jd 2355 8x4 transmission is it synchronized?

[schiker]

I see an ad for a JD 2355 tractor with an 8 F 4 R transmission.

I have never operated one but the tractor appears to be low hours clean and a decent deal. Too far to drive to check it out.

I am use to my old '72 Ford 8x2 transmission but would like something a little faster changing direction. And better speed control. Still 8 forward gears but are they better spaced for work? Is the JD 2355 reverse synchronized? Or do you have to come to complete stop before it will go into gear. I think its forward gears are synchronized but not sure of range selection/reverse.

How close to a mechanical shuttle type reverse is it?

I will use it mostly for a utility tractor cutting 20 acres of fields and maintenance around my little farm/estate driveway scraping, some dirt work, limb - brush/tree clean, fertilizer spreader, drag harrow, pasture work etc future hay cutting then who knows ???? How important is a ground speed PTO option?

Is this a pretty good model tractor or should I look for a newer model with power reverser a bit smaller (larger than compact but smaller size).