explain tractor trans for me

[ProTouch Groundscapes]

i will start implementing ag tractors into our lineup for snow removal next year.

i am absolutely positive i will be buying at least one tractor in the 75-90hp range to run a inverted snowblower off the pto for residential snow removal. then depending on how the accounts come up i may get a couple others for pushing boxes in parking lots.

i have found some excellent deals on kubota m7040, an 08 with less than 200hrs for about 28K.

now, what is the difference and how do the different trans options operate, shuttle, hydro shuttle etc...

what would be best for my type of application? i am doing as much research as i can now before i buy in the spring/summer.

i already ran the numbers and talked to members of plowsite about this setup and it will fit with our goals and operations currently.

[zabmasonry]

I know of 4 basic types. From most simple to most complex. The following examples are from my experience, so obviously there are different configurations for each type

1. Manual usually has 2 levers, a high and low range lever, and a 1, 2, 3, R lever. The clutch must be depressed and the tractor stopped to make any shift. I would consider these cumbersome in most situations out of the field

2. Shuttle usually 3 levers, HI/LO, 1/2/3/4, and F/R. The F/R is usually positioned under the steering wheel, for easy access. Popular for loader work. A variation is the sincro-shuttle which allows for shifting (with clutch depressed) on the go, otherwise you must stop to switch gears

3. The power shuttle (which varies in name, setup, and features by manufacture) which JD calls the Power'Reverser, Kubota calls it the glide shift transmission. Allows you to reverse direction without using the clutch, and in some cases allows you to change gears without using the clutch.

4. The Hydrostatic transmission is what it sounds like, it uses hydraulics to drive the tractor, this means that it is infinitely variable in speed and quick to reverse direction. It also means a significant drop in power and fuel economy.

the last two options i've heard (although I have no personal experience to back it up) can be problematic in the cold, as they have hydraulic oil powering them that can be quite sluggish at 10 below.

Personally I really like the sincro-shuttle, I don't mind the clutch, and it gives plenty of flexibility.

[hvy 1ton]

... Personally I really like the sincro-shuttle, I don't mind the clutch, and it gives plenty of flexibility.

Sorta

I don't know of any tractors that can be ordered with non-synco transmissions anymore and there are no 90hp tractors with hydrostatic transmissions (HST) so;

Synco: 3-5 ranges and 3-4 gears. Have to clutch for every shift- gear changes, range changes, and direction changes. Gear and range changes can be made on the fly, direction changes cannot.

Powershift: 3-5 ranges and 3-4 gear. Only have to clutch for range changes, if the tractor has a wet clutch(highly recommended) you can do direction changes without clutching by sitting in neutral until stopped. Some powershifts have automated gear changes where it will select the optimum gear. That won't be important for a tractor not doing field work or long pushes.

Power Reverser: 3-5 ranges and 3-4 gears A powershift that can modulate the clutch for direction changes by taping a lever on the leftside of the steering wheel. These are invaluable for heavy loader work. They all have wet clutches, which is a requirement for heavy loader work. It's one of those things that you wonder how you ever got anything down without it, like EROPS or MFWD.:dizzy:

Infinitely Variable Tranmissions: Awesome and Expensive. They have 2-3 powershift ranges, the IVT involves a set of planetries, a hydro pump and a hydro motor. -no belts- How they actually operate i can't explain without lots of arm waving so y'all are SOL. The Fendt transmission that AGCO uses is the best. Your not going to really see the fuel savings or extra power in this application. As far as i know they are all capable of creeper gear speeds- like speeds measured in feet per hour.

I don't exactly how slow snowblowers need to run, but a creeper gear or IVT might be required.