Radair12 8 speed or Hydro??

[Raider12 13]

I have just begin to explore this web site, and I have think I have found a new home. WOW! This place you all have here is GREAT!

Now for my question. I have currently have an 8 speed trans in my tractor. But I have the chance to purchase a complet rolling tractor with the hydro unit complete intact. Are these early 70's hydro's reliable? Or should I just stay with the 8 speed?

[TT-(Moderator) 1,162]

B)

Why not get the parts required to get the hydro roller going again and have one of each?

I'd never tear apart a working gear-drive tractor to make it a hydro, but that's me.

[Sparky-(Admin) 23,166]

I'm with TT on this one. Get em both up and running. I have both and like em for differant chores. My hydro tractor with hydraulic lift is the only tractor I will sno-blow with but for heavy hauling like firewood/stonewall stone, etc... I prefer my 8 speeds.

Mike.............

[Teddy da Bear 11]

I have a stupid question.

I have a C-120 auto.....and have never driven it yet.

Mostly because I haven't had time yet to see what it is all about.

And secondly because I don't understand the levers entirely.

I understand the long lever as being "Forward" "Neutral" and "Reverse".

But what about the "T"handle between your legs? Is that speed control?

If it is...mine if frozen and will not move.

Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks

[BairleaFarm 340]

The lever between your legs should pull back. its an e brake. Push it forward to release.

I like the hydro if im in a situation that requires alot of shifting. You know front to reverse. Its a lot easier than pushing pedals and coming to a complete stop to shift. .

[Sparky-(Admin) 23,166]

That lever between your legs will engage and dis-engage the belt to the tranny. With it up your tractor wont move and the hydraulic lift(if it has it) wont work.

Mike..........

[TT-(Moderator) 1,162]

To elaborate on David's "e brake" reference.....

It activates the parking brake, which is the arm on the lower right side of the transaxle itself that is connected to a shaft with a "hoop" of sheetmetal welded to it. It engages the teeth of one of the reduction gears in the transaxle and holds them from turning. Most of the ones I have been around have a broken pawl and won't hold because they were applied before the tractor was completely stopped. (you can't put a car in park unless you're stopped, and the older Sundstrand-equipped WH hydros must be stopped too.)

Once the band brake was fitted to the hydros, the parking brake feature was incorporated in the linkage, just like the gear drive models.

[Rideawaysenior 25]

I have both and am not afraid to any type of work with either one. I especially prefer the hydro for mowing. It's much quicker to change direction. I would have to say that I think the 8 speed is ideal for tilling. My hydro will go just as slow but I am constantly jockying the handle on it. My 8 speed I just put it in gear and forget it. Anything else, the hydro is just as capable. As for the SUndstrand that is found in the older machines, I think they are built much more sturdy then the Eastons. Easton has a pump and motor combined in the same housing. Sundstrand uses a pump and remote motor. I just think that the Sundstrand is better because of personal opinion. I also think they are easier to work on.

Jack

[kpinnc 14,651]

I just think that the Sundstrand is better because of personal opinion. I also think they are easier to work on.

I agree 100% Jack. I have yet to run across a bad Sundstrand, even though I am sure they are out there. Most of them are 35+ years old!

On the other hand, I have had 4 Eaton models, and they were ALL bad. The Eaton's were less than half as old as my Sundstrands as well.

Personally, I wouldn't have an Eaton powered machine. I think it's only a matter of time with all of them.

Kevin

[Curmudgeon 28]

B)

The hydrostats seem to be very popular, but my personal preference are the shifters. More reliable, easier to fix when they do break, easier to work on, less critical in many areas.

But, that's just me, and I'm usually in the minority.

[T-Mo-(Moderator) 4,610]

Myself, I prefer the hydros, but they're more complicated and will be more costier to fix if they break. And I believe for the heavy work, the 8-speeds are the way to go.

On the T-handle, I agree with Mike, it's probably the lever to disengage/engage the belt to the hydro. I'm not familiar with the C-120, but on my C-125 and C-141, the brake lever is not a T-handle, but the disengage/engage lever is, as well as the lift lever is T-handle. I realize the C-120 has a different setup for the lift lever, so the brake might be a T-handle also. B)