HYD Shuttle Shift?

[PSDStu]

After a year of owning and at around 240 hrs of operation (mostly bushogging) I have not yet overcome the reflex of using of the clutch when going from FWD to REV.

I was wondering if anyone knew if this is causing any damage to the clutch/transmission by operating this way?

Thanks!

Stu

 

[big bubba]

psdstu:
I asked the K central tech (David Haggardy, he's good)) the same question, thinking using the clutch reflex would put less pressure/ stress on the system. His reply was that the system is designed to use the clutchless hyd shuttle, saying that actually it is easier on the drive train using it in that way over conventional clutching....something about putting less stress on the actuator valve. The key is to engage the shuttle at very low ground speed or stationary. But I do use the clutch too and I'm sure there's no damage involved. I'd recommend also specifically talking to him about it if you're curious, he's been an invaluable info source. have your dealer name & serial # handy on the phone. 817 571 0900

 

[gwdixon]

Me too with using the clutch pedal out of habit. It takes a conscious effort to just use the lever.

From what I read the hydraulic clutch runs in oil and will outlast any dry clutch around by several times.

Not to worry.

 

[PSDStu]

Thanks for the inputs!

Probably 95% of useage of my tractor is for Bushogging or mowing. This is done in 4 Low, and around 2100-2200 Engine RPM which gets me around 3.7-3.8 mph.

I try and bushog and mow in such a way as to reduce the amount of fwd/rev changes but when faced with direcetion changes running at 3.7 - 3.8 mph it's much easier to just use the clutch to shift directions without having to throttle down to slowdown.

Stu

 

[gwdixon]

I try and bushog and mow in such a way as to reduce the amount of fwd/rev changes but when faced with direcetion changes running at 3.7 - 3.8 mph it's much easier to just use the clutch to shift directions without having to throttle down to slowdown.

Stu

Couldn't agree more. Shifting w/o a clutch at those speeds is a bit jarring to say the least.

4 LO and around 4 mph is my preferred working speed as well. It can get a bit tippy on uneven ground however.

At about 2500 RPM the M7040 develops a whine that is quite annoying. It may be the turbo on the (-1) model.

 

[rbargeron]

Agreed - Kubota's wet clutches last a long time. They offered their first hydraulic shuttle on some models starting back in '82-'84. It had a wet clutch pack - and a dry clutch too - so there were really two clutches in series. They divided the duty, either clutch could be used. Soon they decided to beef up the hydraulic shuttle and use it to handle all the clutching for tractor motion - they called the new stronger version of the hydraulic shuttle the Ever Clutch. The EC has more (and larger) clutch plates in each pack. The PTO still uses a dry plate clutch. You can pretty much use your travel clutch(es) in any combination - no worries.

 

[red4now]

After a year of owning and at around 240 hrs of operation (mostly bushogging) I have not yet overcome the reflex of using of the clutch when going from FWD to REV.

I was wondering if anyone knew if this is causing any damage to the clutch/transmission by operating this way?

Thanks!

Stu

No kidding it is a hard reflex to get over. Besides the M7040, we also have other older tractors that we still use on a regular basis so it doesn't happen - especially when I use the M7040 for loader work where you are stopping and starting a lot anyway. If I am doing some work out in the open, I use the HYD once in a while but that is usually not the case. Generally it is tight quarters moving large square bales. Maybe over time..? ;-)

 

[jcummins]

Loader work, I generally don't clutch, all the rest of the time I do. Mowing, I typically use the hand throttle, and always clutch. I' ve got 400 hrs on my M7040, and I may momentarily get above 2200 rpms, but I try to always keep at or below that.

 

[Baby Grand]

Stu-

It took about 2 years to break my double-clutch obsession. Now I use the foot clutch only when I start moving my tractor; before it has warmed up completely, or when I need a lot of position control. Sometimes I forget and find myself pumping away with the left foot. Old dog ... new tricks, etc.

If I get in a tight area or need to fwd/rev frequently I turn down the hand throttle all the way and use the foot throttle. When changing fwd/rev with the foot throttle I use the brakes to stop, then shift the shuttle without the foot clutch - works real smooth.

-Jim

 

[RobertN]

What shift/tranny type are you talking about? Is this a GST like an L35?

So you can shift from forward to reverse without clutching? What about when you come to a stop?

 

[gwdixon]

What shift/tranny type are you talking about? Is this a GST like an L35?

So you can shift from forward to reverse without clutching? What about when you come to a stop?

You can come to a stop by putting it into neutral. Then to go again the lever is shifted forward or backwards. All without clutching.

It works just like a GST but has a hydraulic clutch that engages or disengages when the lever is shifted. There is a slight delay in the F-N-R shifting positions as the clutch disengages/engages.

When shifting gears the clutch must be used to select a different gear.

 

[derekuk101]

Has anyone had issues with the foward/reverse lever freezing up? We've had ours (8540) for three years and this winter, the lever has frozen up a few times. It is stored inside. A heat light will typically free it up.

 

[gwdixon]

Has anyone had issues with the foward/reverse lever freezing up? We've had ours (8540) for three years and this winter, the lever has frozen up a few times. It is stored inside. A heat light will typically free it up.

It would seem that where the heat lamp is applied would give the answer.

If it is to the lever then there must be water condensation somewhere in the linkage that is freezing (given the recent weather in KY).

Maybe hosing it down with a light weigh water displacing oil like WD-40 would free it up.

 

[magicheater]

I have an L4350 with the wet everclutch and hydraulic shuttle. I do not clutch when using the shuttle. You can leave the shuttle in nuetral and as long as the tractor is not moving you can shift gears H/L and 1-4 with no clutch. When doing loader work w/transport I use 2L for digging and 1H (5) for transport. easy habit to get into. If you ever have the opportunity to pick up an L4350, 4850, or 5450, do it. Very bullet proof tractor and built like a tank. They were built before Kubota came out with the ag/home line split.