A/B/C transmissions shift backwards...

mkirsch · Oct 13, 2008

What is the history and/or rationale behind the transmission shifting backwards on A, B, and C-series tractors?

30 years on the seats of 560s, 400s, Ms, Hs and even Cubs... I'm used to Reverse being in the top left.

ScottyHOMeY · Oct 13, 2008

It was likely all geometry. Like which end of the shaft they started engineerin' on first. First and reverse are often the same gear in different directions, so they put them next to each other on the shafts so that all you had to do to shift was move over another notch and throw the opposite direction to engage the reverse idler.

On the Dodge Rams just four years ago or so they switched from a New Venture 6-speed to a Getrag 6-speed and moved reverse. On the NV it was in the upper right. On the Getrag, they moved it off to the other side. It might seem like just something engineers do, but there's usually a reason. On the ABCs, I suspect it was a matter of being able to use the same gear twice to get two directions.

Super A · Oct 13, 2008

That"s funny--I thought it was the H"s and M"s that shifted backwards!!

Al

Hugh MacKay · Oct 13, 2008

mkirsch: I farmed a lot of years, always had SA, 130, 300 and 560. Quite often I switched from 4 speed to 5 speed and vice versa several times per day. Never found it to be a great challange, making the switch.

I will not say all, but most transmissions I've encountered if it has even number of gears including reverse, you'll find reverse opposite first. If it has odd number of gears including reverse it will be forward gears paired up and reverse off by itself. Been true in any cars, trucks and tractors I've encountered.

CNKS · Oct 13, 2008

I drove a MM Z one summer. The pattern was

215
R43

That combined with a hand clutch made it interesting, since I was used to IH.

But, I have no problems with either the H-560 transmission or the A-240? one. Probably because I memorized the patterns as a kid.

495man · Oct 14, 2008

How about an 805 Belarus 9 speeds including range selection on one stick that you twist the knob and move stick forward and backwards. (plus hi/lo reducer pedal for total of 18F/4R)

I 7/4 9 R/R
II 8/5 6/3 1/2

mkirsch · Oct 14, 2008

As I recall, the shift pattern on an Oliver is pretty interesting too.

Never said I had a problem remembering or figuring it out, just wondering if anybody knew if there was any particular reason. All they would've had to do is swap the transmission basically end-for-end in the transmission case, and the shift pattern would be "correct" and consistent with the rest of the tractor line.

Even more intriguing, what was the rationale behind the shift patterns in the Olivers and MinnieMos?

A/B/C transmissions shift backwards...

mkirsch

Well-known Member

ScottyHOMeY

Well-known Member

Super A

Member

Hugh MacKay

Well-known Member

CNKS

Well-known Member

495man

Well-known Member

mkirsch

Well-known Member

Similar threads