Mowing Use Low Gear on hills!!

[Glen Watkins]

When ever I am off road or a good lane-way it is very rare that I am ever in high range. And never around steep hills in high range and two wheel drive ever! There is some places that I mow side hill and am always ready when the tractor starts to slide sideways I quickly steer down hill and need the front wheels driving to pull the front end around! There is other places that I have to drive only straight up and down and if I am not in four wheel then I am sliding straight to the bottom. What size JD hydro's go from two speed to three speed tranny's? I was just thinking that when off road I am either in low or mid-range and not much chance of accidentally hitting it in to neutral because you have to pull up to go into neutral and high range.

 

[urbandeere2520]

...................What size JD hydro's go from two speed to three speed tranny's? I was just thinking that when off road I am either in low or mid-range and not much chance of accidentally hitting it in to neutral because you have to pull up to go into neutral and high range.

I don't know about three speed tranny's on JD tractors... but the reason this thread is titled "Mowing use low gear on hills" is because it's more difficult to accidentally knock the tractor (2520) from low to neutral (pulling motion), whereas it's much easier (as I discovered), to accidentally knock the tractor from high gear into neutral (pushing motion). To make my gear change situation more severe, I was on a steep slope at the time the gear selector was accidentally bumped into neutral.... what a ride!

 

[Glen Watkins]

I bet it was a hairy ride and that is why I asked the question! So I take it you have a two speed tranny and that you are in high because low range is too slow? Not trying to hijack your thread.

 

[alabama roughneck]

. Sure wish JD would put some sort of positive lock mechanism on the gear selector, such as a push button, to avoid inadvertent gear changes. [/QUOTE]

Yea thats what we need....another button to push while operating

 

[urbandeere2520]

. Sure wish JD would put some sort of positive lock mechanism on the gear selector, such as a push button, to avoid inadvertent gear changes.

Yea thats what we need....another button to push while operating[/QUOTE]

Yeah, a gear selector lock mechanism sure beats a run away tractor, loss of control, roll over and possible injury... but your mileage will vary!

 

[Hammsman]

There is always personal responsibilities we must accept in anything we do. Can't expect the world to always protect us from ourselves. If you need help with your gear problem, okay, solve it for yourself with a piece of rope or wire or whatever but don't inflict me with your problem to have to deal with. Sounds cold but not intended that way.

 

[RoyJackson]

My Ol' Man taught me many years ago...go down a grade in the same gear you'd drive up the grade.
Now, he was referring to trucks, but it's quite applicable here too.

We gear guys (especially non-synchro transmissions) are quite aware of the fact that downshifting is quite difficult going down a steep slope. You really need to select the proper gear before starting down the slope.
And stay off wet grass!!!!!!!

 

[Hammsman]

I appreciate people on this board pointing out things we need to be aware of and benefit from of which this is one. Merely pointing out whatever the piece of equipment is we must teach ourselves to operate it safely and we can't depend on the manufacturers to make equipment perfectly safe in all conditions of operation. I have seen and admired some guys doing things I would not even begin to do. I know and respect my limitations. Again, not intended to flame anyone so ease up.

 

[Henri88]

Word of wisdom. Thank you Roy!

 

[F1JOE]

Great topic!

You might find this in your Operator's Manual.

Under 'Operating'

CAUTION: Avoid injury! Use extra caution when driving on slopes. To increase traction and provide four-wheel braking, engage mechanical front wheel drive (MFWD) when driving on slopes. Be aware that MFWD can improve access to dangerously sloped terrain, thereby increasing the possibility of tipover.:thumbsup: