Transmission Question..please read

[Houston]

I am looking for a little feedback regarding the two transmission types synchro shuttle shift, or electro hydraulic shuttle shift. Can you tell me if you have had any problems with either one, preferences, dislikes, limitations? etc. Thanks to all those who respond.

[Diesel-ME]

I have an EHSS and absolutely love it. It does really nice smooth shifts into gear and/or for direction changes. You almost have to force yourself to not use the clutch sometimes - unless of course you need to inch along (hence, I guess, the term "inching pedal".)

For my use I am not a hydro fan so I only seriously considered gear and EHSS type setups. I was similarly impressed with the Deere and Massy hydraulic clutches - they all seemed to work about the same. Was not impressed with the Kubota offering. But if you are looking at New Holland gear machines I can not think of a reason to not get EHSS.

Besides you can always pretend that the EHSS is not there and still use the clutch (inching pedal). Hopefully some more experiences folks will render opinion on the differences for you with regard to longevity or maintenance.

Get on some machines and try out both setups.

~paul

[daTeacha]

I own a hydro, have owned a couple of gear machines, and sometimes use a Cub Cadet with some sort of shuttle arrangement that I find a pain to use. I'm not sure what it's called, but you choose a range with your left hand next to the seat, then choose your direction with a lever on the "dash" to the left of the steering wheel. Then you use the clutch and hand or foot throttle to drive the thing. You can shift from forwards to reverse if you clutch and move the lever, and you don't need to be fully stopped to do so. I just can't get accustomed to it. My hydro is a lot quicker for loader work.

The hydro is also nice for delicate manuevering, but I think a gear version of the same tractor would be able to pull harder without quitting.

[mojoinco]

I didn't anticipate using the loader a particularly high % of time and decided to go with a middle of the road solution, the EHSS type trans. I figure it gives me most of the speed for loader work (no stopping or clutch necessary) though I too find using the clutch is a habit. My old gear trans was a PITA to use when doing driveway and dirt moving work.

[FULLPULL]

The shuttle on my tractor works flawless as long as you dont shuttle and clutch at the same time. If you lightly touch the clutch when shuttling you can get a jerk or jump out of it . I did own a hydro and find the ehhs just as good in tight spots and better in field conditions. You have more ranges and can find the right ground speed with the power you need. It is better to shift than the old 8 speed standard gear tranny when changing directions .After a few days of use i trained my foot to not clutch . The dealer told me the standard shuttle has a dry clutch and the wet clutch in the ehhs was better .

[CJ4]

I also have the EHSS and love it....it's the best of both worlds.....you get the massive ground power like a gear tractor and have the ease of use and quickness of hydro......

[Ford850]

I have a DX55 and love the shuttle shift. As most have said above, it's the best of both gear and hydros. If you've used a gear tractor a lot, it will take some time to get used to a shuttle shift. I still have a gear tractor too, but now can jump from one to the other and not have too many issues making the mental switch.

[jimmysisson]

Not sure if the OP was asking about the newer NHs with the inching pedal or older with straight clutch plus ehss. I'll go along with fans of the ehss - except for holding a machine on a hill when not running. Every other task is made easier and quicker with the hydraulic shuttle. I notice I rarely have the shift-speed setting in turtle...
Jim

[joes_427_vette]

I have the EHSS on my 55 and find it a huge improvement over the hydro in the prior tc45. The hydro seems to take a great deal of power and the constant whinning drove me crazy. The hydro pedal was also a problem hanging up, ( sticking ) and brush would bind in the linkage. Enough said... I will keep my shuttle.

[Doc_Bob]

If I had to do a lot of work in a confined space with my pallet forks, I would go HST. But, I never do and love my powershuttle. Great to run at 1400 rpm versus 2300 rpm when doing light work.
Bob