docs Posted March 9, 2005 Posted March 9, 2005 What is the Differnace between the hydro and the shuttle drive. I see that they are both hydros but what really seperates them and which is better?
BLT Posted March 9, 2005 Posted March 9, 2005 You can say a hydro (oil drive) is a shuttle because one lever is used as a (directional) reverser. But a shuttle is not necessarily a hydro becuse you select gears (Mech Trans) and the shuttle lever controls belts for a pure mechanical drive, not oil drive.
Mack Posted March 9, 2005 Posted March 9, 2005 quote:Sovereign®... the big Simplicity is now more powerful than ever. With enough power to take on any chore your yard can hand out. Your choice of Hydrostatic Drive or 4-speed Shuttling Drive. Hydrostatic Drive gives you single lever control that reacts instantly to your command. Allows you to change travel speed and direction quickly, while attachments continue to run at the speed best for the job. Gives you a full rangeof ground speeds in forward or reverse without clutching. 4-speed Shuttling Drive gives you 4 speed rangesin forward or reverse. Instant reversing in any speed range without clutching. The Shuttle is a gear drive.
Dutch Posted March 9, 2005 Posted March 9, 2005 quote:Originally posted by docs What is the Differnace between the hydro and the shuttle drive. I see that they are both hydros but what really seperates them and which is better? Where did you see that a Simplicity Shuttle Drive is a Hydro? Different manufacturers may make things differently, and may call those things by the same name. As for the LFGT Simplicity tractors, there are three types of transmissions: 1) Manual (Gear) Transmission: 3 forward + 1 reverse gear. Tractor must be stopped and clutch disengaged before shifting from one gear to another. The manual transmissions also include those equipped with Hi-Lo or 6 speed. 2) Shuttle Transmission: A manual (gear) transmission with 4 forward gears only (NO reverse gear). Operator selects any one of the 4 gears and reverses direction (forward / reverse) by moving the shuttle lever. The shuttle transmission is all mechanical (NO hydro at all). 3) Hydro: Actually a hydrostatic transmission as opposed to hydraulic. Operator selects ground speed and direction (forward / reverse) by moving the hydro lever. Which is better? That depends on who you talk to. Probably the hydro would be the #1 all-around choice. If I could only have one tractor, it would be a hydro. However, I prefer the other transmissions for different jobs. For example, I like the shuttle best when pushing dirt or snow (more power and control). For ground engagement work (plowing and tilling) I like the manual transmission. For mowing, always the hydro.
docs Posted March 9, 2005 Author Posted March 9, 2005 OK has anyone used the shuttle drive and how reliable are they, Do they have a lot of problems? There not like a varible are they because most of them pretty much had lots of pulley and belt wear.
docs Posted March 9, 2005 Author Posted March 9, 2005 quote:Originally posted by dutch quote:Originally posted by docs What is the Differnace between the hydro and the shuttle drive. I see that they are both hydros but what really seperates them and which is better? Where did you see that a Simplicity Shuttle Drive is a Hydro? Different manufacturers may make things differently, and may call those things by the same name. As for the LFGT Simplicity tractors, there are three types of transmissions: 1) Manual (Gear) Transmission: 3 forward + 1 reverse gear. Tractor must be stopped and clutch disengaged before shifting from one gear to another. The manual transmissions also include those equipped with Hi-Lo or 6 speed. 2) Shuttle Transmission: A manual (gear) transmission with 4 forward gears only (NO reverse gear). Operator selects any one of the 4 gears and reverses direction (forward / reverse) by moving the shuttle lever. The shuttle transmission is all mechanical (NO hydro at all). 3) Hydro: Actually a hydrostatic transmission as opposed to hydraulic. Operator selects ground speed and direction (forward / reverse) by moving the hydro lever. Which is better? That depends on who you talk to. Probably the hydro would be the #1 all-around choice. If I could only have one tractor, it would be a hydro. However, I prefer the other transmissions for different jobs. For example, I like the shuttle best when pushing dirt or snow (more power and control). For ground engagement work (plowing and tilling) I like the manual transmission. For mowing, always the hydro. That was my mistake I thaught that the way they listed this the the transmission was hydro but if I study it a little I see that it is not. HYDROSTATIC DRIVE: (3416H} Complete continuous range of ground speeds in forward and reverse without clutching or shifting...without changing attachment speed. SHUTTLING DRIVE: (3416S) 4-speed ranges in forward and reverse. Permits instant reversing in any range without clutching or shifting. Speeds (At 3600 rpm.) HYDROSTATIC DRIVE: <<<<< HERE Confusing because it runs together Forward ... 0 to 7 mph. Reverse... 0 to 4 mph. SHUTTLE DRIVE: Gear 1st 2nd 3rd 4th Fwd. & Rev. 96 mph. 2.3 mph. 3.7 mph. 5.1 mph. Differential All gear, automatically controlled traction type. DOC
Dutch Posted March 9, 2005 Posted March 9, 2005 quote:Originally posted by docs OK has anyone used the shuttle drive and how reliable are they, Do they have a lot of problems? There not like a varible are they because most of them pretty much had lots of pulley and belt wear. Like I stated, I have and use a shuttle. I prefer it for blade work. IMO, the shuttle does have any more problems than either a manual or hydro. Like anything else mechanical, they should be properly maintained and adjusted.
