Took a ride on a red

pat32rf · Jun 25, 2011

A buddy of mine just got his new tractor yesterday so I had to try it out. a nice shiney new red 30 something horse Massey. He had planned to get hydro like mine, but there were none available so he got a "shuttle-shift". He has always operated big equipment so needing to use both arms and legs at once is no problem for him. His wife is ticked as she doesn't do a clutch.
I have only operated one other shuttle shift, on an old Case. With it you picked a gear range (with the clutch), then just moved the shuttle forwards and back (no clutch). I'm told that with little Red however that you need to hit the clutch to shift from forward to back via the shuttle. Is this true, or didn't my buddy read the instruction book? (he's the type who knows everything)

TripleR · Jun 26, 2011

Our Case CX80 had Synchro Shuttle Shift which required you to use the foot clutch to change directions though not come to a complete stop. Our Kubota M8540, replacement for the Case, has a Hydraulic Shuttle Shift which automatically clutches when you move the shuttle lever, so there is no need to use the foot clutch.

Hope this helps.

sunnyside360 · Jun 26, 2011

TripleR said:
....... Our Kubota M8540, replacement for the Case, has a Hydraulic Shuttle Shift which automatically clutches when you move the shuttle lever, so there is no need to use the foot clutch.

I have a 2005 Kubota M8200 (M8540 older brother) cab with hydraulic sync shuttle shift but I usually use the clutch pedal --- especially at higher rpm's.
At higher rpm's mine shifts abruptly which puts wicked high forces on engine and drive train. Doesn't bother me to clutch.

pat32rf · Jun 26, 2011

When Rob was driving, his left foot was busy with the clutch, left hand with the shuttle handle, right foot was jumping from the gas to the brakes, and right hand between the steering and loader controls.
I'm used to right toe moving between the forward and reverse pedal, left hand on wheel and right hand on joy stick. Although I grew up on a stick shift Massey 30hp, my HST is a lot easier.....

milkman636 · Jun 26, 2011

Once and a while my left foot will get real bored when I'm driving my HST tractor. It feels left out from just sitting there doing nothing, so it gets jumpy and starts reaching for the non-existent clutch pedal. It is the only part of my body that prefers the collar shift trans of my other tractor.

TripleR · Jun 26, 2011

sunnyside360 said:
I have a 2005 Kubota M8200 (M8540 older brother) cab with hydraulic sync shuttle shift but I usually use the clutch pedal --- especially at higher rpm's.
At higher rpm's mine shifts abruptly which puts wicked high forces on engine and drive train. Doesn't bother me to clutch.

I wonder if there is a difference in the clutch pack between the two as I use the Hydraulic Shuttle Shift lever while operating our rotary cutter running at about 2250 and it is as smooth as using the foot clutch.

I have somewhat limited use of my left leg and have to use my right foot for clutch as well as braking, so without the Hydraulic Shuttle Shift, it looked kind of like one legged rat stomping contest with our Case.

bill in ny · Jun 26, 2011

TripleR, 540pto on my m8540 is around 2200rpm.

sunnyside360 · Jun 27, 2011

TripleR said:
I wonder if there is a difference in the clutch pack between the two as I use the Hydraulic Shuttle Shift lever while operating our rotary cutter running at about 2550 and it is as smooth as using the foot clutch.

There may be a difference in clutches or there may be an adjustment out on mine. My M8200 only has about 300 hrs and it's always worked the same since it was new. I have a copy of the KTC Service Manual and will check if there are any adjustments. As a side note, 540 PTO rpm on my M8200 is when the engine speed is ~2250 rpm.

TripleR · Jun 27, 2011

bill in ny said:
TripleR, 540pto on my m8540 is around 2200rpm.

sunnyside360 said:
There may be a difference in clutches or there may be an adjustment out on mine. My M8200 only has about 300 hrs and it's always worked the same since it was new. I have a copy of the KTC Service Manual and will check if there are any adjustments. As a side note, 540 PTO rpm on my M8200 is when the engine speed is ~2250 rpm.

Yep, my mistake; typo or stupidity, not sure. On our 8540, I go by the PTO indicator, but you are both right on the RPM/PTO speed, so I will edit my OP if I can.