Dixie Diesel "hopping"

[studibel1]

Hey guys. I sold a diesel model to an agency that has several guys that use the mower. Got a call and one of the users described that it has "a hydraulic hop" when mowing up an incline. Stated that it doesn't do this when mowing flat areas, just going up inclines.

After speaking with another guy at the same agency, he mentioned that it seems to happen with one operator more than others. He told me that this is not a problem that is keeping them from using the machine. When he said it seems to happen more with one operator versus any other, I assume it is operator-related. Is that what you might think? I'm at the point that if a problem surfaces when one operator uses it and not someone else, it is not the machine's problem. I can understand that if it happened regardless of who operates, the machine has issues. I'm just scratching my head on this. I just want to make the customer happy!

If it is machine-related, does anyone have any ideas of how to fix? I'd love to be able to tell them to try something over the phone rather than having to pick it up. The agency is 3 1/2 hours away!

Thanks all. :headscra:

[Fine Lines Lawn]

That is definately operator error. That machine is very "torquey" and if the operator doesn't know what they're doing it'll buck.

[DC Service]

If you crack the dump valves open(about1/8 turn)it will make the unit less sensetive.If it is an older unit upgrade to VTC.Good luck :cool:

[studibel1]

It is a brand new 2004 machine. Should I suggest to them to open the dump valves as you suggest? Is there a procedure to follow to make sure this is done correctly? It sounds a little less sensitive might be what they need for now. Thanks for the suggestion.

[studibel1]

Bill, thanks for the comments about "bucking". That was the word he used! Does that make sense about it "hopping" while going up an incline? If it were the machine and it had issues, wouldn't it happen whenever the machine was run? Your comments and my own common sense tells me it has to do with the sensitivity and operator familiarity with the controls. Your thoughts?

[DC Service]

There is no set procedure for cracking the dump valves open.Just use a 5/8 wrench! :cool:

[Fine Lines Lawn]

Any high power, high torque machine will do that. Ever been on a Bobcat? This machine would also have to be very heavy in the rear and should be operated only by experienced operators if mowing uphill. I have a machine that will buck, as well. There is nothing wrong with the mower.

[txchopper]

Having many hours on the xxwd5000, I thought I would comment. The nature of the machine does tend to allow it to be a lil more sensitive on an incline. This is due to the weight of the machine. I would recommend installing some "cross drilled dump valves". Thes take the place of "cracking" the dump vavles now on it. You will remove the original ones and puts these in the place of. You will lose about 11/2 mph but the unit will be sooooooooo much smoother. This will solve the problem. There is another option, which is to add a front weight t the unit. But we all know this is a last resort option. We really want to keep the unit as lite as possible.

[studibel1]

Hey Txchopper, tell me more about these cross-drilled dump valves. Is this just a matter of removing the OEM's and installing these? Where can these be purchased? Thanks for posting.

[txchopper]

A simple replacement is all it is. Your Chopper dealer can get them for you.