M6800 mech shuttle vs hydraulic

[Builder]

Hey guys, on an M6800 with a mech shuttle aka "utility special", I hear they're undesireable on a tractor of that size. What's the real deal? Will it fail or be unreliable compared to hydraulic? I know it'll be cheaper to fix, trouble is I'm afraid I'll be fixing it too much.

Anyone have a 6800 with mech shuttle?

 

[radman1]

The mechanical shuttle utilizes a dry clutch. It just won't last as long as a hydraulic clutch because the more it is used the hotter it gets. Hydraulic clutch remains cooler and thus lasts longer. Depends on how much the clutch is used to determine how long it will last. My last dry clutch lasted about 2000 hours. Your mileage may vary.

 

[slowzuki]

If you aren't using the clutch much ie bushhogging, it will probably last well. If you are using it for loader work you will want the wet clutch.

 

[Legdoc]

I have a M6800 with mech shuttle. It has apx. 900 hours on it, much of which is loader, fencework and I have not had any problems. It is one tough little machine.
Legdoc

 

[Builder]

Looks like its' primary duty will be bushogging. Machine has 1100 hrs and never had a loader on it.

http://www.tractorhouse.com/listings/detail.aspx?OHID=5255642&guid=09E0AC4765FB405B82611D878E870279

Here's the one I like w/ hydraulic shuttle, but I don't really need a loader (I have a backhoe) and the price is too high for me.

http://www.tractorhouse.com/listings/detail.aspx?OHID=5363056&guid=09E0AC4765FB405B82611D878E870279

 

[tjkadar]

I have a M6800 with a hyrdaulic shuttle. The primary reason I purchased a hydraulic shuttle as opposed to a mechanical shuttle was longevity. To date, the hydraulic shuttle has been flawless. But alas, I am selling my M6800 to purchase a tractor with a cab. My previous Kubota had a dry clutch and mechanical shuttle shift that had me replacing the clutch at 1,200 hours. A lot of those hours were for FEL work. If you're using your tractor primarily for bush hogging, I doubt you'll find a dry clutch to be a detriment. However, all things being equal, a wet clutch will last longer.

 

[Glowplug]

I special ordered my Kubota M7040 with a hydraulic shuttle simply because I use it A LOT for loader work. People have already stated that a hydraulic shuttle will last longer than a mechanical shuttle if used a lot. That may or may not be true. The main reason I got it is that you can shift "on the fly" when changing directions between forward and reverse. ie. no clutching. Great for loader work. If you're going to use it mainly for mowing pastures though you should be fine with a mechanical shuttle.

Hmmm, shouldn't this thread be in 'Kubota Owning/Operating'?

 

[Builder]

I special ordered my Kubota M7040 with a hydraulic shuttle simply because I use it A LOT for loader work. People have already stated that a hydraulic shuttle will last longer than a mechanical shuttle if used a lot. That may or may not be true. The main reason I got it is that you can shift "on the fly" when changing directions between forward and reverse. ie. no clutching. Great for loader work. If you're going to use it mainly for mowing pastures though you should be fine with a mechanical shuttle.

Hmmm, shouldn't this thread be in 'Kubota Owning/Operating'?

Not really. It's more a mechanical shuttle v. hydraulic shuttle question. Any mech shuttle owners of any brand utility similar in size could help out in the thread.