Older Cub Hydros
 

I've noticed on my 1450 and 129 that when tilling I have a hard time getting a consistent speed. It seems like I get it set right and then it starts to speed up or slow down. This can be really frustrating. I have talked with others that say they have had the same problem. Is there something I can do to rectify this problem.
I should mention that I did tighten the clamp at the bottom of the control rod so the speed handle would stay where set. This didn't help.
Thanks for your help.

Yup. Get a gear drive. The different densities of the soil make the tiller push on the tractor at different rates, so you speed up and slow down, as a fluid in motion Is not constant. Getting a gear drive is the only real solution to this. But you'll miss the hydraulic lift!

Chris,

Have you checked out your trunnion bracket for wear? I know that can cause lurching, but I assume it can also cause speed control issues.

From what I read, it's the nature of the hydro drive to want to run at full open, so it's all in the linkage to hold it from speeding up. Does your tractor tend to speed up?

<edit - ah, I missed the "tiller" aspect...>

I agree the soil has alot to do with the tiller pushing on the tractor. And the trunion can be worn making the springs hang up. If you go to a gear drive you will need one with a creeper gear for tilling.

I don't agree with using a gear drive to till with. Sounds like trunion wear to me. Have you done a filter and hytran change yet?

I've used a hydro and a gear drive to till. Gear drive is the only way to go if you want steady speed for tilling. Dad's 1450 when new had the speed up or slow down problem.

I agree a gear drive is the only time I'll take a gear drive over hydro is tilling.

Thanks for the information. I have one that I have changed the oil and filter in and it operates the same as the other one. It actually feels like it is in the linkage. Once set there is equal slack on both sides of the set point. After it starts to speed up or slow down there is only slack on one side of the set point.
As far as hydro's go I have several other brands that don't do this. I have an orange tractor with a tiller on it. You set it at one end of the garden and it stays there to the other end, 150'. The cadet with with tiller and Gilson tines does a much nicer job though. But I don't dare take my hands off of the speed control or I will either come to stand still or be going 40 mph across the garden.
My Left arm starts getting tired trying to control it.
Do you need the creeper gears to till with a gear drive?
Thanks again!

I have used my 108 to till but the first gear is too fast to get good break-up. I now use my 129 for the tiller.

If there is play in the hydro linkage, I would go through it and put new joints in. The ball joints wear out over time and can create some play. That will make the sowed issue more evident.