2720 Specs

[Wombat125]

This is just a guess, but I suspect the reason for the three range preference is that the range selector gearbox is downstream of the hydrostatic motor.

I think folks are saying that in the JD high range, the diesel/hydrostatic system has to work too hard because there isn't enough gear reduction, whereas in the low range the diesel/hydrostatic can't drive the tractor fast enough because there's too much gear reduction.

Someone smarter than I needs to weigh in on this.

[croasdale]

I'm no expert but maybe the HST ranges can be compared to a geared bicycle. You can put the bike in high gear and go from 0 to 30 mph but it will be quite difficult if you have to climb a hill at 5 mph in high. It's much easier to change to a lower gear. The tractor in high gear would have the same problem. Even though you have infinitely variable speeds from 0 to 14 or so mph in high range, the power required to go, say, 4 mph is greater in high range than in low range because of the different gearing.
Back to the 2720, would y'all agree it's a modernized replacement for the 955? About the same weight, power, standard MFWD, 2 range HST...

[jimgerken]

The gear choices are the same 'cause they keep re-using the SAME Kansai transaxle. I imagine it is very painful to start over designing with a new transaxle, since it is the basis of the tractor. Many new parts, very little re-use, more expensive. My 2520 has the same trans as my old 4100 had, and it appears (at first glance, from your descriptions) they re-used it again on the 2720. Now, if only it had a hi-low range shift on the go, added to the current two-speed range set, and hydro of course, you'd really have something.