712S

[bkassulke 25]

Hello everyone, I am looking at a shuttle 712. It is an early model with the side lights. I was wondering what your opinions are on shuttles and what to look for as far as problem areas. This is my first time ever looking into getting a rbt so I need a little help. However all you fdt tractor people don't fear, I am not converting to rbt's this is for my father. I'll stick to my fdt's. Thanks everyone, Benjamin

[GWGAllisfan 159]

I had always had a B-10, until last spring I found a great deal on a 712S, later model inner headlights, with a shuttle transmission. It was my first, and so far only RBT, and first Kohler. I quickly came to really enjoy it as much or more than the early ones. That said, The shuttle is a bit tricky to adjust, but when in adjustment, is great. I have heard the planetarys tend to wear if not lubricated properly. If another came up close by and I could talk the wife into it, I probably would hesitate to get it, at least not just because of the transmission type. Do a search on "Shuttle" and there will be quite few comments that might help.

[MikeES 464]

As Randy said. When adjusted and with good components (belts, good brake band, etc.) the shuttle is a very nice set-up. We have the Simplicity equivalent to the 712S a 3414S with podded headlights. And we rarely even use the clutch pedal.

[jackcobb 11]

The adjustment is the only concern. Get a manual online, and read it before you buy the tractor. If your comfortable that you can do the adjustments, buy the tractor. If your not, but you have a dealer nearby that can, buy it! Once in adjustment it will last several years until the belts go. If all this concerns you, look for a hydro!

[MPH 12]

Hey Ben, is that the one sitting in the dealer shop in Central City? not sure that was a shuttle as it was too big for the PT too haul home so I didn't look very close at it.

[haykarenhardy 6]

I purchased a 712-S last fall, check under the seat- transmission cover for a grease pattern from the planetary grease seals. That was one of the troubles with my 712-S. In talking to my dealer they were not good at backing up a steep hill to mow with, and I do have a steep hill to mow. So I replaced the shuttle with a hydro because I could not use the tractor for "parts". If the transmission is bad you can always find a hydro for it. Stan.

[Roy 0]

"not good at backing up a steep hill" Bingo, that's the biggest problem I have with my shuttle. If the reverse band isn't tight enough it won't go uphill backwards. :(

[bluecap24 0]

I agree the adjustment is the key. I have two 712s and a 914s. When adjusted they work great and are super nice for mowing. I think they are smoother at direction changes than a hydro. I have pulled a huge roller and use a turning plow with the 914 and it works great. I vote buy it!

[bkassulke 25]

What do these planetary gears look like? And how expensive are the parts to keep the shuttle working properly, like the belts... Thanks Benjamin

[Les 4]

Never could get my 712S adjusted right, got so frustrated that I parted it out. The planetarys were in perfect condition after 25 years. My advice on a suttle trans is to maintain a positive attitude.

[Les 4]

The one thing that I did like about the shuttle was that I could mow a lot faster than the 3 speed. Third gear was great for getting over a lot of grass in a hurry, when the reverse worked, you could move in and out of tight spots quickly, even more so than with a hydro. The 712S was my main mowing tractor for 2 years. In retrospect I just didn't give the shuttle trans enough patience. I should have tried replacing some of the reverser control parts.

[IronPony 3]

I have had a 78 712S for over 5 years. When I bought it the 12hp Kohler burnt a lot of oil so I replaced it with a K series 16hp Kohler. I have had no problems with adjustments. I use it to push snow, roto-tilling and mowing. It will go just as fast and as good forward as backward. I use both the clutch and the selector lever when working it. Love this machine. Buy It! Dan aka IronPony

[HubbardRA 19]

I was mowing with my 716H till I built my 713S. I have a small yard with lots of things to mow around. The shuttle tranny is much smoother when engaging and when changing from forward to reverse and back. On a small lawn, I like the shuttle much better than a hydro or a 3-speed.

[andrewk 0]

I always thought the shuttles were a PITA to adjust too... Luckily I didn't see too many.

[HubbardRA 19]

A shuttle tranny does require re-adjustment once-in-a-while. They do work as good or better than the other trannys in some instances. Each tranny has its benefits. What the tractor is being used for, is the largest determinent of which tranny is best. They all have their specialties. Tractors and the tranny they have, should be selected and set up according to their use. There is no one setup (tranny, engine, tires, weights, etc.) that is optimum for all uses. If I only had one tractor, it would be a hydro. Since I currently have a hydro, a 3-speed, and a shuttle, I would rather mow my lawn with the shuttle and save the others for the more strenuous work.:D