7740 powershift problems

matt21 · Dec 24, 2010

I'm looking at a Ford 7740 with a 16x16 powershift transmission. What is the transmission like on this tractor? I am only familiar with the David Brown Hydra-shift. I know on my david brown when the powershift box went out on it all it had was 1st gear across 3 ranges and reverse. If something happens to the powershift on the 7740 what is left? Thanks.

RickB · Dec 24, 2010

The 16x16 ElectroShift has 4 clutchpacks and three synchronizers. One synchronizer controls forward and reverse. One controls high and low ranges. The third splits the speed selections 1-4 and 5-8 in each of the aforementioned low and high ranges. The powershift part is speeds 1-4 which are duplicated as 5-8 with a synchronizer shift. Two of the four clutchpacks must be engaged in order for the tractor to move, and all three synchronizers need to be shifted away from neutral. Most powershift faults will result in an inoperative transmission. There are a total of four shift cables, one each for the synchronizers, and one connected to the clutch pedal that operates the dump valve.

rustyrigs · Dec 26, 2010

With my limited experience in Ford NH tractor repair i have learned the 7700 series is a beast of a tractor, the only problems iv'e dealt with so far as for the 16 x 16 power shift's are TCM's and difficulty calibrating in the standerd H mode procedure, I have'nt seen any problems with PWMV's although these tractors are the madian voyuges into the electronics era, probably due to time to learn the common flaws in engineering and production as for later model tier 2 & 3 emmissions tractors, unforutenitly beyond our controll, due to cheap, cheaper and who can bid the cheapest without regards to quality I have had the pleasure of rebuilding several of these trany's lately. TN's, TS's, 8x8, 16x16, manual, power & shuttle shifts!! The fault seems to be low to no quality material and production rather then electronics! It always seems to be syncro. failure due to lack of metal width in shift forks, creates to much play and slamming on the syncronizers, they fly apart and you know the rest! NH's response, put more meat in just the one fork, and in the 16x16 you'll get the supercedding part (the fatter fork) but they took the 4x4 sync. adjustment controll out of the equation, therefor creating enough metal to put into the shift are range fork, a couple ounces or so. Now Ford's answer to shim spec's for that shaft is various sizes of washers with no target spec!! Now I can build these tractors for you but I can't afford to own anything accept what is now concedered old school. My last build, TS110A, 16x16 power shift, manual shuttle, emissions, $14,000.00. Syncs, forks, 2 clutch pac's and needle bearings (only)!! Good luck with your 7740!!!!

RickB · Dec 26, 2010

rustyrigs said:
With my limited experience in Ford NH tractor repair i have learned the 7700 series is a beast of a tractor, the only problems iv'e dealt with so far as for the 16 x 16 power shift's are TCM's and difficulty calibrating in the standerd H mode procedure, I have'nt seen any problems with PWMV's although these tractors are the madian voyuges into the electronics era, probably due to time to learn the common flaws in engineering and production as for later model tier 2 & 3 emmissions tractors, unforutenitly beyond our controll, due to cheap, cheaper and who can bid the cheapest without regards to quality I have had the pleasure of rebuilding several of these trany's lately. TN's, TS's, 8x8, 16x16, manual, power & shuttle shifts!! The fault seems to be low to no quality material and production rather then electronics! It always seems to be syncro. failure due to lack of metal width in shift forks, creates to much play and slamming on the syncronizers, they fly apart and you know the rest! NH's response, put more meat in just the one fork, and in the 16x16 you'll get the supercedding part (the fatter fork) but they took the 4x4 sync. adjustment controll out of the equation, therefor creating enough metal to put into the shift are range fork, a couple ounces or so. Now Ford's answer to shim spec's for that shaft is various sizes of washers with no target spec!! Now I can build these tractors for you but I can't afford to own anything accept what is now concedered old school. My last build, TS110A, 16x16 power shift, manual shuttle, emissions, $14,000.00. Syncs, forks, 2 clutch pac's and needle bearings (only)!! Good luck with your 7740!!!!

Well after all that, the TS110A tranny you rebuilt isn't appreciably different than a 7740 ElectroShift. Weak points are the synchronizers, cables and forks. Nothing new or different.