the overall gear ratio of a properly functioning system. I understand you to say your engine does not labor, the tractor just won't move. That indicates HST failure. Bummer.