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RIDE, TRACTION & PERFORMANCE
Regardless of model or manufacturer, under certain
conditions tractors may hop fore and aft or the tires
may bounce up and down. You may experience this
type of out-of-phase movement that results in a
twisting motion of the tractor. Engineers call this type
of movement “powerhopping” but some customers
have termed it “grasshoppering.”
This results most commonly in heavy tillage
operations with pull-type equipment.
What Causes Powerhopping?
The tractor is not properly matched to
the implement.
Tire pressures are not properly balanced
from front to rear.
Improper tire size combinations are installed
on the tractor (creating improper lead/lag
ratio on the FWD equipped tractor).
The operator is attempting to go too fast
for the implement, the operation, or the
operating conditions.
Improper front to rear weight ratio on tractor.
Possible Solutions for
Powerhopping Problems.
If powerhop occurs after following all of the
guidelines on leveling implement tire size, weight
split, ballast type, and inflation pressures, make the
following adjustments to inflation pressures:
FWD
Raise front inflation pressure by 2 PSI. If powerhop
is not eliminated, further front tire inflation pressure
increases in 2 PSI increments is advised until hop is
eliminated. Rear tire inflation pressures should
remain at the correct pressures for the load. The
maximum front pressure should not exceed 6 PSI
above the maximum rated pressure for the tire
(radial or bias.) If the tractor continues to powerhop,
take weight off of the front axle.
4WD
Raise the rear inflation pressure from the correct
inflation by 2 PSI. If powerhop is not eliminated,
increasing rear tire inflation pressure in 2 PSI
increments is advised until hop is eliminated. The
maximum pressure should not exceed 6 PSI above
the maximum rated pressure for the tire (radial or
bias.) If raising the rear pressure fails to control hop,
take weight off of the rear of the tractor. On
extremely steep hillside operations, keep the fronts at
the correct pressure for the load and raise the rear
pressures.
Preventing Powerhop
On MFD tractors, powerhop occurs when the front axle attempts to out-pull the
rear axle. On 4WD tractors, powerhop occurs when the rear axle attempts to out-
pull the front axle.