Hydra shift advantages

[stieger]

Just curios what are the advantages and more importantly, what was wrong, if anything, with having a 3 speed instead of two. Thanks for any input, all is apreciated.

 

[rrlund]

Advantage,faster road speed. Disadvantage,if you want to call it that,in overdrive,the tractor is even harder to shift than in direct.

 

[Stu]

If I have a choice I would choose the over/under(3speed) over the hydrapower(2speed). I have tractors with both. The 3 speed had direct, overdrive, and underdrive. I believe the ratios for the over and under are 20% faster and slower than direct. Underdrive will freewheel. The 2 speed is direct and underdrive with under being a 30% gear reduction. Under will freewheel with this unit as well. The 3 speed is a better matching gear ratio with ground conditions. As far as reliability, I don't believe one is prone to failure over the other. The hydrapower (2speed) was introduced first. The over/under (3speed) was indtroduced with the 1950T. Some 1850 had O/U as well. I have not seen a xx55 with a hydrapower, but may have been available. Hope this helps, Stu.

 

[Cas]

We have put 1000's of hours on both. I think
the 3 speed shifts a little softer than the
hydrapower. The only real disadvantage I can
see is that over drive in the 3 speed seems to
need rebuilding a little more often(clutch plates
are smaller}. The hydrapower shifts a little
more jerky, but is more bullet proof.

 

[EVILBOWEVIL]

I personally don't like the three speeds as everyone I have operated has a high pitched whine.
Seem to work good and it is nice having three choices. I just prefer and am very happy with the two speed units
Ron

 

[Jake R.]

I don't think the 1555's came with the 3 speed. I think they only had the 2 speed hydrapower.