8 Speed/Hydro Confusion

[JCM 9,215]

Having operated mainly 8 speed tractors with only one hydro for many years and now finding myself with 3 hydros If anyone was watching me during the recent 16'' plus snow removal operation would have been laughing seeing my hands and feet not sure were they were supposed to be, and now add the electric lift I really didn't know what machine I was on from time to time. For as long as I can remember I always preferred a manual trans be it in a truck, car or tractor but can honestly say an automatic trans in a WH is awesome especially when going in reverse, nothing like it. Sure does get you back in front of the woodstove and warming up a lot quicker. Maybe I should sell a few and just keep one of each, that would simplify things a bit ?

[ebinmaine 67,748]

1 minute ago, JCM said:

Maybe I should sell a few and just keep one of each, that would simplify things a bit ?

 

Now that's just silly talk!!!

[D_Mac 8,623]

I didnt like the hydro when I got one at first. Sure changed my mind quickly though. Having never plowed with one I can see why it would be soooooo much easier with a hydro. Sold the one I had and look forward to finding another one someday.

[daveoman1966 3,752]

Except for dirt plowing/tilling, the hydros are much better than the standard trans for just about everything...especially for snow removal.  I am in n/w PA ...in the snow belt.  My C-160 auto nas NEVER been stuck in snow and we've had some winters with lots and lots.  

 

[Stepney 2,325]

Jim, you sure you're feeling alright? Who took your account??

 

Grading, running the trencher, and pushing the grass piles is left to the 6 speed Raider, and I use it to mow one particularly steep yard since it wont run away easily.
Otherwise.. everything is done with a hydro. One .. because I seem to trip over them, (like that 312 the other day..?) two, its what I ran since I was little. 

[Herder 2,354]

I enjoy the way the hydro's work.  Selecting the right application is key.  Snow throwing, mowing and the dozer blade, even pulling a small trailer.  I do agree, trying to run a tiller on a hydro is a bit challenging.    

[Pullstart 62,926]

I like red... but I’m beginning to like green and no snow...

 

 

[squonk 41,170]

3 minutes ago, pullstart said:

I like red... but I’m beginning to like green and no snow...

 

 

Don't drink the water! 

[Jeff-C175 7,202]

11 hours ago, D_Mac said:

soooooo much easier with a hydro.

 

Except for the fact that you need three hands.  The foot pedal control would be a great addition!

[Maxwell-8 4,277]

1 hour ago, Jeff-C175 said:

 

Except for the fact that you need three hands.  The foot pedal control would be a great addition!

I am planning on installing a foot throttle on my 8 speed to make it easier for me . Have seen to many no WH hydro's break. I kinda don't dear to buy one. prefer  the rather simple 8 speed.

But then again i barley never have to plow snow. 

[Maxwell-8 4,277]

14 hours ago, JCM said:

 Maybe I should sell a few and just keep one of each, that would simplify things a bit ?

I know how that works.

 

 

[WVHillbilly520H 10,373]

14 hours ago, JCM said:

Having operated mainly 8 speed tractors with only one hydro for many years and now finding myself with 3 hydros If anyone was watching me during the recent 16'' plus snow removal operation would have been laughing seeing my hands and feet not sure were they were supposed to be, and now add the electric lift I really didn't know what machine I was on from time to time. For as long as I can remember I always preferred a manual trans be it in a truck, car or tractor but can honestly say an automatic trans in a WH is awesome especially when going in reverse, nothing like it. Sure does get you back in front of the woodstove and warming up a lot quicker. Maybe I should sell a few and just keep one of each, that would simplify things a bit ?

I know what you mean, same preference for the manual in my vehicles but so far I am really liking the auto in my '14 Silverado, then 22 years ago when I get the 520H that changed my mind on garden tractors (except for tilling) then going from WH to CC (back and forth here and my parents) then the Kioti (geared) shifter on the left eMax shifter on the right and range pattern different it definitely keeps you on your toes figuring out what foot or hand to use .

[Horse Newbie 7,081]

I'm old enough to be proficient with a manual trans on a vehicle...and according to what you are doing the manual definitely has its use, but my knees are getting to where they have their own opinion on which is best.

I prefer the auto and hydro trans...like @WVHillbilly520H said...always in the right gear.

