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

[CloverKnollFarms]

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.

Well, in our ground, it took all it had to run a 72” tiller. No way I’d attempt it in 540E. Maybe a flail mower

 

[BruceS_55]

What is 540E? I noticed it on the dash panel and realized I don’t know what it means.

 

[ptsg]

What is 540E? I noticed it on the dash panel and realized I don’t know what it means.

540 Economy is basically another PTO gear. Basically allows you to get 540 RPM at the PTO at a lower engine RPM, typically around 1800 RPMs on most CUT compared to 2600 RPM required for the regular 540. This means a lot less noise, fuel consumption and probably less wear and tear overall.

Most people think it's of light duty work but if you're willing to go a little bit slower, let's say tilling or mowing, it will take it just fine. Most of my time, I run my tractor at 540E, even tilling on my hard and compacted clay soil.

Another great benefit of having 540E, is that you now have a lever to selected between 540 - Neutral - 540E. This means you can put the PTO in Neutral and therefore the shaft will free spin which is great when hooking PTO implements.

You can also use 540E at full engine speed which put is about 750 PTO RPM. Not many implements call for it though.

As far as fuel consumption, a full tank on my tractor last about 4 to 6 hours more in 540E than in 540.

 

[CloverKnollFarms]

When I broke this ground open, I had to travel at about 1mph with 540. Now that it's tilled 6" deep, I suspect I could use 540E. I won't know til fall.

 

[2manyrocks]

How does this PTO engagement mechanism work? I assume somehow the PTO ultimately is engaged by a gear to spin at 540rpm, but how do the dashboard switches actuate the PTO?

 

[ptsg]

How does this PTO engagement mechanism work? I assume somehow the PTO ultimately is engaged by a gear to spin at 540rpm, but how do the dashboard switches actuate the PTO?

There is clutch pack for the PTO. A solenoid on a control valve mounted on the side of the transmission controls this clutch pack by sending hydraulic pressure to clamp the clutch or when turned off, releases the pressure. By turning the switch on, it's energizing the solenoid and therefore turning on the PTO.

There is also a spring actuated PTO brake built in the clutch pack. So when the PTO is off, the brake is engaged. Hence why having a lever to switch between PTO gears is a must on these. This way you can put it in Neutral and then you're able to rotate the PTO shaft by hand when hooking up implements.

Here is a diagram from the service manual for my tractor. Maybe it helps visualizing the layout.

 

[2manyrocks]

Seems a bit complicated in comparison to clutching and engaging the PTO via a single mechanical lever.

had talk with a real farm operator yesterday. His Massey Ferguson needs a clutch, brakes and brake seals replaced. He doesn’t know of a dependable tractor mechanic in our area either.

I am reluctant to buy anything when it is difficult to get the tractor I already own repaired.

 

[Slowpoke Slim]

Back towards your original question,

I mow with an HST tractor and I set the engine speed with the hand throttle for my desired PTO speed and then just use the motion pedals for ground speed. If I'm on a somewhat smooth field and don't have to vary my ground speed much, I will set the cruise control and rest my foot. It's easy enough to put foot back on the pedal and switch off the cruise when I get to a turn or rough spot.

Just make sure your foot is pressing in the forward pedal BEFORE you switch off the cruise, so you don't face plant into the front glass...

Don't ask me how I know that...

 

[2manyrocks]

Quote from stovesand for 394c shuttleshift cab was $29,500 which is more than the $29,000 I was quoted for the hst version at another dealer. The other dealer is also being more helpful about trying to do something with the mahindra

 

[Torvy]

I saw LSE is having a 'sale' on 494/574 HST models. $28900/30500 w/o cab. Sometimes you can win just based on what they have more of to move. Of course that does nothing for the Mahindra trade.

Always better to have options. Looking forward to seeing how it ends up for you.