BX25D Has No Power Climbing

[TJBG]

New BX25D owner, bought new 2014 model a couple of months ago. When trying to go uphill on dirt, rocky ground (wet or dry) tractor doesn't do well. Seems like it has no power. Engine bogs down, wheels do not spin in place, but just won't move. Does fine on flat ground but seems to have no power going uphill. I have tried to back it up in hopes this is somehow related to it being heavier in back due to the BH but still same problem. I have the same problem going uphill even if I have weight in the FEL. It's like the tractor has no power when it has to climb. Am I doing something wrong?? I am a new tractor owner so I'm actually hoping it's just me being stupid. I usually have the engine at about 3,000 RPM when doing this, and all wheels are engaged (front wheels are NOT disconnected) and the transmission speed is set to high (full rear at the rabbit). I am using the AG pattern tires. I do not have ballast in them. I do not have tire weights or other weights and I am not using chains. Hoping some of you experience operators can help.....feeling like I just spent a lot of money on an underpowered machine.

 

[RCW]

Try it in low range.

 

[nzzshl]

Hey TGBG....Reading your post, I only have a one questiion that may or may not apply. I too am a new owner of the same tractor so I can empathize with your position. To a degree, I can understand there being a loss of power climbing a hill in high range if the bucket was loaded, depending on the load, grade and length of the hill, low range might be in order. The main question that comes to mind is: Do you think that the park brake was set? Remember, there is no "Brake" indicator to alert you of the condition. On level ground, there is a real possiblity that the engine/transmission torque could surpass the ability of the brakes to hold the tractor in a stationary place but a grade might show the symptoms you've described. Either check the park brake now or think back to the odds that it may have been a cause then. Just a thought.

 

[TJBG]

I was reading through the operating manual last night and was thinking that I should try low range. I was hoping the manual would be more helpful with regard to clarifying proper use of the tractor's 4WD function and when you'd want/need to use it or not, but the manual doesn't ever mention 4WD--instead it's all about whether you engage or disengage the front wheels which means the tractor is always in 4WD unless you disengage the front wheels ( I hope I stated that correctly). I have never tried to climb without the front wheels disengaged, and I have always had it in high range--so I am hoping switching to low range will help. RCW, should I disengage the front wheels as well as putting it in low?

 

[TJBG]

nzzshl, I will look into the parking brake suggestion, but I don't think that's the problem. I have a feeling it's more about being in high range when I need to be in low. I also am wondering if I need to have the front wheels disengaged, or if that really matters or not in these situations. Seems like you'd want to always have all 4 wheels engaged when climbing or descending any terrain? Also, wondering if I'm using the heel lever for the diff lock incorrectly--whenever I'm trying to climb, I'm depressing that lever with my left heel.

 

[skeets]

My friend if you are having trouble going up a slope in high range whit the motor a 3k, then and this is just MHO, the slope is to steep to go up in the first place. If you must go up a slope that steep then do it in reverse, seat belt and hang on and keep everything as low as you can

 

[Mork]

Hi Range on these machines are for transport only and will cause the issue you are having. I keep in low range whenever I am using the machine but do use 4 wheel drive selectively. Remember you have a rear diff lock on your left heal if needed.

 

[D2Cat]

TJBG, remember when you use the differential lock you can not turn your tractor. Both back tires are locked and you ARE going STRAIGHT AHEAD.

 

[ShaunRH]

TJBG, remember when you use the differential lock you can not turn your tractor. Both back tires are locked and you ARE going STRAIGHT AHEAD.

You CAN turn with the diff lock on but it rates about up there with OIL TANKERS! LOL!

 

[85Hokie]

My friend if you are having trouble going up a slope in high range whit the motor a 3k, then and this is just MHO, the slope is to steep to go up in the first place. If you must go up a slope that steep then do it in reverse, seat belt and hang on and keep everything as low as you can

Skeets,

I am gonna go out on a limb and disagree with ya here.

I have the same BX25D - to go down to the lower part of my yard I have to go down about an 18 degree slope - really isnt bad going up or down, but - I CANNOT go up it in HIGH. I dont care if I ease up on the pedal, or send the RPM;s up to 3400 and screaming ....I cant get half way up the hill without it stopping dead...... in LOW I can go up the hill almost in idle .....ok - maybe NOT in idle but it goes easily ......

I have come to the conclusion that in high - the 700# on the rear hoe and the empty 400# on FEL and the 300# MMM are just too much to be pulled in high gear. Now my B7100 will go up it in HIGH gear like a champ - but it is missing the heavy parts!

I never used high at all until I took it too school, and while moving dirt for the baseball team I found out that high was the cat's lick!!! But going up a hill in high is a not gonna happen ordeal !

