Geared tractor reliability during loader work.

Ole_Hickory · Apr 28, 2004

Would a geared tractor hold up as well as hydro during continous loader work or any situation where a very repetitive routine would be required of the tractor ?

CTyler · Apr 28, 2004

I would think so, can't think of a reason why it wouldn't. Depending on what type of gear tractor your refering to you might be clutching and shifting quite a bit.

Bob_Skurka · Apr 28, 2004

Would it "hold up" as well? The answer is YES provided you are adept at proper shifting techniques for that particular machine.

However, if you ask if would perform the job as fast and be as productive during the same amount of time spent doing loader work, then the answer would be NO. It is tough to beat a hydro some jobs and loader work is one of them. Ditto for mowing on varied terrain around landscaping, etc. Simply put the job will be done faster with a hydro.

For some other tasks, the gear tractor would be at an advantage. Plowing comes to mind.

JerryG · Apr 28, 2004

Bob,
The question was /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif the rest goes in the other thread--<font color="blue">Would a geared tractor hold up as well as hydro</font>
The answer is yes..

Bird · Apr 28, 2004

I'd agree that generally, a geared tractor will "hold up" as well, but of course, with a geared tractor, you'll be using the clutch a lot when shifting gears, so there's going to be a little more wear on the clutch. How much more? Depends on the operator to some extent. Personally, I wouldn't be too concerned about it, but do prefer the hydrostatic. Did I ever mention that I'm old, lazy, and like modern conveniences? /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

Bob_Skurka · Apr 28, 2004

JerryG, I tried to give a complete answer.

Often times in court, a lawyer will ask a very specific question and the very specific anwer will not tell the full story. I think that type of question/answer session is not mearly misleading, but borders on lying.

In the case of tractoring, a very specific question may be asked for several reasons, and some of those reasons may include that the person asking the question does not understand things fully and I fall into that category on many topics. So when I answer, I try to give a complete answer that may be mildly off topic, but still relevant to the overall issue.

So to be more blunt, the answer is YES.

But to be more accurate, it is only YES IF THE OPERATOR IS GOOD WITH THE PARTICULAR SHIFT METHOD ON THAT PARTICULAR MODEL TRACTOR.

And to be even more accurate, YES, BUT ONLY IF THE ABOVE IS TRUE, AND THAT DOES NOT TAKE MANY OTHER VARIABLES INTO ACCOUNT AND IT ALSO DISMISSES THE NEED TO BE PRODUCTIVE.

Hope that clears up my thought process and clarifies why I am so darn long winded with my answers so often!!!

_RaT_ · Apr 28, 2004

Bob, your comment brings to mind my experience using a shuttle shift. I find that while a shuttle does not require the clutch be depressed for direction changes, it will require the clutch be used to fully load a bucket. Very rarely can I simply drive a shuttle tractor into a pile of material without clutching and fill it heaped. My experience is primarily with a NH 2120 and Kubota L4850. Both need a low gear to drive into the pile, both require a higher gear once loaded in order to be a bit more productive. Both require my need for clutching while loading the bucket, sometimes more, sometimes less depending on the material's reluctance to move. With my hydrostatic drive, there are a few occasions where I need to drop into low, but for a loose pile, I can use medium, reduce pedal pressure as the load increases, instantly reverse and drive off at over 7 mph with no range changing. Perhaps the most significant difference though is that I find the added "shock absorbing" ability of HST makes it easier on the operator. With both the NH and Kubota shuttles, they are so strong in low that the tires will slip causing a hammering effect. I think many of you will know what I am talking about. It happens on any tractor transmission even HST, just seems to take a bit more for it to happen with HST, probably because the connection to the wheels is viscous. In short, I find that tractor manufactuers do a good job designing the clutch/transmission on tractors, I find that using HST for loader work a bit easier on the operator which in turn, may be beneficial to the tractor, particularly the loader which takes the heap of the punishment. Rat.

JerryG · Apr 28, 2004

I'm sorry that this has turned into another "Ease Of Use--Gear vs Hydro" again. I stand by my Yes. There are several different standard transmission, that varies clutch use and wear. From the old original slider transmission that you had to stop to change gear every time, the manual shuttle that is synchronized and you don't have to come to a complete stop but you do have to clutch every time, the synchronized power shuttle that you don't have to clutch or even slow down very much if at all to change directions, then there is the GST or power shift that you can change direction or shift gears with out clutching. The power shuttle and GST power shift transmissions use a fluid clutch that greatly extends the clutch life.

KubotaSteve · Apr 28, 2004

I agree with you on needing the additional clarification. That would be like asking if a small Chevy S-10 pick-up could pull a trailer with a 7000 pound tractor. Yes would be the answer. Then other side is that it is not reccomended for several reasons.
Good answer Bob.