GRIP all-wheel drive traction valve and rear motors
For superior traction with a true hydraulic four-wheel drive (4WD), the GRIP all-wheel drive traction system is standard equipment on the 8800A and 9009A TerrainCut™ Rough Mowers. This system reduces wheel slip by sending flow from the front wheel to the opposite rear wheel.
For example, if the front-right wheel starts to slip, hydraulic flow is diverted to the left-rear wheel to maintain positive traction. By allowing the flow to cross over to the opposite rear wheel, the system maintains traction not only while climbing straight up hills, but also on side-hills.
The GRIP all-wheel drive traction system is always engaged when driving forward with the 8800A and 9009A TerrainCut Rough Mowers. There are no electronics to engage the 4WD system, simplifying the electrical system and the design of the valve at the rear of the machine.
In reverse, a standard switch is provided that disengages 4WD. The switch senses the reverse pedal has been depressed and shuts off flow to the rear drive wheels. This ensures the front drive tires are doing the work in reverse rather than the rear tires, minimizing wheel slip and scuffing of turf when backing up an incline.
The end result is more options for mowing different terrain than just straight up and down. The GRIP system ensures that when mowing slopes on an angle, the high side tire maintains tractions unlike like mechanical systems used on other rough mowers. This increases productivity in tight areas and reduces damage to turf from wheel slippage.