HST vs Shuttle Shift

NewToy · Apr 29, 2008

I like the shuttle tranny because the hydro whine annoys me after a while. I also like modulating my speed in transport mode with the throttle. When I'm skiddng some major logs out of the woods 1st gear in high range will drag em out at 1200-1500 rpm. It's a matter of personal preference, try them both out and then decide.

John

putt_putt_green · Apr 30, 2008

No clutching is needed on the JD power reverser between forward and reverse, just move the lever. The gears within a range are synchronized. The ranges are not synchronized.

john_bud · Apr 30, 2008

Raptor53 said:
What are the advantages and disadvantages of both transmissions?

Thanks.

HST -> infinite speed variation ability (always matched speed to task), can have full hydraulic power and move extremely slowly, greater power loss in drive line, higher fluid temperatures, slightly higher purchase price, higher resale value.

Shuttle -> less power loss, simple to use - no clutching needed, able to use the tach as a speedometer, need to slow engine to slow tractor (for a specific gear), nearly the same cost as HST, slightly less resale value than HST, slightly lower fuel consumption rate.

Bottom line is both are very good, get what you are most comfortable with. Most new to tractor folks use HST as it's the easyest one to learn how to operate. Many experienced tractor folks and farmers get the powershift for field work. If you mow in tight quarters and / or mostly use the FEL the HST is probably the best. If you will be doing mostly field work or PTO powered work the powershift is the best. The area in between (and it's a large area!) is where either will work just fine and there is no clear cut distinction.

jb

3RRL · Apr 30, 2008

I've got an old technology 55 hp Kama clutch tranny where nothing is synchronized, not even the operator.

But it is a shuttle shift with a forward/reverse lever. It has 2 ranges and 4 speeds in each range. Whatever gear you are in, you can shift from forward to reverse. So it has 16 speeds, 8 forward and 8 reverse. I can start in any gear.

The new DF has synchro on it and when I was at the Ag Fair in Tulare, CA., they shuttled people around with McCormic tractors which were synchro.