Operational Best Practices: Gear Shifting

[Redav72 227]

Should one always shift only when in a stopped position? What is the best practice for transmission operation?

[lynnmor 7,305]

11 minutes ago, Redav72 said:

Should one always shift only when in a stopped position? What is the best practice for transmission operation?

Yes.

 

???

[ebinmaine 67,454]

ABSOLUTELY NEVER SHIFT A WHEEL HORSE MANUAL TRANSMISSION TRACTOR UNLESS IT IS FULLY AND COMPLETELY STOPPED. 

 

 

 

Edited August 11, 2023 by ebinmaine

[ebinmaine 67,454]

Obviously I double poked the caps lock but I decided to leave it because it really does need to be emphasized. 

 

To elaborate, These manual transmissions have square cut gears with no synchros and are not meant to be shifted while moving. Ever.

 

According to the manual, best practice for shifting is the only practice.

Choose your gear first then let the clutch out.  

[rmaynard 15,436]

[Pullstart 62,840]

Case: CLOSED

[ri702bill 8,316]

45 minutes ago, Pullstart said:

Case: CLOSED

Not quite - ALWAYS with the drive belt guard installed - properly.

Now closed....

[peter lena 8,618]

@Redav72  lubricated all releted linkage points?  still amazed at  seeing rusty / sloppy linkage ends , aerosol penetrating oil , make the rust run out , followed by grease , maybe add a washer or 2 to snug things up , also lubricate the cross shaft on your lift lever , under center console , bronze bushings , spray some penetrating oil into the top , hand grip area , push button , rust will run out , button might even wake up and pop into place ,  all related should move with ease , pete

[WHX?? 48,815]

So what you guys are saying is no more double clutching or speed shifting?  So why did I just install that slap stick  on the 1067? ...

Edited August 11, 2023 by WHX??

[c-series don 8,690]

6 minutes ago, WHX?? said:

So what you guys are saying is no more double clutching or speed shifting?  So why did I just install that slap stick  on the 1067? ...

Only if you have a pair of those rare double clutching boots that Wheel Horse offered. Isn’t that what @Pullstart wears? 

[stevasaurus 22,723]

Only if you are wearing thongs...and I am not talking about underwear.  

[SylvanLakeWH 25,547]

1 hour ago, c-series don said:

Only if you have a pair of those rare double clutching boots that Wheel Horse offered. Isn’t that what @Pullstart wears? 

 

1 minute ago, stevasaurus said:

Only if you are wearing thongs...and I am not talking about underwear.  

 

 

 

[Ed Kennell 38,158]

4 hours ago, WHX?? said:

So what you guys are saying is no more double clutching or speed shifting?  So why did I just install that slap stick  on the 1067? ...

 

                                There are exceptions to everything Jim.       I routinely slapped this 8 speed from high 2nd to high 3rd at WOT without bothering with the clutch.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

             

[Wheel-N-It 2,968]

14 hours ago, Redav72 said:

Should one always shift only when in a stopped position? What is the best practice for transmission operation?

 

Officially and in writing (in front of my Red Square Brethren) I will say "Absolutely do not ever shift a Wheel Horse 8-speed transmission on the fly."

However if we were at the Big Show and you pulled me to the side and asked the same question, I would say " Use a top quality transmission lubricant like Lucas 90W, and with a little practice you can shift on the fly by learning how to let the shifter slide into the gear you want. Don't force it, just let the gears slide together."

I've been doing that since I bought my first Wheel Horse in 1991. Never damaged a transmission. 

BTW, thank you for being a Supporter

 

[WHX?? 48,815]

2 hours ago, Ed Kennell said:

   I routinely slapped this 8 speed from high 2nd to high 3rd at WOT without bothering with the clutch.

 

Yeah but yer a tranny hoarder... I saw all the trannys Lowel took off yer hands...

 

17 minutes ago, Wheel-N-It said:

you can shift on the fly

Yah n we got hand outs for  like you too... ain't that right  @Achto Need a fine colored hitch pin Van? 

