[AT] Question about modern 4WD tractor (while watching Oliver Super77 Diesel)

[Ernie Thackeray]

Grant,

Many years ago JI Case came out with the statement to the effect, not to
pull a tractor at full drawbar load less than 4 mph.  I've worked for a
competitor for many years (even before this  statement was made) and our
guideline has been very similar.  Your operator's manual should state
the minimum and the maximum amount of slip you must have.  If you have
too much you are wasting energy.  If you have too little you are going
to fail your drive train.  Your engine will probably survive OK but your
drive train will not.  I'm not "throwing stones" at your brand, our
brand will fail the drive train also.  I've always compared hard heavy
pulls on modern farm equipment to tractor pullers.  Tractor pullers pull
heavy weights/loads but their wheels have "plenty" of slip.  The key to
power train longevity is to have gear tooth contact for a minimum amount
of time and use the proper lubrication.

Again, your OM should call out the minimum mph or gear to operate your
tractor in for extended heavy pulling.

Good luck,
Ernie 


-----Original Message-----
From: at-bounces at lists.antique-tractor.com
[mailto:at-bounces at lists.antique-tractor.com] On Behalf Of Grant Brians
Sent: Monday, November 29, 2004 10:34 PM
To: Antique tractor email discussion group
Subject: [AT] Question about modern 4WD tractor (while watching Oliver
Super77 Diesel)

This question is probably directed primarily at Mike Sloane as he has
recent
experience with New Holland 4WD tractors. I have been driving my 1996
NH6610S with mechanical 4WD ripping fields. For those not in California,
we
typically mechanically work the vegetable fields 2-3 feet deep to break
up
hardpan, aid in leaching salt from irrigation water and ease root
penetration every so often. To eke out the last horsepower out of the
tractor and aid in traction, I am running full time in four wheel drive.
This is nominally about an 80hp tractor, but it was dyno tested at 93hp
just
before I bought it by the dealer. In the loam and clay soils (heavy...)
that
I work, I'm running 3 shanks between 20 and 28 inches deep in third gear
at
around 3.5mph.
    The question is, using the full power of the tractor as I am, am I
hurting it? I don't think so, but would like some feedback.
    Also, I must comment on the Oliver reference in the email title. One
of
our Olivers is a Super 77 Diesel wide front with cultivating bars. It is
the
preferred tractor by the renter's tractor drivers for seeding with their
air
seeder and other things - they much prefer it to the modern (last ten
years)
tractors they were using before! It is smoother, quieter and just easier
to
operate - except for that lack of power steering and even that is not
enough
to overcome their like for the tractor.
        Grant Brians
        Hollister, California

_______________________________________________
AT mailing list
http://www.antique-tractor.com/mailman/listinfo/at