Shifting gears on L3200DT Newby question

[TSE]

Hi folks. New guy here. Just bought a very nice 2011 L3200DT. It's my first tractor and I'm trying to make sure I don't do anything wrong to it. After reading the manual and driving it around for a few minutes, I'm unsure of something. Do I always change into a different gear only when stopped? Then start out in that gear? I assume I'm only selecting gears based on the job at hand? Lower for ground work on up to the highest for just going from point A to point B, but always starting out from a stop?

Thanks for any info for a dumb newby. I searched old threads for a while before I posted this question. I know how irritating it can be for the same questions to come up over and over again. I've lurked here for a little while and appreciate the standards of the site.

 

[jeff9366]

Do I always change into a different gear only when stopped?

YES.

Stop, then shift gears.

 

[Grandad4]

Hi folks. New guy here. Just bought a very nice 2011 L3200DT. It's my first tractor and I'm trying to make sure I don't do anything wrong to it. After reading the manual and driving it around for a few minutes, I'm unsure of something. Do I always change into a different gear only when stopped? Then start out in that gear? I assume I'm only selecting gears based on the job at hand? Lower for ground work on up to the highest for just going from point A to point B, but always starting out from a stop?

Yes. Unlike the automotive world, where gear shifting is used to build highway speeds, a tractor generally has enough torque to start out in any gear so upshifting on the go isn't necessary.

Always exceptions of course and some tractors have fully synchronized trannies. If you get into bigger equipment shift on the go is pretty standard.

 

[TSE]

Thanks guys. The manual was a little unclear and since I bought it second hand, I was on my own. I managed to mow my small 4 acre field without breaking anything. Appreciate the help!

 

[Grandad4]

With that covered, you might also contemplate what it means for climbing and descending slopes. You don't want to discover you picked too high a gear when you're in the middle of the hill because that's a really bad place to be shifting! First, you're losing your momentum. Second, you're counting on your rear-only brakes to hold the tractor whilst you stir the gearbox. Third, if the brakes can't hold while you're in neutral between gears, you're likely going on a whoopee ride or worse down the hill. Fourth, use your 4wd on the hills so your braking on the rears will also control the fronts, giving you 4 wheel braking as long as it's in gear and the clutch pedal is not depressed.

No question is too basic to ask.

 

[TSE]

Thanks Grandad. I used four low 4wd and crawled up and down just in case. My access to my bottom area isn't real steep but after reading all the advice I wasn't taking any chances...

 

[newbury]

<snip>
Thanks for any info for a dumb newby. I searched old threads for a while before I posted this question. I know how irritating it can be for the same questions to come up over and over again. I've lurked here for a little while and appreciate the standards of the site.

The dumb question is the one NOT asked

<snip>
No question is too basic to ask.

:thumbsup::thumbsup:

And then there is another term to throw into the equation "shuttle shift"

Shuttle shift does indeed allow you to go from forward to reverse in whatever gear you're using. It generally does require the use of clutch. The big advantage is that you then have multiple reverse speeds as compared to other models that may have 1 - 4 forward + reverse. (I'm thinking 9N here). This is good for loader work - however I've found hydraulic drive to be far better.
Mike

And there is

TORRANCE, Calif. – A hydraulic shuttle transmission with hydraulic wet clutch has been added to Kubota's “tough as nails” M5700 and M6800 loader tractors.

Kubota's hydraulic shuttle transmission allows for smooth and quick shifting between forward and reverse without the need to push in the clutch. The hydraulic shift lever is located within easy reach of the steering column. The 4-speed main shift is fully synchronized, in combination with the high/low range provides 8 forward and 8 reverse speeds. With the optional creep speed kit installed, gear range increases to 12 forward and 12 reverse.

 

[TSE]

Yep. I bought this one because it was so clean and the price was reasonable. I almost bought a new L3301 but after the tax and add ons it would have come out to almost $9000 more. And I am happy to have avoided the newest emissions control stuff.

 

[newbury]

And now you have $9,000 you can spend on ATTACHMENTS!!!

 

[Gordon Gould]

Maybe you will say I am doing it wrong but in low range I shift at a stop or near stop. In high range I shift just like a motor vehicle always starting in 1st. Low is my work range and high is a travel range for my use.

gg