OutdoorEnvy 1,510 #1 Posted May 15 Hey folks I would like some experience feedback on the comparison between the 4 speed and 8 speed versions of the B-80. Is the 4 spd strong like the 8 speed? I assume implements are interchangeable without issue. I didn't know some were 4 speeds so was curious of pros and cons and if 4 speeds are worth getting. Thanks in advance! 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 66,129 #2 Posted May 15 As far as the B80 is concerned, 1974 and 5 were 4-speeds. 1976 and 7 were 8-speeds. 1974 and 5 were also a slightly shorter frame known as the Mid frame. Maybe 2 inches shorter than a Long frame if I remember right? There is a difference in strength between a 4-speed and an 8-speed. Four speeds have four pinions inside the differential Bull gear.. Most 8-speeds, but not all, have eight pinions. Is a four-speed, "less strong"? Well by definition, yes. But that, IMHO, is a moot point because transmissions on these tractors are so overbuilt anyway.. My first Wheelhorse was a four-speed B80. It was completely capable of doing any of the heavy towing that my 12 or 16 horse 8-speeds have ever done. The only reason I sought out and eight speed was so I could get the low gear which is 1/4 the speed and that's very important to me for backing into tight places. Is a 4-speed worth getting? Absolutely! 7 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ri702bill 8,004 #3 Posted May 15 IMHO - go with the 8 speed. All implements interchange - and if you are going to use a tiller, the 4:1 reduction of low range allows you to "crawl" with the engine up at WOT - a similar 4 speed first gear is not low enough - reqiures constant clutching... 5 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ri702bill 8,004 #4 Posted May 15 3 minutes ago, ebinmaine said: Is a 4-speed worth getting? Absolutely! AND - it could be upgraded to an 8 speed later. When I got my 854 it had a not-worth-fixing 4 speed. Installed an 8 speed from a C81 donor - never looked back. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ri702bill 8,004 #5 Posted May 15 33 minutes ago, ri702bill said: and if you are going to use a tiller, the 4:1 reduction of low range allows you to "crawl" with the engine up at WOT Ditto for a snowblower - I usually run my 32" one on the 854 in Low second gear at WOT. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
OutdoorEnvy 1,510 #6 Posted May 15 This will be mainly mowing with some snow plow and sleeve hitch work. My friend is considering it as it popped up near by for a good price. It's 4 spd and has a 38" mowing deck. Just debating if he should wait out an 8 spd or not. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lee1977 6,516 #7 Posted May 15 Low range isn't iused often, but it's nice to have when it's needed. Low range and low gear will usually get you out of a slick spot that the tractor will only spin in high range. 5 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pullstart 61,979 #8 Posted May 15 I don’t imagine a huge market where you are. If it makes sense, get it now and keep an eye out for an 8 speed… whether in tractor form or transmission/swap. 3 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 66,129 #9 Posted May 15 50 minutes ago, OutdoorEnvy said: This will be mainly mowing with some snow plow and sleeve hitch work. My friend is considering it as it popped up near by for a good price. It's 4 spd and has a 38" mowing deck. Just debating if he should wait out an 8 spd or not. 1 minute ago, Pullstart said: I don’t imagine a huge market where you are. If it makes sense, get it now and keep an eye out for an 8 speed… whether in tractor form or transmission/swap. Not a bad idea there 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
horseman with no horse 26 #10 Posted May 15 i think the sr 64 reduction kit is worth mentioning too if the speed is gonna be considered, the crawl my 3 speed does with that thing, as well as the extra idlers for grip on the rear pulley is nice at WOT. also whats the difference between the 3 and 4 speeds? i know the standard 2 piece 3 speed transmissions were bevel gear diffs and the "heavy duty" was a 4 pinion, but other than that what would even be the physical difference between a 3 or 4 speed? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pullstart 61,979 #11 Posted May 15 1 hour ago, horseman with no horse said: i think the sr 64 reduction kit is worth mentioning too if the speed is gonna be considered, the crawl my 3 speed does with that thing, as well as the extra idlers for grip on the rear pulley is nice at WOT. also whats the difference between the 3 and 4 speeds? i know the standard 2 piece 3 speed transmissions were bevel gear diffs and the "heavy duty" was a 4 pinion, but other than that what would even be the physical difference between a 3 or 4 speed? difference? Not much. The 3 and 6 speeds had one brake band.. and they changed what shaft the brake drum rides on and made those 4 and 8 speeds. Same gear ratios, same rock solid design. 2 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Retired Wrencher 5,233 #12 Posted May 16 I have an eight speed B80 darn good tractor. I have had many for speeds. They are all good. My wife likes a clean driveway in the winter so I blow first then use the tractor finish up. She says if it is not black it is not clean! This way I don’t even put chains on. The eight speed is great for getting up ice also. Enjoy your day. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chalky 4 #13 Posted July 13 B80 1977 got a leak on the seal in behind the brake drum , can this seal be replace from the outside ? Or does the case have to be split opened . Thanks ! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 66,129 #14 Posted July 13 41 minutes ago, chalky said: B80 1977 got a leak on the seal in behind the brake drum , can this seal be replace from the outside ? Or does the case have to be split opened . Thanks ! All 4 Unidrive Manual transmission seals can be replaced from the outside. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squonk 40,622 #15 Posted July 13 5 hours ago, chalky said: B80 1977 got a leak on the seal in behind the brake drum , can this seal be replace from the outside ? Or does the case have to be split opened . Thanks ! Carefully drill a 1/16" hole on the seal ring. Insert tiny sheet metal screw. Pull it out with vise grips. 8 spd transmissions have 1 weak spot. The hi lo shifter fork bends and breaks easily and is NLA 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites