What Makes For a Comfortable Ride?

EastTexFrank · Nov 8, 2003

I usually mow the pastures at the farm using a MF 275 pulling a Servis Gyro, 7' heavy duty drag mower. The MF is a rocking, rolling, bouncing son-of-a-gun. It'll beat you death if you try to go too fast. The other day I had to use a 45 year old JD 820 that my mother-in-law used until she had to give up bush hogging when she reached 85 years old. I probably hadn't put in a days work on that old thing for 10 years. I was amazed at how much smoother and more comfortable the ride was on that old tractor with a 5' FMC 3-pt mower. It got me to thinking what I could do to improve the ride on the Massey. What are the things that affect ride quality on a tractor? The MF is bigger (75 hp) and probably weighs about a 1,000+ more than the JD (38 HP) but there has to be more to it than that. Neither tractor has filled tires - too many flats to keep them filled. Has it to do with the wheelbase, wheel width or wheel size, tire pressures, etc.? Is there anything I can do to improve the ride on the Massey and save my poor ol' back because I really do like that 7' mower?

RoyJackson · Nov 8, 2003

I wonder if that 7' mower you love so much is part of the problem.
You mentioned it's a pull behind..attaching to your draw bar? Any jumping up and down that mower does is going to be transferred to the tractor. Any chance of hooking it up to the Deere to confirm this? Or, rig the 5' FMC 3-pt mower to your Fergusson?

If my theory is correct, front weights (on your MF) might smooth it out a bit by counteracting the movement of the pull behind mower at the draw bar.

If it does turn out that the 7' mower is the problem, you might try looking for an after market seat that is air cushioned.

JerryG · Nov 8, 2003

The best thing you can do for a smooth ride is air down the tires.

thcri · Nov 8, 2003

I have tried this on many occassions with many different tractors. It has worked every time.

Basically you get your self a lawn chair. A Bud or whatever favors you best. Sit down in lawn chair and watch your wife or someone else drive the tractor. You would not believe how smooth this makes the ride. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Like I said, doesn't make no difference what size or type of tractor.

5030 · Nov 8, 2003

Frank:

I'd say your problem is solely wheelbase related. A shorter wheelbase will contribute to the rocking chair effect.

I use my 5030HSTC as a hay tractor and as long as the MoCo or bailer is on the drawbar, the ride is smooth as there is quite a bit of weight on the drawbar.

If I use the 5030 to pull the tedder or rake, the weight is less and the ride is punishing to say the least.

If I switch to the 4050 JD with the tedder or rake, due to the longer wheelbase, the ride is much smoother. I agree, the best way to avoid the beating is a lawn chair and a 6 pack, with a "good friend" doing the mowing.

If that fails, get an aftermarket seat. Grammer Industries, makes about the best suspension seat in the business. They even offer a seat with a built in air compressor for true air ride.

KubotaBling · Nov 9, 2003

Wheel base and engine placement/weight distribution and Tire sidewall flex/area are they 3 big key elements.

Slamfire · Nov 9, 2003

Suspension, suspension, suspension. Don't have any, get a seat that soaks up the bumps, the pitching and rolling will problably always be there.

5030 · Nov 9, 2003

Slamfire:

You can get rid of the pitching and rolling too. If you get a premium aftermarket seat with air suspension, it will have a fore and aft isolator. With the isolator engaged, the seat will absorb most of the oscillation.

That's why truck drivers don't have kidney problems anymore.

art · Nov 9, 2003

Make sure that the rear tires are running at or near full bar contact. The mower will be heavy on the rear when raised you should be in the 15lb range?

EastTexFrank · Nov 10, 2003

Thanks guys, you have given me a few things to think about and play with over the winter. It's just about time to drop the mower and pick up the hay forks anyway so we'll see how it rides without the mower on. Strange that I never noticed how rough riding the MF was before ... just what you're used to I suppose. I tried out the lawn chair and 6-pack option yesterday but I modified it a little. It was a wet, dreary day anyway so I parked myself in front of the TV in my recliner and watched football all day. I must say that the technique has definite possibilities. It'll need further research and development though. Also, it didn't seem to impress my wife too much but the dogs were happy. I wish I could teach them to fetch beer from the fridge. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif