Question about HST "transmission"

[StrangeRanger]

My L3400HST has always been a PITA to switch between L-M-H.

By accident the other night I discovered that if I have the clutch in and depress the HST pedal to reverse for a moment, release the HST pedal and then try to switch between L-M-H it's about 1,000x easier and slides right in.

So my question is can anyone see any reason I shouldn't depress the HST pedal while the clutch is in? I can't see any reason to not do this, but my knowledge of HST transmissions is non-existant.

Thanks,
j

 

[DiezNutz]

Be careful about doing it on a hill, unless you're covering the brake with your other foot (you will freewheel).

Also just be aware that you will be disengaging/engaging a rear PTO implement, if you have one running at the time.

You can do the same thing as the clutch by getting the range lever "between" ranges and rocking the HST pedal... all you're doing is moving one set of teeth slightly to hopefully mesh up better with the other set. That's a trick some of us guys without a clutch use.

 

[ritschner]

DiezNutz is correct as usual, just rock the HST pedal without using the clutch. Remember to let the HST pedal to come back to neutral (middle) before trying to engage the range selector or you will grind the engagement dogs.

 

[Giles]

On my B2320, I simply let out on the clutch--very slightly--while applying light pressure to the range leaver.
If you haven't already, you might want to try this.:thumbsup:
Your purpose is to alighn the gears for meshing and letting out on the clutch rotates them.

 

[czechsonofagun]

If the turtle to rabbit lever does not want to move I just double clutch, Typically it helps.

 

[mjfox6]

I just shake the tractor back and forth with my butt.

 

[TripleR]

I just shake the tractor back and forth with my butt.

Now that's funny:laughing:

I never use the clutch on my L5030 to change ranges. Occasionally, like others, I will depress the go pedal a little to mesh gears.

 

[StrangeRanger]

I realize all the points made about being on a hill and PTO engage/disengage. And the get it between L-M-H and rocking the pedal bit is what I've been doing for years b/c that's what the manual suggested (yes, I actually read mine ) but that works worth poo.

I do try rocking the tractor and that does help somewhat.

But I was amazed last night when I found this little trick. Works sooo much better than getting the lever in between L-M or M-H and rocking the pedal. You can actually feel something "disengage" or "align" in the tranny when you do this. Then the speed lever slips right in.

I'd be interested to see if others get the same results.
j

 

[TripleR]

While getting use to my L5030 and after reading the manual, yes I read them too, I tried all combinations with the clutch including the reverse and found that nothing including depressing the clutch made much difference so like I said, I just don't use the clutch to change between ranges. I would like to have one without any clutch at all.

 

[Thomas]

No problem shifting to different ranges w/my L2800,taking out 4WD another thing..down pressure fel works the best.