docs Posted March 9, 2005 Author Posted March 9, 2005 You pretty much answered my question, I want one for mowing, I have a Compact 4x4 for the ground work tilling and grading.
HubbardRA Posted March 9, 2005 Posted March 9, 2005 I have been mowing this past season with a shuttle. Previously I was using a hydro. I like the hydro better for mowing same as Dutch said. The hydro can vary the speed to match the type and thickness of the grass. Both have foot clutches that are not necessary for normal operation. You can put both into forward and reverse by moving the lever only. The shuttle has four specific speeds, and the hydro is variable. You cannot vary the speed of the shuttle with the lever, it only controls forward and reverse and engages the clutch.
john-holcomb Posted March 9, 2005 Posted March 9, 2005 I agree with Dutch again, I used my shuttle for the snow blower and the T-16H as a mower for all the heavy work and pulling the 3410 is the tuffest tractor I have ever seen.
maxtorman1234 Posted March 9, 2005 Posted March 9, 2005 I've had shuttles, hydros, variables and 3 speeds I would rate them like this. 1 Hydros 2 Variables 3 3 Speeds 4 shuttles I prefer the hydros for most work. I never have to adjust them, and they are easy to use. Pretty much the same for the 3 speed and variable, except they don't go as fast and they have gears to change. I'm constantly adjusting my shuttles, and they go too slow for my liking. Also belts always slip in 4th gear. In my opinion the shuttles are good for cutting, but not pulling.
docs Posted March 9, 2005 Author Posted March 9, 2005 Thanks Guys Those Hydro's sound pretty good to me. Been using a landlord 2210 3-speed and stripe mowing with it and that stopping and shifting is getting old. Plus only has the 42" Deck. I'm sure once I get one of the hyro's I will really like it. SURE Wish Someone Would sell me one CHEAP!!!! lol Doc
IronPony Posted March 10, 2005 Posted March 10, 2005 No one mentioned maintenance other than normal routine maintenance. For me I stay away from the Hydros because if you have a problem with them you may not be able to work on the Hydro your self. I know that I could not. All the others, I would not hesitate to tear in to and try to fix. Some of the members here have no fear of working on their Hydros so I guess I may be the only chicken LOL. Dan
maxtorman1234 Posted March 10, 2005 Posted March 10, 2005 quote:Originally posted by IronPony No one mentioned maintenance other than normal routine maintenance. For me I stay away from the Hydros because if you have a problem with them you may not be able to work on the Hydro your self. I know that I could not. All the others, I would not hesitate to tear in to and try to fix. Some of the members here have no fear of working on their Hydros so I guess I may be the only chicken LOL. Dan Dan, They're really not that hard to work on, just like everything make sure it goes back the way it came out, and don't take it apart sideways. Lol, or everything falls out and thats no good. I havent had a problem working on any, but i've only had to work on one hydro out of 7 or 8, and it was sitting and rusted. Have worked the hydros hard, and had no problems. The shuttle i find gets out of adjustment when worked hard.
powermax_paul Posted March 10, 2005 Posted March 10, 2005 There is one disadvantage to a hand operated hydrostatic transmission and that is when you use a loader. Some manufacturers have gone to foot operated hydro (including Simplicity) for that reason. The hydros are nice, and well maintained, will outlast a gear drive. I've had my powermax Sunstrand Series 15 hydrostatic in pieces and they really aren't that complicated. Cleanliness while servicing these is of utmost importance, because of the close tolerances. Also make sure all the pistons stay in/return to their original bores in the same pump or motor cylinder blocks. A weak hydro unit usually means either 1)a bad needle bearing in the trunion shaft (input lever shaft that operates the swash plate) or 2) badly scored motor/pump valve plates inside the transmission. Both are repairable or replaceable.
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