What have you done with/to your GC Series 2300, 2400, 1700 Tractor TODAY

[Shawn T. W.]

While I'm not expert, I believe that the engineers who designed it limited it's lifting capacity by the amount of hydraulic pressure it can build, and the pistons they feed, ask too much and the bypass relief valve kicks in, I'm fairly sure that they also understand that these tractors are primarily operating off road ...

Unable to lift it to maximum height, is much different than unable to lift it off the ground ... Most people do not travel with the maximum load at maximum height on uneven ground ... Unless they like to figure out how to wake there tractor up from its dirt nap ... !

So basically if it will lift it (and you have proper rear ballast) it is OK. Of course that being said driving down hill with a "full load" at maximum speed, over very rough terrain, and trying to jump the creek may be a different story, but driving 120' across my lawn with a load of pellets shouldn't hurt anything other than my back loading and unloading them ... I rarely need or use 4X4, and if used properly like the manual calls for on ground that will allow a tire to slide or spin, like ice or mud, I can't see what difference how much weight is on the front would make a difference in wear and tear on the front axle ...

Of course I've only had this little tractor for almost 3.5 years, and creeping up to 700 hours ... Maybe in time I will break it.

 

[Dmacleo]

hub/bearing would take the most stress if pushing it.

 

[not2old]

I made some concrete railway ties for a retaining wall that weighed 900 lbs. or a bit more. The loader wouldn't lift them more than a couple of inches. I soon learned that if I got them swinging, I could lift them higher. You start with the loader and then use the curl, then get them swinging and add the lift. Doesn't work if you can't get them off the ground. I use everything else to the max and had no problems

 

[ray66v]

While I'm not expert, I believe that the engineers who designed it limited it's lifting capacity by the amount of hydraulic pressure it can build, and the pistons they feed, ask too much and the bypass relief valve kicks in, I'm fairly sure that they also understand that these tractors are primarily operating off road ...

Unable to lift it to maximum height, is much different than unable to lift it off the ground ... Most people do not travel with the maximum load at maximum height on uneven ground ... Unless they like to figure out how to wake there tractor up from its dirt nap ... !

So basically if it will lift it (and you have proper rear ballast) it is OK. Of course that being said driving down hill with a "full load" at maximum speed, over very rough terrain, and trying to jump the creek may be a different story, but driving 120' across my lawn with a load of pellets shouldn't hurt anything other than my back loading and unloading them ... I rarely need or use 4X4, and if used properly like the manual calls for on ground that will allow a tire to slide or spin, like ice or mud, I can't see what difference how much weight is on the front would make a difference in wear and tear on the front axle ...

Of course I've only had this little tractor for almost 3.5 years, and creeping up to 700 hours ... Maybe in time I will break it.

My manual, cautions about lowering a load fast on the FEL and stopping suddenly, having the potential to damage the hydraulics.

That's the same kind of shock you can easily give it, when going over a bump with a very heavy load, even at low speeds.

We also actually had a member years ago, break the pinion gear in his front axle, while moving a lot of weight, because the tires could not slip.

Obviously, everyone has to decide for themselves. Good luck, with your tractor.

 

[dicktill]

<snip> I rarely need or use 4X4, and if used properly like the manual calls for on ground that will allow a tire to slide or spin, like ice or mud, I can't see what difference how much weight is on the front would make a difference in wear and tear on the front axle ... <snip>

Bear in mind that the later model GC's have only one brake; earlier models had two (they had to be synchronized), but the effect is basically the same. They only work on the rear wheels, unless you are in 4-wheel drive. You have zero braking on the front wheels if you are not. Be careful out there!

 

[Shawn T. W.]

Yeah, I know.

I rarely even use the brakes, it's more of a parking brake for me ... If it won't stay still on a slope, I'll use the brake to stop it from rolling, then apply the parking brake to hold it in place ... I usually have weight on the back tires for traction, helps in going and stopping.

 

[Dmacleo]

Bear in mind that the later model GC's have only one brake; earlier models had two (they had to be synchronized), but the effect is basically the same. They only work on the rear wheels, unless you are in 4-wheel drive. You have zero braking on the front wheels if you are not. Be careful out there!

yup I (2010 GC2400) have short very steep hillside I climb/descend daily. in 4WD 1 front (open diff) will have some braking power.funny to see 2 rears and 1 front slide a touch

 

[Shawn T. W.]

No pictures today, but I got 250 gallons of water out to the trees, carried a ladder out to the road to swap out flags, then gave poor Little Baby Fergie a much needed bath after all the dust rototilling ... One steer tire was 8 Lbs low on air, so I topped it up ... Blew off the dust from the engine and radiator, plus the alternator, I'm always AMAZED just how much dust collects inside of it! Blew out the air filter too ... 690 hours now.