 

[RCW]

As Mork said, 4WD may be needed if the rears break loose and spin. As the other guys said, diff lock is also a tool for better traction.

You're at almost wide open throttle (WOT), and it sounds like its not even loosing traction.

Either the hill or the gear (high range) is too steep.

I'm betting its too steep a gear.

If low range doesn't cure it, you may want to re-evaluate that slope - maybe you shouldn't be on it to begin with!

Best of luck - and let us know!

 

[TJBG]

Thanks RCW.

The thing that makes me doubt this is due to the hill being too steep is that I can throw down OMB/plywood and it does just fine. Something about the uneven ground, rocks, etc that causes it to lose power.

The more responses I get here the more I'm convinced this has everything to do with me having it in high gear. I'll try putting it in low and keeping a slow and steady foot on the pedal--I really hope this will solve the problem because I want to love this tractor not regret buying it!

I'll re-post here in a few days to let you guys know if that helped.

 

[beckmurph]

High gear is for transport, or cutting grass on fairly flat ground.
You need to be in low range to climb just a moderate hill.
The HST peddle is not an accelerator like in your auto. It is your gear shift.
The less peddle applied, the more power/torque to move things. (LOW GEAR)
The more peddle you apply, less power/torque. (HIGH GEAR)
Hope this helps

 

[Fiziksgeek]

As just mentioned, driving a tractor is not like driving a car. Pressing the pedal does not make more power, it request more speed. When new, people have the tendency to press the pedal harder when the tractor starts to slow down, like you would in a car. When the engine starts to bog down, you should let off the pedal some, you might be be able to stay in high, but you'll be going very slow. So s mentioned, you might be better off is low gear in the first place.

 

[RCW]

Something about the uneven ground, rocks, etc that causes it to lose power.

This makes me wonder if you are loosing traction and spinning some.

All the more reason to go slow!!!!! In High Range that thing could start bouncing and get outta hand in a jiffy.

That tractor is not Ferrari Orange!!!

Christ - I sound like my father.............

I never had so much fun going so slow!! My Harley is lonely!!!

Best wishes, and luck.

 

[Lil Foot]

Another possibility- this problem has been discussed before, and it turned out to be in a couple of cases that the rear rims were spinning in the tires due to low tire pressure. Worth a check anyway.

 

[RCW]

Another possibility- this problem has been discussed before, and it turned out to be in a couple of cases that the rear rims were spinning in the tires due to low tire pressure. Worth a check anyway.

True - I was not a believer that it would happen, but it did to a couple guys.

Great thought.

 

[85Hokie]

Thanks RCW.

The thing that makes me doubt this is due to the hill being too steep is that I can throw down OMB/plywood and it does just fine. Something about the uneven ground, rocks, etc that causes it to lose power.

The more responses I get here the more I'm convinced this has everything to do with me having it in high gear. I'll try putting it in low and keeping a slow and steady foot on the pedal--I really hope this will solve the problem because I want to love this tractor not regret buying it!

I'll re-post here in a few days to let you guys know if that helped.

AS everyone has mentioned......if you start your car in 5th gear on flat ground, and then give it gas......well - after the 3rd or 4th time, you will remember what 1st gear was for!

Even on geared tractors, the high gear (4th on the old 8N's) was only for transport - you didnt cut grass in 4th, you didnt run across the field in 4th, you went from one spot to another and even then you have to feather the clutch to get it up to speed.

On these BX with hoe/fel, you are asking a hellva lot of a 20+ hp engine to pull that up an incline of any angle.

Now if someone is willing to take the hoe and Fel off and then try to run up the same hill, I think you will see a little difference.

Another test - on flat ground and Fel full of gravel or something else heavy, try to get to speed quickly in high range - it aint gonna happen! the fluid is working it's butt off just to get the momentum up. Now it will move and move fast if you apply a little at a time until the inertia is overcome and movement is started.

Bottom line - you are asking too much from the tractor in the given situation.

you would not want to run the kentucky derby with 250 fat man on the saddle now would youuuuuuu???

 

[D2Cat]

85Hokie, your statement should read, "you would not want to run the kentucky derby with 250 fat man on the saddle (on a uphill track) now would youuuuuuu??

 

[85Hokie]

85Hokie, your statement should read, "you would not want to run the kentucky derby with 250 fat man on the saddle (on a uphill track) now would youuuuuuu??

Now, I dont want to be on the horse going uphill, downhill - sideways - no ways - and I only weigh 220!!!!!

them thar horSE's scare me!!! My girl friend back 35 years ago use to put me on the back of her horse.......bareback, she would scare the sheeate out of me!!!!