Torque Amplifier Use

[EFWMN]

I recently purchased a late 70's 1086 and am new to these tractors. I haven't purchased a manual for it yet. Its primary purpose will be running a 8' snow blower. The previous owner said he always used the TA when blowing snow in order to go slower in reverse.
I've read all kinds of stories about how abusing the TA destroys them quickly. Is it ok to use it that way? I have a 1/4 mile driveway and a good sized yard to blow out. Is it ok to run it with the TA on for .5 miles?

Thanks

 

[Dave H (MI)]

I drove my 1586 20 miles on the road one day with the TA engaged. It was when it was still relatively new to me so it did not jump out at me that it was engaged. Still don't know how it got that way. I rarely use the TA on the three tractors I have with it. Couple years back when the hay was really heavy and I was pulling a mower conditioner with a SMTA I pulled the TA a couple times in thick spots to slow her down a bit without stopping with good results. Lots of people with strong opinions about this subject.

 

[used red MN]

IMHO run it in lo or hi all day long if you want. Just shift it quickly without hesitation. Also on those models like yours that allow the engine to hold back in lo range don't use it to slow the tractor down by shifting to lo range unless it is a dire emergency. (only applies if tractor is free wheeling like on a road) Maybe if you are in road gear at near full throttle in lo range momentarily bump the throttle down as you shift to the high TA range. Now we'll wait for the "I baby my TA crowd" to chime in.

 

[Rustmonger]

I have used the T/A on my tractors (300U and 350U) both while mowing and with a blade work. I am pretty sure the 1086 T/A is different, but I am very interested in hearing all of the opinions also, as I find it super handy when I am at the end of a lot to use the T/A to travel slower during the turn. I also use it when I am mowing (I usually pull a 72" finish mower and mow in 3rd gear) and hit a place where the grass is really thick, to give the mower deck a fighting chance. At home in Missouri where the grass is really thick, I use second gear, and the same routine, use the T/A during turns.
Given how they are manufactured on mine (basically a sprag with a direct engagement clutch) the thing I worry about most is non-use and having the surfaces or the little springs get rusty. jt

 

[fixerupper]

Just go ahead and use it. It's not THAT fragile. Light duty work won't break it any time soon unless it has been abused in the past and is ready to give up the ghost because of it. My 1086 with 16000 hours has gone through a handful of TA's and i have tried every trick in the book to try to keep it from going out. Yes the old mechanics that did the replacing knew how to set them up. Now that it is doing light duty i dont expect much trouble.

 

[Janicholson]

It is just a gear set to use. Using it repeatedly is just fine and dandy. All day in TA reduction is not damaging anything nor wearing anything. The TA direct clutch is hydraulic, and self cushions, just brickly move the lever into and out of TA and all is well. The TA should not be used as a compression brake in road gears. The locking (rear) clutch is not designed to be used for braking from speed. Jim

 

[IH fan]

My understanding is the early mechanical shift TAs should not be used like "just another gear", only when you need the extra torque to go through a tough spot, either pulling a load on the ground, or with the PTO like a baler. Later hydraulic shift TAs you can use like another gear at any time. Your 1086 should be fine in TA.

 

[Janicholson]

The non hydraulic TA in the smaller tractors is just as bullet proof as the hydraulic shifted type. In direct drive, the sprag clutch is overrunning continually but wearing on the surfaces a little, not an issue. In reduction, the direct clutch is released. The direct clutch throwout bearing is pushing but not turning, (no wear) the sprag clutch is locked, no wear. Using them and keeping them in adjustment are basic to their extended life. Rapid and complete lever movement is also critical. Many TAs last through 2 engine rebuilds with no repair. I own one and know of many. Ours is used more than the stick shift lever. Jim

 

[Allan in NE]

T/As are meant to be used. Ideally, both sides would be used the same amount of time.

Also, you'll find that even in low, the 1086 is going to be way too fast for that snow blower.

Been there, done that,

Allan

 

[jim castleman]

I have 7 Int. and Farmalls, use TA anytime, no problem with using them.