Using the clutch with a Kubota HST tractor...

[Redbug]

Quite interesting...and glad I asked. Some things I will start doing clutching...changing speed ranges and keeping the clutch locked down when parked for days.

 

[alexinPA]

"On a Kubota B7800 with a hydrostatic transmission (HST), you do not typically use the clutch to change between forward and reverse, but you do need to use the clutch to shift between the high, medium, and low gear ranges."

 

[rScotty]

"On a Kubota B7800 with a hydrostatic transmission (HST), you do not typically use the clutch to change between forward and reverse, but you do need to use the clutch to shift between the high, medium, and low gear ranges."

HST wants for the tractor to be completely stopped to shift between ranges. The clutch doesn't seem to make any difference in range shifting. What did make a difference was extending the range shift lever a few inches.
A clutch is handy for PTO engagement, and as a safety switch if the HST were to hang up - though I've never heard of that happening.

 

[Drstrangeglove]

Why all the clutching to engage the pto? All three of my tractors have a live pto. You can engage or disengage any time.

 

[dstig1]

Just for the PTO and may or may not be required to start the tractor.

+1

 

[mikester]

I find it's easier to shift hi-med-low range using the clutch

 

[bdhsfz6]

Clutching sometimes makes it easier to shift in and out of 4WD, as well as changing HST ranges.
I also used it on my older Kubotas to momentarily free wheel without shifting into neutral. Both my MX5800HST and L6060HSTC have no clutch. Many newer HST models don't either.

Apparently, with the new electric PTO switch, Kubota feels a clutch is no longer necessary on HST models.

 

[ptsg]

Clutching sometimes makes it easier to shift in and out of 4WD, as well as changing HST ranges.
I also used it on my older Kubotas to momentarily free wheel without shifting into neutral. Both my MX5800HST and L6060HSTC have no clutch. Many newer HST models don't either.

Apparently, with the new electric PTO switch, Kubota feels a clutch is no longer necessary on HST models.

That's because they use a wet clutch for the PTO with a solenoid valve to engage said clutch.

The dry clutch was used on older models purely to engage/disengage the PTO. Aiding in changing ranges was just a bonus.

 

[JeepHead]

My Kubota L2502 is clutch free, which I really like.

 

[rScotty]

Why all the clutching to engage the pto? All three of my tractors have a live pto. You can engage or disengage any time.

Depending on what you are doing it might not matter. A live PTO -might or might not be clutched, and it also might/might not have an independent PTO clutch.

A switched live PTO can put a large instantaneous load on the PTO. With a PTO clutch, the operator can keep the motor running and still engage the implement under no load. Large implements like balers put quite a load on the PTO & also need a clutch because the load varies, making it handy to use the PTO clutch to avoid problems like a tough spot slugging the feeder.
Bottom line is it's just good practice not to engage/disengage the PTO instantly when it is under a load.

rScotty