[ohiofarmer 3,276]

Not really a fan of the steering column mounted control on the 520, but really like the side mount control for mowing on my c-141. Snow plowing , not sure what would be best.

[JCM 9,215]

To make it even more confusing @WVHillbilly520H  my other brand diesel tractor that I spent hours on in the recent large snowfall before getting the WH out has the twin touch hydro pedal setup, that combined with everything else it sure keeps you focused which I suppose is a good thing cleaning up after a good old fashioned snow storm.

[WVHillbilly520H 10,373]

@JCM, Dad has only CC ,gear drive drive, dash mounted hydro lever, twin pedal hydro, and my Kioti I leave there, then here my 520s (sold the 315-8) and my eMax, then vehicles '06 Silverado 5spd, the old C30 with SM465 4spd, the 14 6spd auto, the Malibu with manual reverse valvle body TH400, wife's Jeep when does the confusion end ... I suppose its keeps you sharp.

Edited December 20, 2020 by WVHillbilly520H

[JCM 9,215]

It would have been easier if I were born a couch potato I wouldn't need all these toys, but my Dad wouldn't let that happen, real old school man,disciplinarian big time, didn't take much to set him off, would be 101 if he was still around.

[ebinmaine 67,748]

Right there with ya folks. 

 

On a regular basis depending on the day I drive automatics consisting of four, five, or six gears. I also drive full manual transmissions that are 10 speeds. The crane at work is a Fully Automated Manual Transmission so it has all 10 gears but it does all its own shifting and I don't even use the clutch. The counter weighted forklifts in the yard are regular automatics but the demountable forklifts we take out with the trucks everyday are fully hydrostatic with no transmission and no brakes.

As if all that ain't bad enough, Trina's little Honda Fit has a CVT so there's no gears. That's just plain weird to drive...

[WVHillbilly520H 10,373]

1 hour ago, JCM said:

It would have been easier if I were born a couch potato I wouldn't need all these toys, but my Dad wouldn't let that happen, real old school man,disciplinarian big time, didn't take much to set him off, would be 101 if he was still around.

Same here, my dad is 83 and suffered a stroke about 15 months ago, but has mostly recovered enough to do the basics, I try my darnedest to regularly (every other weeked unless something pops up in between) physically check on him/them even though I am 1.5 hour away.

[Handy Don 12,276]

45 minutes ago, ebinmaine said:

As if all that ain't bad enough

What about your bicycles? 

[ebinmaine 67,748]

1 hour ago, Handy Don said:

What about your bicycles? 

Oh man. Then there's that. 

[Handy Don 12,276]

20 hours ago, JCM said:

For as long as I can remember I always preferred a manual trans

I agree. My wife and I were both bummed to discover when we switched from a small station wagon that minivans were all automatic! After geared mowers and a 310 for years, we I'm now using a hydro and I still try occasionally to use the left pedal as a clutch. I expect the stop, but am surprised when it won't go again when I release the pedal!

[JCM 9,215]

3 minutes ago, Handy Don said:

After geared mowers and a 310 for years, we I'm now using a hydro and I still try occasionally to use the left pedal as a clutch. I expect the stop, but am surprised when it won't go again when I release the pedal!

     Hahahahah, I don't know how old you are but I was born in 58, so I think that has something to do with my issues Don. That and to many damn tractors.  

[Handy Don 12,276]

I've considered (briefly) switching the brake/neutral function to a pedal on the right side.  Somehow it seems more natural to me. Anyone else have this thought? Or done it?

[ebinmaine 67,748]

1 hour ago, Handy Don said:

surprised when it won't go again when I release the pedal

I kid you not.. a good many times I've gotten in an automatic semi and slammed my flippin left leg down thinking there's a clutch pedal. 

 

 

1 hour ago, JCM said:

to many damn tractors

More silly talk. 

BBT and I would babysit a few for you but they'd have to be gear drives. You can't even get her near a hydro. 

 

 

1 hour ago, Handy Don said:

I've considered (briefly) switching the brake/neutral function to a pedal on the right side.  Somehow it seems more natural to me. Anyone else have this thought? Or done it?

I have. 

I've decided not to do so on the logic that I use a pile of different machines and have gotten used to all of them. 

It's a learning curve for every one of them. 

 

All the forklifts I use have a right side accelerator and left is either brake/clutch or directional control. (Which is really still brake and clutch in function).