New to L2800 HST, do I need to clutch to change...

[flakrat]

Howdy,

I can't find in the manual whether or not I need to use the clutch when shifting the L2800 HST from L to M to H to Neutral.

My gut says no, but I want to make sure.

If you don't need to use the clutch for changing L, M, H, N, then when do you need to use it on the HST model, here are the times I've identified?
1) Starting the tractor
2) Engage / Disengage 4WD
3) Engage / Disengage PTO

Are there other situations where I'd need to use it for an L2800 HST with FEL and rotary cutter on the rear PTO?

Thanks, Mike

 

[crown]

First, welcome to TBN.

I am no expert but I always clutch when shifting ranges on the HST.
I use mine when I engage and disengage the PTO and to start the tractor.
I do not clutch when changing between 2 and 4 wheel drive.
Good luck with your new tractor I really like the looks of the new 2800/3400 HST tractors. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[grizzjeeper]

No need to use the clutch to change ranges. Just for the PTO.

 

[ronjhall]

You do not need clutch to change range if you are not pushing on HST pedal and tractor is not moving. Alway change range when tractor is on level ground. If lever is under load or grinding of gears can be heard use clutch to change range.

 

[wushaw]

No need to clutch when changing ranges and like Ron said it is safest on level ground...but the brakes do work and I change ranges all the time on uneven ground.
Yes for PTO engagement.
Yes for starting.
Yes for 4wd engagment/disengage (I tried it W/O clutch and and got gear clatter on engagment, have not tried for disegagment)

 

[ccsial]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( <font color="blue"> </font> Yes for 4wd engagment/disengage (I tried it W/O clutch and and got gear clatter on engagment, have not tried for disegagment) )</font> <font color="black"> </font>

The book says to use the clutch for 4WD. My book is for both the DT and HST. I think as long as the tractor is stopped it is OK to engage 4WD. With the HST pedal at neutral it is the same as pressing the clutch in (except for the PTO operation). I have never used the clutch and never got a grinding sound going to 4WD. I do use the brake if I am on a hill to insure I am not moving when engaging gears. Same is true for shifting H M L range.

If the H M L range lever seems jammed the book says to depress the HST pedal momentarily and try again. This moves the gears to a different position. This would not work if the clutch was pressed. I never use N on the range selector. If you do, be aware that you have no dynamic braking and you may start rolling quickly on a hill.

 

[flakrat]

That's a good point about "using N position"

When I'm done for the day or say if I'm hopping off to move something out of the way, should I just leave the tractor in L, M or H?

Or is it better to leave it in N when you aren't on the tractor? Or, is N just for situations where you need to roll the tractor manually (i.e. towing it out of a rut)?

 

[ronjhall]

At end of day leave tractor is last range used. Then set 3PH and FEL on ground. This will stop tractor from moving. If there is a chance that tractor could move while setting, then set the brakes.

 

[ccsial]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( <font color="blue"> </font> Or, is N just for situations where you need to roll the tractor manually (i.e. towing it out of a rut)?
)</font> <font color="black"> </font>

That is the only reason I can think of for N.

I always set the brake when I park except in the garage where it is flat.