Dirt Moving Kubota M7060 clutch functionality

[sawtooth]

I’m new to fully hydraulic shuttles so wanted to understand how they work better. I understand the shuttle itself but I’m not completely sure about the clutch. So my question is that is it just like a conventional mechanical clutch with plates or disk etc? Or other?

Also, when I’m using the loader to move dirt etc I find it easier to engage firm into the pile then push down on the clutch while at the same time curling back the bucket helping to assure a full load. For the experienced users is this the proper technique? Does it cause more clutch wear than stopping with the shuttle instead? Just trying to figure out the best and most efficient way to drive the tractor. Again I’m new to fully hydraulic shuttles and also using loaders on tractors.

Thank you,

 

[5030]

Simply put. as hydraulic shuttle has no dry clutch at all. In place of the dry clutch is a splined damper plate to absorb the driveline shock from directional changes. The clutch is a wet, multi plate assembly.

 

[Bavarian]

Copy above comment.
If it's a electric power reverser (every manufacturer uses different names), other than a mechanical lever, the clutch is activated the same way. No matter what you use.
Your clutch pedal has no mechanical connection to the clutch itself. It has an electric position meter attached that helps to feather the clutch.
Using the lever is like engaged or disengaged. Some tractors do have the option to adjust the aggressiveness through a dial.

 

[5030]

Kubota uses a hydraulically actuated proportioning valve, no electric involved. All mechanically actuated and stone simple. I have 2 of them. One has 6000+ meter hours on it and has never been adjusted for clamping pressure.

 

[JWR]

Sawtooh -- I do not have the extent of experience of the two previous commentors but I do have many years experience operating small to large tractors with FELs. (Deere, Kubota and MF). My strong preference is to use the clutch pedal to remove forward force while you are curling the bucket, exactly as you describe. That feels to me like the way it was intended to be used. You build up habits and techniques that fit you and work well with your equipment but once you build confidence and comfort doing it a particular way I doubt there is any best way to do it.

 

[sawtooth]

Ok great and thanks for everyone’s responses. I friend told me to use the shuttle not the clutch pedal as much as possible as it reduces the clutch wear. But trying to use the shuttle lever and manage the bucket at the same time was a challenge for me.

After putting a few hours on the tractor I came to realize the clutch pedal has no real mechanical feel of engagement which now makes sense as it actually doesn’t work that way. Thanks for the feedback guys.

 

[sawtooth]

Kubota uses a hydraulically actuated proportioning valve, no electric involved. All mechanically actuated and stone simple. I have 2 of them. One has 6000+ meter hours on it and has never been adjusted for clamping pressure.

That’s impressive. What model tractor is it?

 

[big bubba]

i try to come to full stop or close before engaging fw/rev shuttle control. btw my manual shuttle lever is adjustable in fw/rev as it is cable driven & in time can stretch slightly.

 

[5030]

I friend told me to use the shuttle not the clutch pedal as much as possible as it reduces the clutch wear.

There is NO clutch wear because there is NO clutch. It's a multiplate wet pack just like in a motorcycle. Myself, I USE BOTH, depending on what I'm doing. 6000+ hours and no adjustment tells me it's fine and I farm with both of mine.

 

[5030]

That’s impressive. What model tractor is it?

M9000 HDCC3 and M9000 HDC. 2002 and 2004. Of course I do change the fluid on a regular basis.

 

[big bubba]

all the more reason to go w/hyd shuttle upgrade over conventional single dry plate clutch. big advantage...from what i understand, the design has been around a long time. don't care to split a tractor, never will
thankfully, shifting standard is easy for me, so it's the best of 2 worlds w/o the HST etc. everything has it's place

 

[sawtooth]

Yes big advantage. I’m even more happy now that I got hydraulic shuttle.

 

[Farmer495]

Pull the shuttle into neutral as you coast into the pile, curl bucket, pull shuttle back in reverse and go. No pedal needed.

Same as dumping, pull into neutral, dump bucket/shake etc, pull shuttle back in reverse and go.

I load manure from pack or pile into spreader, round bales on and off wagons etc. hardly touch the clutch pedal.

 

[Tx Jim]

Farmer495
You didn't mention engine speed in your reply. Do you utilize foot engine speed control to lower engine rpm's when changing tractor directions? Lower engine speed lowers stress on tractor drivetrain when changing tractor directions

 

[big bubba]

good point, i come to nearly full stop & rpm's low when using shuttle.

 

[Farmer495]

Farmer495
You didn't mention engine speed in your reply. Do you utilize foot engine speed control to lower engine rpm's when changing tractor directions? Lower engine speed lowers stress on tractor drivetrain when changing tractor directions

I use foot throttle exclusively for loader work, hand throttle isn't used for loader work. I am off throttle (idle RPM) whenever engaging shuttle. Engine can be revved up as needed with foot throttle whether for more hyd power or speed, or to increase travel speed.

I also use low range at all times when doing dirt or manure work. I will use high range on hard ground handling round bales.

 

[DK35vince]

There is NO clutch wear because there is NO clutch. It's a multiplate wet pack just like in a motorcycle. Myself, I USE BOTH, depending on what I'm doing. 6000+ hours and no adjustment tells me it's fine and I farm with both of mine.

There are clutch discs and wear discs in a wet clutch (just like a motorcycle)
And they do hold up much better than a dry disc, but they can wear out, just like a motorcycle clutch if abused. (I have replaced wet clutch on a motorcycle before)

 

[5030]

There are clutch discs and wear discs in a wet clutch (just like a motorcycle)
And they do hold up much better than a dry disc, but they can wear out, just like a motorcycle clutch if abused. (I have replaced wet clutch on a motorcycle before)

So have I. The issue is a wet multiplate clutch will last exponentially longer.