To Clutch or not to clutch

[RuT]

I have a TC29D with hydro transmission. The dealers told me on delivery that there is no need to use the clutch to change speed ranges (I, II, III) and front wheel assist.

The manual on the other hand says to use the clutch whenever selecting the gear range or FWD.

I can change either drive option with no grinding or other obvious problems.

What are your thoughts and could we cause long term damage by not clutching? How about tossing it into FWD while on the move?

Thanks

 

[jinman]

Since all class III Boomers (35, 40, 45) "D" models do not have a clutch, I can't imagine that you would need the clutch to change ranges as long as you are stopped. I'd make sure I was stopped before engaging 4WD too. Anything thats a gear engagement that doesn't have synchronizers like an automobile standard transmission should be stopped before changing gears or engaging 4WD. Of course, tractors with Supersteer have automatically engaged 4WD (on demand), but that's something different from manual engagement. ...my two cents./w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

 

[bphillips]

I too have a TC 29D and find that sometimes, when the gears aren't lined up I have to leave the clutch engaged and play with the hydro peddle to shift ranges. Just a little - just enough to line up the gears - and it will shift smooth as can be. If they aren't lined up all the clutching in the world doesn't help.

My $0.02

Brad in NH

 

[Bird]

Very common thing. My Kubota manual also said to use the clutch and I happened to be at my cousin's place when his TC29D was delivered and the salesman told him the same thing; no need to use the clutch. The other guys are right. You can use the clutch, but don't have to so long as you are stopped and don't have the hydro pedal depressed.

 

[jinman]

Bird, I actually see one advantage to having a clutch that hasn't been talked about alot (that I've seen). If the clutch is depressed, I'm guessing that you could "coast." If you don't have a clutch, you can't do that with a hydro without shifting into neutral range...something I wouldn't want to do while moving. Is that the way your Kubota worked?

 

[Bird]

That's right, JimI, but like you, I wouldn't want to do it while moving. I suppose if the engine were off (or died) while in one of the ranges and on a slope, then the use of the clutch might make it easier to get it out of gear to start it.