how well does TYM HST cruise & auto throttle work for bush hogging vs shuttle shift?

[Wobblin-Goblin]

I've owned both HST and Powershuttle machines. HST is fantastic for loader operations (especially if you are using pallet forks) and is pretty darn good for bush hogging...but I cannot stand the transmission whine and the lack of real pulling power. I'm not bagging on HST, it cannot be beat at what it does well, but IMO the best overall tractor transmission is a clutchless Powershuttle.

My dad and I tested a new TYM/Branson 2516 hydro and shuttle for bush hogging, some finish mowing, and light loader work. We decided the shuttle would be superior for our needs if we were to buy one.

 

[2manyrocks]

Talked to another dealer today. He said HSTs are the majority of what they sell. He has a TYM 394c cab machine with HST that he would make me a better price on. I'm concerned that between the AC, the cab, and the HST whether the 37 hp Yanmar would be enough to handle my 6' brush cutting moving at the pace I like to cut without overheating. The dealer thinks it will work. It's just hard to spend the extra money for the cab when the 48 hp T474 is over $2,000 less, and 48 hp is plainly more HP than 37. Since I already have the Mahindra and it seems to have brake problems, that is also a complicating factor because I really don't want to buy another tractor unless I can find a path to sell or trade the Mahindra in the process. I also want to find the dealership with the best customer service going forward.

 

[Torvy]

Sounds like the dealer wants to move the 394, but for your needs it may be a bit light on the PTO HP.

 

[LD1]

IF you are spending this kind of money, buy exactly what you WANT....not what the dealer pushes.

The 394c would certainly do what you want with the 6' cutter. Doubt you would notice a power difference between it and your current 3525. But it is quite a bit lighter machine

 

[2manyrocks]

I'm cutting 18-19 acres. I cut it in sections until I get tired and then stop rather than operate the tractor when I'm tired. So it takes me about three days or so to cut it all. I usually cut it all at least twice a year.

Some of it is pretty bumpy. There are some hilly sections where tractor stability is very important. There are some hill sections I don't mow at all.

Part of my problem is figuring out what I really want. On the one hand, I'd like a cab with AC because of our summer humidity levels. Also, I've been swarmed by stinging wasps three different times.

On the other hand, being able to pull a 7-8' cutter would reduce my cutting time, but I think the 394c HST would be at its limit with a 6' cutter.

The least expensive option would be to repair my 3525 and keep using it. That would also avoid the hassle of trying to sell it or trade it. Other than the brakes not holding because of a transmission oil leak, the 3525 starts and runs fine. Although it only has 771 hours on it, it could be pushing 20 years of age. I like the simplicity of the 3525. Just push the clutch, select the gear range and engage the PTO mechanical lever.

Some TYM things puzzle me like why engaging the PTO is apparently a three step process, two of which appear to involve a manual/auto selector switch followed by pushing a button on the dash. I understand the auto PTO switch is a feature for raising implements with short PTO shafts, but it seems to me that adding electrical switches to engage the PTO is asking for trouble long term.

Other than the 6' cutter, the implements I use the most include a grapple for getting broken limbs out of the fields, and a box blade for maintaining a driveway with a 12 degree slope.

 

[3gunr]

I have a mahindra 2538 which is the same machine as the 394, I run a 6 ft cutter in very tall thick stuff all the time on our 360 acres, It handles it with no problem. I was cutting a 9 acre crp field last week in 90 degree heat with no overheating. But if it were me i would get the T494, Bigger ,heavier, more capable machine.

 

[2manyrocks]

I have a mahindra 2538 which is the same machine as the 394, I run a 6 ft cutter in very tall thick stuff all the time on our 360 acres, It handles it with no problem. I was cutting a 9 acre crp field last week in 90 degree heat with no overheating. But if it were me i would get the T494, Bigger ,heavier, more capable machine.

Which transmission do you have?

 

[LD1]

I agree I think you really need to decide on what you "want"

But no matter the size of the machine or mower....I think you are overthinking a HST. They are night and day better for mowing what you describe rather than shifting gears

 

[CloverKnollFarms]

My 4820 PTO is a one step process. A switch on the fender... Electric. It has a manual shift

I'm cutting 18-19 acres. I cut it in sections until I get tired and then stop rather than operate the tractor when I'm tired. So it takes me about three days or so to cut it all. I usually cut it all at least twice a year.

Some of it is pretty bumpy. There are some hilly sections where tractor stability is very important. There are some hill sections I don't mow at all.

Part of my problem is figuring out what I really want. On the one hand, I'd like a cab with AC because of our summer humidity levels. Also, I've been swarmed by stinging wasps three different times.

On the other hand, being able to pull a 7-8' cutter would reduce my cutting time, but I think the 394c HST would be at its limit with a 6' cutter.

The least expensive option would be to repair my 3525 and keep using it. That would also avoid the hassle of trying to sell it or trade it. Other than the brakes not holding because of a transmission oil leak, the 3525 starts and runs fine. Although it only has 771 hours on it, it could be pushing 20 years of age. I like the simplicity of the 3525. Just push the clutch, select the gear range and engage the PTO mechanical lever.

Some TYM things puzzle me like why engaging the PTO is apparently a three step process, two of which appear to involve a manual/auto selector switch followed by pushing a button on the dash. I understand the auto PTO switch is a feature for raising implements with short PTO shafts, but it seems to me that adding electrical switches to engage the PTO is asking for trouble long term.

Other than the 6' cutter, the implements I use the most include a grapple for getting broken limbs out of the fields, and a box blade for maintaining a driveway with a 12 degree slope.

I don’t think the PTO is a three step process. There is a manual lever for normal, neutral and economy PTO. You really never need to move it. There is a Yellow switch to engage the PTO, and a selector to turn on and off the implement as a function of the 3pt. I will till for hours and only touch one switch once. The PTO neutral is a great addition though for attaching implements, as is the Economy PTO in case you don’t need all that power to do the work you are doing.

 

[ptsg]

My 4820 PTO is a one step process. A switch on the fender... Electric. It has a manual shift


I don’t think the PTO is a three step process. There is a manual lever for normal, neutral and economy PTO. You really never need to move it. There is a Yellow switch to engage the PTO, and a selector to turn on and off the implement as a function of the 3pt. I will till for hours and only touch one switch once. The PTO neutral is a great addition though for attaching implements, as is the Economy PTO in case you don’t need all that power to do the work you are doing.

The difference between the TYM and Branson is that the Branson incorporates both PTO modes (Auto and Manual) along with On/Off in the same button. While TYM uses separate buttons for On/Off and for Auto/Off/Manual, plus the lever, which can get confusing some times and people often miss on of the buttons.

Either way, I really don't see it as that big of a deal.

By the way, have you tried running your tiller in 540E? I have no doubts it'll do it easily. Fuel consumption changes are very noticeable.