Best of the Best

[Guest]

We have a Simplicity 3112H( 990500) with hyd. lift/float. You can't beat it for snowblowing or tilling or chopping sumacs with the ol' sickle bar or getting a load of dirt with our homemade front scoop bucket!Every shuttle we had needed repairs of one kind or another.# spds. and variables are ok but ask Les about shuttles he 'hates em'

[Guest]

I have heard lots of shuttle bashing and have to put in my .02 worth.. (Just rememeber you are getting what you pay for!)

I have a 1975 AC 712S that has been in the family since new.. When it was first purchased it was used to mow between 3-5 acres at least once a week in west Michigan. Since then it has been used to mow approx. 1.5 acres and some occaisional tilling.

It is on its 2nd Kohler 12hp, 3rd drive belt and its second 48" deck. Not once has the shuttle been touched or adjusted. It will still bring the front tires off of the ground when going from reverse to forward in any of the gears except 1st (To low I guess).

I have no doubt that hydraulic drives are better but I'll just keep my ol' shuttle til it dies..

Rob

PS I just bought a 1975 Gravely 812 that is also a shuttle design and this one looks to be even stronger than the AC!

[DoubleT 0]

There has been much discussion about which transmission is the best. I own all of them (3-speed variable, shuttle, etc) and as most people, I agree with the hydrostatic drive being the most all around preferred system.
The tractor that I believe is the best of the best is the AC HB212 and its SIM bother 3212H with the hydraulic lift. The Vickers hydro unit is much smoother and easier to use than the newer Sunstrands and the hydraulic lift (with float) is unbeatable for versitility.
Any other votes?
MS

[Les 4]

I like a transmission that will make the tractor go forwards when you want to go forward, and backwards when you want to go backwards. The shuttle wouldnt do that.

I suppose that I am just too darn hard to please.

[Les 4]

Can you still get parts for a Vickers?

My neighbor in Indiana had a **** of a time getting parts for his! Took him over a year!!