My M7060 purchase and usage thread

[tflt]

I thought that with Kubota's left hand reverser or "shuttle" there was no actual clutch or clutch wear components like you would have on a conventional "manual" transmission, and that it was all handled hydraulically? I believe I read that here on TBN. I fully understand that clutch wear concern and prefer no (set) throttle other than foot throttle for loader work, especially loading a wagon or truck.
I'll be curious to see if someone (Messicks?) chimes in with the Hyd. shuttle's actual operation.

The reverser is too abrupt for tight work at idle, and useless at regen speed. I very rarely use the reverser without the foot clutch anyway. The hydraulic reverser is good and useful at times, but it is still a wear part, and the weak link in the chain. All of my comments are strictly related to when the machine is conducting a regen. Although I am very careful with the reverser in any conditions. Time will tell what gives up on these machines, hopefully nothing, the M7060HDC12 has proven to be a great choice overall.

 

[deserteagle71]

Here's the only relevant instructions from the M7060 owner's manual. And the videos I've seen on-line show the tractor being operated that way. NO clutch being used when using the shuttle shift lever forward and reverse. It is an abrupt change - I've used mine that way when using the front end loader - but I wonder. Is using the clutch each time you move the shuttle shift lever from forward to reverse and then back again causing more wear than if the clutch is not used?

 

[Fallon]

Any power shuttle is generally using a wet clutch. They are generally beefier than a dry clutch, but still wear & wear faster when operating at higher RPM. Generally they will clutch fine at high RPMs, just rougher & more wear

A GST (at least the 30 & 40 series Ls) has a dry clutch operated by the clutch pedal & a separate wet clutch (possibly 2) for the shuttle & GST shifting. The wet clutches are going to be stronger & more durable if the timing works for you. In the half day I spent operating a relative's L3?30 GST I never got the timing when moving piles of brush. I defaulted to the drug clutch & pedal as I wasnt comfortable with the delays & timing on the shuttle clutch. I'm sure I'd get use to it after a day or 2 though. But no matter how you slice it, it isnt as precise or easy as a HST for really tight work. It is more efficient for power transmission though.

 

[ovrszd]

My understanding of the Hyd Shuttle on my 9540 is that it's one hyd wet clutch. To change direction the hand lever is employed. To simply stop/start movement the foot pedal is used.

I use the hand shuttle if I'm operating at low rpm. I use the hand lever to change direction and use the pedal to soften the engagement if operating at high rpm.

 

[Rustyiron]

The reverser is too abrupt for tight work at idle, and useless at regen speed. I very rarely use the reverser without the foot clutch anyway.

I understand your commenting on this during regen and apologize for the derailment. I have the reverser on my 9540 but no emissions and was curious about the correct operation that might prolong the service life. I do a ton of back & forth esp. during the winter while plowing.

 

[ovrszd]

If you use the foot throttle so you can change direction with the hand lever and not be jerky, that's what I'd do. About the only time I use the hand throttle is for PTO work.

 

[jcummins]

I have an M7040.... ease off the foot throttle where it's near idle, use the reverser, throttle back up. Works like a charm once you get the timing down. Also saves that left knee a lot. Out of habit I used the clutch, but age and bad knees made me change.

Now THAT manner of use is in your face bad on DPF.....PROPER use of a utility tractor you are not on steady throttle, and the EPA method of controlling emission by burning MORE diesel to me is directly in you face with utility tractors. They really need to come up with a better answer.

 

[deserteagle71]

If you use the foot throttle so you can change direction with the hand lever and not be jerky, that's what I'd do. About the only time I use the hand throttle is for PTO work.

Amen!

 

[Fallon]

I have an M7040.... ease off the foot throttle where it's near idle, use the reverser, throttle back up. Works like a charm once you get the timing down. Also saves that left knee a lot. Out of habit I used the clutch, but age and bad knees made me change.

Now THAT manner of use is in your face bad on DPF.....PROPER use of a utility tractor you are not on steady throttle, and the EPA method of controlling emission by burning MORE diesel to me is directly in you face with utility tractors. They really need to come up with a better answer.

The emissions standards are set by the EPA, not the methods to get there. The OEM figure out how to meet the particulate & NOx limits themselves. DPF & regens are just 1 option to get there, albeit the most common one.

The emissions gear price & complexity irritates me. But problems breathing, smog & global warming irritate me more.

 

[ovrszd]

EPA mandated a timeline that forced haste. DEF is a horrible method but was a quick solution.....