Looking for a new hydro tractor, is it normal for the shifting not to be perfect?

[BrokeFarmerJohn]

Yes, I'm not sure of the right terminology myself, and debated on whether to say "speed" or "range" in that post. Using your terminology, I believe the M59 would have the same three ranges (L, M, H) plus it also has a range "splitter" on the steering column which gives the option of slow or fast within each range. That makes a total of six speed ranges. The splitter seems to make about half the difference as shifting the range would do. Splitting is real handy for working on the go, but doesn't quite give as much of a the torque/power change that stopping and making a range shift does.

All six different speeds have reverse and forward like any HST. And there is a hand operated lever on the right for use when your feet are busy with clutch and brakes or turned too awkwardly to work the HST pedal on the floor.

With power for options like thumbs and grabbers at both ends, a really good M59 operator would look a lot like a one man band. But I'm no virtuoso.
rScotty

That's kinda what I was picturing when you said it in your first post but wasn't 100%.

I'm watching vids on YouTube of the M59 lol.

 

[TomSeller]

I'm so glad for this post as I'm experiencing the same thing with my first tractor, I began to wonder.

When my dealer delivered the tractor, I remember him muttering something about "yeah, if you ever have trouble shifting, just fiddle with it". Since this seemed to be a normal occurrence, I got to thinking he knew something was wrong and just wanted to blow me off. Same thing with engaging 4WD.

So, yes, with my Mahindra 1533 HST, I quite often bump the rocker pedal when changing ranges or engaging 4WD.

Brian.

There you go. Just remember that the range selector is changing old fashioned gears and too much tension or the gears not being aligned are what you are experiencing. The clutch reliefs tension as can the fwd/rev pedal(s). The fwd/rev can help align the gears. Nothing is wrong.

If you think that is bad, you should see how cantankerous my old fashioned Troybilt Horse rototiller can be.

 

[cford36]

6 speed HST? I just have 2 directional peddles (forward & reverse) and 3 ranges (L, M, H) to chose from, gears are infinite.

Same here. None of the HST I have ever looked at had a clutch. I can't even find a picture online of that configuration.

 

[ericm979]

Probably the most popular CUT, the L3301/3901, has a clutch on the HST model. It's an older type of design. Removing the clutch between engine and transmission means the PTO needs its own clutch. Usually its the cheaper models that have clutches with their HSTs.

 

[DieselBound]

It is for kubota's too... just have to release the pressure on the selector. Rocking steering wheel back and forth works most of the time.

I'd mentioned this same trick to some Kioti folks a while back. It's like no one believed me. I was surprised to see your post, as it's the only time I've heard anyone else confirm what I've already found out. I only happened across this in a semi fit of rage over struggling to hit "M" in my Kioti: started whipping the steering wheel around and as I was doing that I was able to, more readily, get the lever to move, finally into "M."

My B7800, which has a clutch, can also be a pig. I just kind of thought that a far more expensive machine would feel a bit more refined: not the case.

Nothing like trying to do some precision work and aren't able to shift into gear without moving the tractor- if you're up close to something then you risk banging into it just to get into gear! Kind of defeats the versatility of the HST a bit.

This thread has helped me better understand the underlying physics. I won't expect my shifting to magically get better.

 

[David_Kb7uns]

The clutch removes all pressure from the drive train thus freeing up the range selector. This is the first thing I do to free it up....

On most HST transmissions that I have seen the clutch is in front of the hydro pump and the hydro motor is in front of the range selector, so pushing on the clutch is not going to do much on moving the hydro motor to line up the gears for shifting.

David

 

[Sysop]

Nothing like trying to do some precision work and aren't able to shift into gear without moving the tractor- if you're up close to something then you risk banging into it just to get into gear! Kind of defeats the versatility of the HST a bit.

Trying to do some precision work without shifting down before getting into those tight spots is akin to "painting yourself into a corner". It's one of those things you'll only do a time or two before ya change your method of attack. Starting at the back wall (or by shifting to low) and working your way to the door (or the tight spot precision is desired) is the way to go! :thumbsup:

 

[Oldoak]

I can't believe the number of complaints over such a minor glitch when shifting ranges on HST tractors.

Apparently not too many here grew up on farms and did all the field work with JD "A"s and "B"s, Ford "N"s, Allis Charmers "C"s, or International "M"s, etc. If you had, with today's modern tractors, no matter a little glitch or two, you would think you were in Heaven. :dance1:

I know some are just looking for a better understanding of what is normal for their new tractors. :thumbsup:

 

[DieselBound]

Trying to do some precision work without shifting down before getting into those tight spots is akin to "painting yourself into a corner". It's one of those things you'll only do a time or two before ya change your method of attack. Starting at the back wall (or by shifting to low) and working your way to the door (or the tight spot precision is desired) is the way to go! :thumbsup:

Yes, I agree. But if you have to get out of the tractor to adjust something, putting it in neutral and then trying to get it back in gear CAN present issues. I'm not new to this rodeo.

 

[DieselBound]

I can't believe the number of complaints over such a minor glitch when shifting ranges on HST tractors.

Apparently not too many here grew up on farms and did all the field work with JD "A"s and "B"s, Ford "N"s, Allis Charmers "C"s, or International "M"s, etc. If you had, with today's modern tractors, no matter a little glitch or two, you would think you were in Heaven. :dance1:

I know some are just looking for a better understanding of what is normal for their new tractors. :thumbsup:

Shelling out a lot of money and having no mention of this behavior from the dealer or the manufacturer is a bit disappointing, especially given the marketing pitch of HSTs. In my mind the industry needs to do a better job here: either communicate this (where in my manual does it mention that turning the steering wheel can help shift into a different range? [I realize that it's only moving the tractor slightly to better allow lining up of the gears]); or, they should look to improve the designs.