Why are Hydro transmissions so noisey?

synapse · Nov 14, 2005

Dave,

if you're asking for techincal reasons, not sure at this point. I think it may be related to pump. As it breaks in, may quiet down as some report above. Sometimes, extra lobes, and better tolerances on new designs can quiet things down.

Being an engineer, I agree, noise not acceptable. However, never played with hydros, so sorry, can't really answer you. Will keep my ears open though. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Some of the folks here have very good pratical experiance/advice. As someone above posted, what equipment are you dealing with? Newer designs have boasted quieter operation.

Note your post struck a chord with me, while you mention your hydro is noisier than your diesel, diesels can be made to be quiet. Why can't you have your cake and eat it too? Torque doesn't have to announce itself... /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

kude · Nov 14, 2005

As far noise goes, hearing protectors. Don't be afraid to wear them.

I see enough guys with hearing aids walking around.

Look like a dweeb now wearing hearing protection or wear a hearing aid later.

I remember wearing the head phone style ones with my JD 755 at first, but it did quiet down where I felt it wasn't necessary.

synapse · Nov 14, 2005

kude,

Absolutely, hearing protectors are good, I buy them by the box. Used them today, even though the new piece of equipment got this morning was rated at 67dBa @ 50 feet.

Wife, neighbors, and wildlife without luxury of ear plugs, liked new equipment much better than old equipment. And even with ear plugs, I liked new equipment better. If we don't make better equipment here in the states, we won't be making equipment.

BluRidgDav,
Even my 20 year old hydrostat design with 1000+ hours is pretty quiet. (Unless I stop, apply brake, and don't have neutral adjusted well on hydrostat control...) Is it relatively quiet? yes. Do I want new design? yes.

Is mine quieter than Sears? I don't know. But I don't think 20 year old sears would be in as good shape. Whats the capacity of Sears hydrostat pump? What's the capacity or yours? Is the Sears broken in? Is yours brand new?

Yours might need breaking in, slight adjustment, or slight change in operating rpm as mentioned above. Don't give up yet, they whine, but even on old designs, whine can be tamed.