Ford 6600 running a 540 rpm potato digger

[Big_T]

Howdy Guys,

I"m trying to help with a farmer from Greece with a Ford 6600 4x4 tractor. He operates a potato digger that runs on 540 rpm PTO. His problem is that the tractor goes too fast in low range first gear at ~1900 engine rpm and he has to slip the clutch to dig potatoes. Of course, he"s worried about damaging his clutch.

What can he do to slow down the tractor for this operation?
 

[Bern]

Install creeper gears into the rear of his transmission. Ford made a kit to do just that. Good luck finding one.
 

[Big_T]

Thanks again Bern.
 

[Big_T]

Bern - In the New Holland Online Parts Store, I found a Reduction gearbox assembly kit, listed under the transmission. Is this what you were referring to??
 

[wh]

We ran a MF 275 for years with a 2 row 3pt digger. Ran around 80 acres a year. Slow down to 1200-1300 rpm. Ran in 1st gear.
 

[Bern]

Most likely. Is it still available? If it is, I bet NH wants a mint for it.
 

[Big_T]

Aw, they only want $7K+ for it!! Out of the question.
 

[Big_T]

WH, thanx for your response. This is probably the most practical solution. I recommended that he try various engine rpm's and see what works best for him.
 

[wh]

He may need to install extra 'knockers' on the digger to shake the dirt off. That is what we did when the ground was moist/sticky. Slowing down will also eliminate a lot of briusing.
 

[wh]

He may need to install extra 'knockers' on the digger to shake the dirt off. That is what we did when the ground was moist/sticky. Slowing down will also eliminate a lot of briusing.
 

[wh]

He made need to add extra 'knockers'. We did in order to shake off as mush dirt as possible and run at slowest speed to avoid bruising.