shuttle vs. hydrostatic vs. 3 speed

[skunkhome 0]

Three weeks ago I bought a 3414s. Since then have I joined this club and in reading some posts I get the impression that the Shuttle is not very highly regarded among many of the club members. Is it because it is slower than the 3/6 speed and is almost 3 mph slower than the hydrostatics or does it have something to do with the complexity of the reversing mechanism. Frankly I would have preferred a 3 or 6 speed but the shuttle was the only thing available in a 750 mile radius of my home. I never considered a hydrostatic because the only hydrostatics I ever drove (not Simplicity or clone) I did not like. I certainly hope I haven't made a big mistake. Regardless I have a pretty big T.H.T. (Tractor Hauling Trip) next Friday and Saturday. Fortunately my grown son has agreed to ride along on this adventure with his crazy ole man. I have to admit there are not many who would think of driving across 4 states (especially with gas prices roaring ) to pick up a 33 year old garden tractor. I think it is my Father's Day Present from him. Now I am actually looking forward to the trip more than I am getting my hands on that tractor. In the mean time I think my wife is going to have commitment papers drawn up to be served when I get back home with proof of my insanity in tow.

[firefoxz1 4]

quote:

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Originally posted by skunkhome
In the mean time I think my wife is going to have commitment papers drawn up to be served when I get back home with proof of my insanity in tow.

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I think most of our wives have these papers drawn up:D. I think my wifes last statement was she was going to use them if I brought one more tractor homeC:(. This will be a good father/son bonding as you said. The shuttles are great when adjusted and working properly. I think the reason for some disapproval is some seem to need constant attention to keep them working properly and of course the cost of the belt? Best bet is to get a manual and make sure you lube all the lube points on the drive system as it states.

[4xbill 2]

I happen to like the old hydros. Plenty of power and speed control. Never owned a shuttle. I drove from NJ to MI with my 10 yr old son to pickup parts. There and back in 2 days

[mbrook 0]

I've been using my shuttle for 4-5 years now and really enjoy it. My basics uses have been mowing and hauling the yard cart around. I had read the same things about the shuttle system and was leary. I have kept mine adjusted properly and have not had any problems. Now I have a shuttle, 2 different hydros and a variable. I would say that each have there positives and negatives, but would place the old vickers hydro as the preferred choice, and the shuttle in second, that is with mowing being the chore, imo.

[HubbardRA 19]

I have a 3-speed, a Sunstrand hydro, and a Shuttle that are currently operable. I have a small lawn, and actually prefer to use the shuttle as my primary mower. The forward/reverse engagement/disengagement is much smoother than the hydro, and does not require shifting gears like the 3 speed. If I were cutting a big lawn, then my favorite would be the hydro, because is has the variable speed. Both the shuttle and the hydro have the advantage of being operated total by hand, without the need of the right foot to depress the clutch. The shuttle is probably the least liked because of its adjustment. Most people on this site want a tractor that just runs without any problems. Since the shuttle belt system needs adjustment once-in-a-while, then it becomes a complaining point for more people. When they have good belts and are adjusted correctly, they work great. A word of advice, "If your shuttle stops working correctly, then adjust the belts before you ruin the belt." It only takes a few minutes, and is much easier than changing one of the forward drive belts. Currently, of the three operable tractors that I have, the shuttle tractor gets the most run time. They all have their individual uses around my house. It just depends on what I am trying to accomplish.

[bigdog46 2]

I have a 7117 shuttle that I purchased new in 1983. I have had only a few problems with it thru the 24 years that I have used it for mowing, tilling and pushing snow. I also have a 3415 shuttle that I use weekly to mow my grass. My experience has been that it does not take a lot of adjustment to keep it working properly. Also in my sheds are a 7117 hydro that I keep my tiller attached to in the summer and my snowblower in the winter because it has hydro lift. I also have a 912 hydro and a 718 hydro that I am restoring. If you put new belts on the shuttle and adjust it per the manual you should not have many problems.

[skunkhome 0]

Thanks for the info all... I grew up with the ole 3 speed and variations there of. They were very simple and straight forward but adjustments were critical on them as well... I once ran over a tree with our B-1 because I had mis-adjusted the belt guard at the BGB after replacing the clutch belt. That thing would not stop no matter how hard I pressed the brake. I have no problem with the making adjustments. I have already down loaded and have done some reading on the owners manual concerning adjustments. I was just getting a little ancie about the shuttle reading posts that alluded that there was something inherently bad about the system. I have plans of giving this little tractor a bit of TLC and I can tell you that with no snow and a small lawn this tractor is going to have a leisurely life with me. It is really nice that I can post such a question and not receive a fire storm. I have belonged to different forums that had 2-3 factions that would get into heated discussions about "cotton vs. silk dental floss".

[HubbardRA 19]

Phil, The shuttle tranny is a 3-speed with reverse removed and a fourth gear put in its place. The planetary gear and the split pulley along with the extra belt and the brake band on the planetary do the forward and reverse shifting. Internally they are just as reliable as a 3-speed, because basically they use the same parts. Most of the problems that I have heard of on these trannys occur with the external parts which are relatively easy to replace.

[babablacksheep 7]

My wife had me commited years ago, but she had to get me out to cut the grass. I currently have a 712S, 716 6speed, two 912H, and a 7116H. The 712S is by far the best of the lot if you have a lot of back and forth work to do. Shifts from forward to reverse as fast and smoother than a hydro and you know how fast you will be going when you get into reverse(same speed it was going in forward). This is a huge advantage if you are working around banks or hillsides. The only adjustments mine has needed were to the brake pads to stop the pulleys.

[Scott Salmons 7]

My wife just said this evening that she plans to die before me just so she won't have to deal with all my stuff!!