unreconstructed
Platinum Member
I spent a lot of time on a front loaders years ago and I guess with the muscle memory that is developed in one's youth I still want to shift without stopping and get aggravated as all git out when I grind the gears. I use the loader quite a lot but not commercially so in my view the gear transmission is just a matter of some inconvenience and having to pay more attention to what I am doing. I tend to grind as I get tired--I guess the old skills surface then. That happens with middle age. I grew up with stick trannys and two wheel drive and we made it just fine. Of course that was row crop applications and not FEL work. If I were in the dirt business where money = time I would definitely go with a different tranny. I still don't regret my decision as I feel I would not have been satisfied with the lighter 5105. Anyhow, that's the best I can relate. I have not seen an 05 series on anyone's lot but have been to only a few dealerships in the hill country. I don't know where you are located--I suppose there should be some fairly good dealerships around Austin but I don't have a clue and haven't looked. Best of luck on your decision.