SOS on a 3000

[Anonymous-0]

I was thinking about going to look at a 3000 with "hydrostatic transmission, 10 fwd and 2 rev" which I assume is the SOS trans. I'm not real familiar with the SOS but after reading a little on here it appears that some gears freewheel, or will coast freely down a hill. Am I correct? Does it do this in reverse?

I would think you just wouldn't use those gears , but what a waste. Is the SOS reliable otherwise or are they a maintenance problem?

Thanks for the help.

Jack

 

[NWMO 901 SOS]

Jack,

If you are looking at an actual 3000 I believe it will have the [color=blue:29dd97ab27]DDC[/color:29dd97ab27](direct drive clutch) Select o Speed tranny. If that is the case, there are no free wheeling gears. The original [color=red:29dd97ab27]ORC[/color:29dd97ab27](over running clutch) trannies were installed from 59-61 or 62 ?? I'm not sure about the end date on that, but many of them were swapped out when the new tranny came out. If you have the ORC tranny, as I do, yes - it is free wheeling in reverse as well. My normal use in the pasture and barn lot, relatively flat, you don't even notice it. It would clearly be a problem on the roadway or pasture with a good load of hay/grain pushing you down a hill. So, depending on your use, it may or may not create a problem. Those with more knowledge than me prefer the DDC trannies for dependability as well.

SOS trannies should likely be serviced more frequently, but done properly, it's not difficult and you can get a fun running dependable tractor for a little less money. If you look at it, get it to operating temp and see how it reacts in all gears, check out PTO as well, preferably with a load (brush cutter, etc.). Keep us posted. I enjoy my 901 every time a run it.

Chris

 

[RICKWI]

Just to clarify, the SOS is not a hydrostatic, there is a mechanical drive all the way through. A hydraulic pump is used only to engage/disengage the clutch packs and bands for the planetary gears. Sort of like a Model T with powered pedals.

 

[Jack OH]

Great, I'm working on the Model T right now, really.

So then to check out the SOS trans I just need to ckeck for solid engagement without slippage? Is there any tendency to pop out of gear?

Are there any typical weak spots on the 3000, this one has a loader?

Thanks again

Jack

 

[Ultradog MN]

Typical weak spots were brakes that squeal from day one, the Holley carburetors they put on the gassers are pretty lame. The hour meter puked rather early so they never have dependable hours on them. They like to dump the top seal in the steering so they lose oil from under the steering wheel on PS models. Outer axle seals require a dealer or lots of ingenuity to replace.
The external oil lines for the hyd pump are fragile. And they have a host of other idiosyncrasies which take a philosopher to over look. Like hitting the key with your knee all the time and killing the engine.
And I'd be interested to hear other's comments about their short comings.
All in all though they are considered by many to be one of the best all round small utility tractors ever built by ANY manufacturer and I'm real proud to own one.

 

[Larry NCKS]

Jack, the SOS is a powershift. It will not "pop" out of gear. And as NWMO says, a 3000 has no freewheelers.

 

[fortracfan]

Hi

SOS transmission can be a real beauty to drive but are well known to be prone to problems if not properly looked after. They can be costly to repair and few people know how to fix them properly when they break. Parts are also becoming hard to get for them.
It takes a little time to get used to this transmission and they certainly weren't nicknamed jerk o matics for a joke.
As already mentioned if test driving get the transmission warm and run through every gear up and down a couple of times preferably under loaded conditions.
I loved it on my 5000 especially for ploughing, baling and lifting silage. As for a 3000 they were probably the best tractor in the range - small, manouverable and ultra reliable.