Edited August 12, 2023 by WHX??

[Wheel-N-It 2,968]

9 minutes ago, WHX?? said:

 

 

Yah n we got hand outs for  like you too... ain't that right  @Achto Need a fine colored hitch pin Van? 

 

Love the hitch pin , Jim     Don't forget to bring it to the Big Show in 2024. I'll pick it up from you then 

[WHX?? 48,815]

No no... you gotta come get it and earn it. It's for the worst sally at plow day...

 

We got gold painted ones for the best plow person too... 

Edited August 12, 2023 by WHX??

[Redav72 227]

Awesome.  Before anyone is overly worried for my transmissions my practice has always been to select the gear from a standstill.

[John c 79]

is it possible to adjust the clutch to the point where it would allow the tractor to roll back while in a forward gear, for instance to turn around, turn uphill have the clutch adjusted to allow the tractor to roll back then feather either the clutch, brake, or both to control the rate of speed while turning to then restart back in the opposite direction ? Checking into this is on my list of winter shop work, anybody here have any experience doing this 

[John c 79]

Oh yeah..............mid 90's 314-8 is the subject machine

[peter lena 8,618]

@Redav72 totally agree with the stopped , shifting movement , at least a couple of other things apply , are ALL RELATED , linkage / movement areas , lubricated , ? made the rust run out ? grease / aerosol red grease , how fresh is your trans fluid ?  shifter boot ? milky looking dip stick check ? been using LUCAS  climbing gear  oil , much better , no noise , check it regularly , along with a fuel tank top off and  STABIL FUEL TREATMENT , to my gas . do a quick look over , for  ANYTHING ,  pete 

[ebinmaine 67,454]

12 minutes ago, John c said:

clutch adjusted to allow the tractor to roll back then FEATHER either the clutch, brake, or both to control the rate of speed while turning to then restart back in the opposite direction ?

 

 

Notice what I highlighted above.

 

You must come to a COMPLETE STOP BEFORE SHIFTING 

  

 

To me, feathering, would imply that you want to shift while you're in motion. That simply should never be done.

 

 

[pfrederi 17,734]

1 hour ago, John c said:

is it possible to adjust the clutch to the point where it would allow the tractor to roll back while in a forward gear, for instance to turn around, turn uphill have the clutch adjusted to allow the tractor to roll back then feather either the clutch, brake, or both to control the rate of speed while turning to then restart back in the opposite direction ? Checking into this is on my list of winter shop work, anybody here have any experience doing this 

 

 

Loosen the brakes band a bit  That will let her roll back.  I do that on my C-141-8  Run up the hill to the edge.  Push brake in enough to let the drive belt stop but not enough to engage brake she rolls back to the bottom  Let clutch out and go up again...you are not grinding gears...but it will be harder to get the brake to stop the tractor you will have to push hard and far on the pedal

[Ed Kennell 38,158]

1 hour ago, John c said:

is it possible to adjust the clutch to the point where it would allow the tractor to roll back while in a forward gear, for instance to turn around, turn uphill have the clutch adjusted to allow the tractor to roll back then feather either the clutch, brake, or both to control the rate of speed while turning to then restart back in the opposite direction ? Checking into this is on my list of winter shop work, anybody here have any experience doing this 

Hey John, best solution is to get a hydro and add a foot control.   Push pedal down to go forward and lift foot up to go backwards.

Oh, and your left hand is free to operate the hydraulic lift while the right hand steers.    

[Handy Don 12,216]

3 hours ago, John c said:

is it possible to adjust the clutch to the point where it would allow the tractor to roll back while in a forward gear, for instance to turn around, turn uphill have the clutch adjusted to allow the tractor to roll back then feather either the clutch, brake, or both to control the rate of speed while turning to then restart back in the opposite direction ?

I do this every time I mow the lawn with my 854.

I go up only until the rear wheels reach the start of the hill. 

The brake is not all that strong and is more easily modulated so I prefer it over trying to feather the clutch and have a mistake pitch me over backward.

Be sure you are POSITIVE there is nothing behind you!