What is "shuttle shift"

[davesisk]

What is \"shuttle shift\"

I was looking at some info on the Kioti tractors. It mentions a "shuttle shift lever to make back and forth loader work easier". What does this shuttle shifter do? Simply change between forward and reverse without having to move the gear range shifter? I'd assume this means that there's no reverse gearing on the gear range shifter, right? Do you have to clutch between forward and reverse shifting with this shuttle shift feature? I have a HST tractor now, so I'm interested in what this shuttle shift feature really offers...so please post some details.

Thx!
Dave

 

[markie61]

Re: What is

Dave,

Actually, you have a very good understanding of shuttle shift. There are two different functioning shuttle-shift types that I've been able to determine - one that requires clutching and the other that doesnt. The ones that require clutch are further divided into the synchomesh types that do not require a full stop and the non-synchro that do. The "clutchless" shuttles seem to be divided into mechanical types that briefly interrupt the drivetrain and the electronic types that operate like "fly-by-wire." I personally liked the mechanical synchro types like on the Kioti DK35 . It requires a clutch, but I can operate it much more smoothly than HST trannys (except for the Kuboto HST which is VERY smooth).

I am fairly new to tractors, so if I missed anything I am sure someone here will fill in the rest.

Mark

 

[MisterKioti]

Re: What is

Ok Dave,
Simply put the shuttle shift on the Kioti is a mechanical type.
You have 8 forward gears and 8 reverse, each gear haveing a forward and reverse.
If you are work in, for example, 5th gear and want to back up you just press down on the cluth, tractor stops, put in reverse via shuttle shift lever, let up on the clutch and back up aprox, the same speed you was going forward.
Simple as pie.
The advantage of a mechanical shuttle will come later in life when repairs are needed.
Resurfaceing a clutch is a lot cheaper and easier than repairing ANYTHING on a hydrostatic.
We have seen the first repairs needed on hydrostatics in our shop that were out of warranty and each time the repair is almost if not beyond the value of the tractor.
I will not say what brand these were but they were "major name" brand tractors and not some off brand.
Mechanical shuttle is not as cool as hydrostatic but gets my vote every time hands down.
JMHO,
K

 

[Golfgar4]

Re: What is \"shuttle shift\"

Hi Dave!

First, I'm not mechanically inclined at all!/w3tcompact/icons/sad.gif So what I'm going to offer is purely from the operating standpoint, and entirely my opinion. /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

I've tested both Hydro transmissions and shuttle shifts. I found that, overall, I could operate the shuttle shift smoother than the hydros. There always seems to be some jerking with the hydros, while the shuttle shifts I could just kind of ease it into the opposite direction. Kind of like when you drive a standard shift car and you back out, and before you stop rolling, you shift into forward and ease the clutch out and head the other way.

Now in all fairness, each hydro - JD, NH, Kubota - did operate a little differently than the others. I agree with Markie61 that the Kubota was the smoothest, but it still jerked.

After operating both kinds of transmissions, I find that the shuttle shift is just as efficient as the hydro, unless you're doing a ton of loader work. Then the hydro can't be beat. But for me, I think the difference in price will definitely have me looking at a shuttle shift very seriously when I'm ready to buy.

I know this isn't specifically answering your question. Just thought I'd throw it out there for you.

 

[davesisk]

Repair cost?

MisterKioti said <font color=red>We have seen the first repairs needed on hydrostatics in our shop that were out of warranty and each time the repair is almost if not beyond the value of the tractor.
</font color=red>

Seriously? How old was the tractor? It's hard to believe that repair could cost more than the machine itself was worth, but I guess it's certainly possible. Was the majority of the expense parts or labor? Just curious...

I know the single most expensive part on my Power-trac is the hydrostatic drive pump ($1300 for a replacement), but that's certainly well less than the machine is worth. I'd imagine you'd be talking about a couple hours labor to replace it (it's not rocket science on the PT). Why is this type of repair so expensive on a "more standard" HST tractor (if there is such a thing)?

Thx,
Dave

 

[MisterKioti]

Re: Repair cost?

Well Dave, like you posted, the pump is expensive along with some of the control components inside.
I personally did not do the repairs, for good reason, but remember the customer allmost fell over when I told them what the parts were gonna cost.
There was some labor cost but the majority was parts and outserviceing some machineing.
I am not really up on hydrostatics but have figured out enough that I do not want one.
I do not remember how old the tractors were but they were not very old. One was blue nd the other was "that other orange brand".
K