Hydro or gear

[paulharvey]

Not sure you'll find too much of that here.

I think I agree with this statement. I have only used what I think is a reverser trans in a front end loader. Basically had a stick on the column similar to a turn signal lever. It had a dial on the end to choose gear (4) and you would push it forward or reverse to go that direction. You could change direction and gears while moving, without using clutch (though changing direction I'm sure wasn't good). It had a clutch but you really never used it. I imagine in a tractor it would also have ranges, where you would need to clutch and possibly need to be stopped. I guess what I'm describing could also be shuttle shift, I'm really not sure, but it is what I want in my next tractor.

That's how a full sized front end loader, rubber tired hoe, Lull, etc work, and they, as said, are very user friendly. Obviously construction equipment doesn't even have a clutch, but this equipment takes 10,000+ hours of abuse from some uncaring operators and keeps going.

Gear transmission doesn't have to mean the same thing as a Ford 8n.

What tractors in the 35-50 hp range offer power shuttle/reversers?

 

[mikehaugen]

What tractors in the 35-50 hp range offer power shuttle/reversers?

This is what I will need to find out when the time comes to upgrade. I THINK I have seen them offered in the mid 50 hp range but haven't paid too much attention. I really believe they are the best compromise, if only they were offered at lower hp... I can't see them costing much if any more to build than a hydro, so maybe they are just physically too big for a cut?

 

[TripleR]

We have the old crash box, synchronized, synchronized shuttle, hydraulic shuttle and HST. As we get older, the more we gravitate more and more to the hydraulic shuttle and HST though my brother still uses them all. Even my sons prefer the hydro and HST, but they all get the job done once you get use to them.

While very close in ease of use, the HST edges the hydraulic shuttle out especially after a long day; short term use almost negligible for an experienced regular user. My sons and brother are better than I so there is no difference in speed/productivity, just a bit more tired at a long day's end. I like them both.