JD eHydro vs Powr reverser

[berobert]

Wondering if anyone has experience with the operation of these two transmissions?

I have test driven the eHydro on a new 4320 and really like it, but now the dealer has a used 4320 with a PowrReverser tranny. I would be using the tractor for a lot of snow plowing in winter and really don't like the idea of clutching and changing gears but the dealer says this setup works very much like the eHydro for fwd/rev direction changes.

Any pros/cons of the two would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

[ctlguy]

the powr reverser is the best choice for Loader work (lots of back and forth and the desire to fluctuate the throttle). For snow removal you may be happier with the hydro, esp if driving a tractor is not something you have done a lot of. The only clutching that has to be done on a powr reverser is when shifting gears for direction change, there is no clutching. Also the "E" portion of the e-hydro, when engaged, will help with keeping engine rpms at peak operating to aid in not stalling out the tractor, the reverser does not.

 

[beenthere]

My opinion, would be the ehydro...without a doubt.
Unless you have a real desire to clutch, and take the use of one hand out for shifting...get the easier to use (even with a FEL) ehydro.

 

[defed]

this is what i thought too, but when i went to look at my 4300 (2001) w/ power reverser, you still have to clutch to change directions, but don't have to be stopped. it is still pretty nice compared to straight out manual tranny, and comfortable to use. in fact, when i get into my truck (automatic), i reach for the reverser lever and almost shift while still moving. unless they added a hydraulic clutch on newer models that eliminates clutching for direction change.

never used a hydro on a CUT, so can't comment on that.

 

[dieselfreak]

this is what i thought too, but when i went to look at my 4300 (2001) w/ power reverser, you still have to clutch to change directions, but don't have to be stopped. it is still pretty nice compared to straight out manual tranny, and comfortable to use. in fact, when i get into my truck (automatic), i reach for the reverser lever and almost shift while still moving. unless they added a hydraulic clutch on newer models that eliminates clutching for direction change.

never used a hydro on a CUT, so can't comment on that.

That sounds like a sync shuttle. One the Powr reverser, I thought you had not need to clutch it.

df.

 

[defed]

i guess mine does say 'synch reverser' on it, as opposed to 'power reverser'. the word 'power' would seem to indicate that it reverses automatically. i think mine was advertised as power reverser, and i thought somewhere it said so, but i must have never realized the terminology difference until now. some of the terminology is confusing...synch reverser, synch shuttle, power reverser, etc, especially amongst different mfg's who label things slightly differently.

i wonder now if any 4300 had power reverse.

 

[RoyJackson]

i wonder now if any 4300 had power reverse.

Most I've seen advertised (including yours, defed) were just advertised as having "reverser" transmissions. Do you have the operator's manual for your 4300? What does that call your transmission?

 

[defed]

you may be right Roy, i do remember the 'reverser' part in the ad for sure, but not if it said sync or power, or neither.

tech manual says synchreverser, so i guess that pretty much means NOT power reverser.

 

[jeffster]

I think there are advantages to both. I was going to get the hydro but got a great deal on one with the PowrReverser and I don't regret it at all. So, as far as operation of mine with the 12 speeds:

1. Clutchless shifting forward to reverse. I love this and it is so nice. Works in any range or gear.
2. Clutch on the fly shifting of the 4 gears within a single range. So, if you are in Low range, you can shift from gears 1-4 while moving just like a vehicle.
3. Range changes require the tractor to be stopped. Once in the range, you can of course shift on the fly for gears within the range or do clutchless directional changes.

Personally, I really like it. Sometimes it can be a pain finding a gear that is just right for the job, but normally it only takes me a few seconds.

 

[defed]

ok, so my synchreverser is the same as power reverser EXCEPT the need to clutch when changing directions. everything else operates as jeffster's power reverser. so basically i have synch shuttle (so you can ignore my previous comments about changing directions), which they should just use more plain terminology.

2 problems i have w/ shifting gears on the fly which may apply to power reverser as well?

1. by the time i get the next gear, i'm practically stopped anyway :laughing:

2. going to a lower gear is not smooth. even when 'almost stopped' i can't grab a lower gear w/o double clutching. ie: clutch and shift to neutral, release clutch, clutch again, then shift to lower gear.

i think hydro would be nice for finish mowing. like jeffster said, sometimes it's hard to find the right speed. the 2 closest speeds on mine are in different ranges, one is too slow, one is too fast. specs state that they are only 2mph difference, but sure seems like more than that.

i like the shuttle (same for synch and power minus clutch) for loader work. only issue here is i want to go into the pile slow and powerful (low range, low gear) but it is TOO slow when backing out and moving around. in this case, i usually use the same gear, just change ranges for more speed.