Help I have a runaway horse.

[B-8074 20]

I can't keep my c-175 from sliding down hills. I never had this problem before no matter if the grass was wet or dry. I checked the brakes and they are good. I have ag tires with wheel weights and they are also fluid filled. Any ideas. Is it ok to use the hydro tranny to hold the tractor back using reverse? Also is there a special type of chains for ag tires?

[TT-(Moderator) 1,162]

I never had this problem before

Before what? Have you changed something?

The band (foot) brake on a hydro tractor is really only necessary for parking. Moving the DCL through neutral and into reverse to stop forward motion is fine. If the incline is too steep or you are traveling to fast, an anchor is about the only thing that will stop you - other than hitting a solid object. :hide:

[B-8074 20]

I've been mowing the same hills for awhile now with no trouble. The only thing I've done lately is change the filter and oil in the tranny and engine. I check them before I get on the tractor every time. So I should be using the tranny to control my decent on the hills. Thanks for the help.

[TT-(Moderator) 1,162]

So I should be using the tranny to control my descent on the hills. Thanks for the help.

Absolutely ~ and you're welcome. :handgestures-thumbup:

[dcrage 630]

Are you sure that your wheels aren't sliding as you go down that hill -- It takes several episodes of this to learn that it is NOT your brakes (or the position of your motion control lever) that are at fault; the hill is just too steep for your wheels to grip and you are sliding -- Obviously (since I am writing this reply), I am experienced at this activity (The slope of my yard surely exceeds the 'safety' slopes indicated in my 310-8 owner's manual)

[boovuc 1,090]

If you haven't had problems before but are doing so now, there are two things I would consider.

1. Are your ag tires rounded or worn? I too mowed a side hill of shale with a little grass on it for years. I too used wheel weights and bought a very wide pair of Dayton ag tires. After 4 years, those tires were not as "sharp" as they once were and I would slip.

2. If your hydro is just begining to "bypass" when it gets hot, a steep grade will bring it to light very quickly. My C-175 is an 8 speed but I had a C-120 that slowly faded in power. When it first started to go, it was barely noticable on level or gentle sloped yards. Had I been on my old shale bank yard, that tractor would have become a stain and speed bump on a township road 600 feet below.

Also, in Kittanning, PA as here in Central PA, it has been bone dry with low humidities. My shale hill yard of the past was worse in those conditions verses humid moist soil. If we get any dryer here, my trout fishing will be confined to picking up some farm fresh rainbows at Walmart!

[B-8074 20]

"If your hydro is just begining to "bypass" when it gets hot".

Are you saying my hydro tranny is going bad or just getting overheated? What do you mean when you say "bypass" ? And to answer your question about the tires. Yes they are rounded a bit. They are 23x8.50x12. Could I put a 10.50 on the stock runs without causing an issue?

[SousaKerry 503]

C-120 have sunstrands in them your c-175 unless an early 1980 model should have an Eaton 11, The two transmissions are completely different and behave different. That being said I had a similar problem with my c-125/175 on a very steep sand hill at my last property. I was told that there are check valves within the Eaton motor that are suppose to prevent free wheeling on a hill however after many years of service they become gunked up and do not function properly. Short of major surgery and cleaning of the pump and motor there is no easy fix.

I used to haul heavy loads of brush with the tractor on a trailer and at times would have the tires spinning backwards to hold back the trailer, I then started running chains year round on this machine and had no problem but if you are concerned about your lawn I would not suggest this.

No further harm will come to your transmission from pulling back on the stick when descending hills, just a quirk with a 30 year old machine that makes it all the more fun :helmet: