What does it mean when you have a "synchronized" transmission?

[Dingeryote]

First synchro geared tractor I ever saw was our Landini 85F. Then after a visit to Europe I figured out why the Euro market tractors are now mostly synchro.

Over there, they drive considerable distances on the roads, to work multiple small fields, and it is entirely normal to see a Landini or Klass tractor, whizzing along at 40mph, or going through small towns in light traffic. It makes perfect sense to have a synchro tranny for what they do, and it makes sense that Deere and the others would get on board, to take advantage of the market.

 

[tcartwri]

I've known of guys who shifted gears (in trucks) without using the clutch...not a good practice though and it's easy to tear a clutch up if you miss a gear.

The only time you use the clutch in a heavy truck is to start out, and to pass your driving exam..... otherwise it's all throttle manipulation and timing.

 

[DK35vince]

If synchronized transmissions on tractors don't exist, then why does my Kioti manual say it is synchronized in both the main gears and the shuttle.? I believe many modern tractor transmissions are synchronized over all forward gears in a range, and some older tractors may be synchronized in some gears in a range. I can't see any reason why a tractor transmission cant have synchronizers. Like I said, I am no expert, but tractors advertise as being synchronized. I bet they are.

James K0UA

My DK 35 has the synchronized transmission.
Shifts as smooth and easy as a car when on the go.

 

[k0ua]

My DK 35 has the synchronized transmission.
Shifts as smooth and easy as a car when on the go.

That is what I thought, I knew some were fully synchro. I have never owned one that was synchronized but I knew they existed.

 

[RoyJackson]

That is what I thought, I knew some were fully synchro. I have never owned one that was synchronized but I knew they existed.

I probably wrote this...but my 13 year old Deere 4400 shifts easily both up and down on the fly. I always slow down considerably to shift down, however.
But (and I know I'm repeating myself here), I select a transport gear to get where I need to be, then shift to a working gear (down a gear or even a range).

 

[RoyJackson]

The only time you use the clutch in a heavy truck is to start out, and to pass your driving exam..... otherwise it's all throttle manipulation and timing.

And even experienced drivers miss that shift sometimes...that when you hear those protracted grinds.
Never drove a tractor-trailer, but I've driven large (26') straightbodied trucks...I always used the clutch.

 

[Tx Jim]

Shifting an 18 wheeler without using the clutch was easier for me than double clutching. After having driven one for a little while I could shift up or down and never "scratch a gear".

 

[dave1949]

Shifting an 18 wheeler without using the clutch was easier for me than double clutching. After having driven one for a little while I could shift up or down and never "scratch a gear".

That was sure my experience too in the little bit of driving I did. I came to the conclusion that I was "left-leg challenged." :laughing:

 

[Gary Fowler]

My LS is just as the OP described. I can upshift or downshift any of the 4 gears per range without stopping. I haven't tried it without clutching because the potential damage to the gears is too great when clutching is not that difficult to do. I do have to stop and clutch to move the reverser lever though. Changing ranges also requires a full (and I mean full-no movement at all or the gears grind)stop. When using high range for road travel, I start in 1st and run thru the gears up to 4th just for the fun of shifting it up but in any case you would not want to try to start it off in high 4th due to lugging the engine or slipping the clutch but get it rolling in 1st and then shift to 3rd or 4th gear. Driving a tractor and shifting is not unlike driving a car, you don't start off in high gear when on the road. For lower speed gears, you can select the appropriate speed range and go. I routinely shift up and down with mine when turning with the bush hog rather than reduce throttle setting. I usually travel in Med range 4th gear and downshift to 3rd to turn or 3rd to second depending on the terrain and smoothness of the ground. Most times that is the limiting factor not the power of the tractor.

 

[RoyJackson]

...but in any case you would not want to try to start it off in high 4th due to lugging the engine or slipping the clutch but get it rolling in 1st and then shift to 3rd or 4th gear. Driving a tractor and shifting is not unlike driving a car, you don't start off in high gear when on the road.

I'm actually surprised you cannot start in 4th gear high range. I can on my 4400 Sync-Reverser (like you, shifting the travel direction requires the clutch...doesn't specify a full stop, but I do stop to shift directions).
As long as my RPM is around 1200-1500, there is no lugging of the engine. What I do have to watch is engaging the clutch smoothly so I don't pop a wheelie...came very close to that a few times if I let off the clutch too quickly.