JimN TA follow up..

JimN,
On my 300U with the rear mounted forklift the TA works fine and I used it a lot when loading bulk boxes of sweet corn.
Your explanation of the TA basics operation in a previous post was well done and cleared some fog.
I have a question concerning rapid engagement going from low speed to high speed. For the purpose of the question let’s assume the tractor is moving on level ground with constant throttle setting.

When pulling the TA lever rearward into low speed I never have a problem doing it rapidly with any concern of possibly hurting the system. But when letting the TA lever go forward into a higher ground speed it always gives the feeling similar to pushing the clutch forward for initial movement on a JD A so I always move it slowly letting the tractor speed build up gradually. A few times my hand has slipped off the lever when moving it forward because, as you know, once released the lever moves forward on its own, and the tractor leaped forward with a jolt that did not feel good for the system. When going from low speed to high speed it seems that if I push the TA lever forward rapidly it would be the same as just letting my left foot slip off the main clutch pedal at start up from a stop to get going.

I’ve done it this way for about 10 years and the TA system has not seemed to change any.

Some where in this is a basic question about letting the TA lever move forward rapidly or should you play it like a clutch when going to a faster ground speed, I hope I didn’t muddle it up.

Dell

The TA is like an automatic trans in some ways. The clutches in an automatic engage pretty rapidly. The TA clutch, if eased in, is just slipping. There are no parts that can't handle the minor torque increase of a smooth rapid engagement. the trans teeth and gears in the entire powertrain are already transmitting high torqur in that direction, so no shock loading will occurr, It reduces total thermal load on the disk TA housing, and TA pressure plate to make it swift. I hope this makes a case for swift TA movement. Jim

As Janicholson said, quickely is the way to move it. Just squeeze the lock lever and let it go. Won't hurt a thing and is alot bettero n the TA than easing it ahead. Also, a lot of people think that you can't run them in low side for extended use. Dad had a 350 with a 3-16 plow, and we spent most of the time plowing on the low side. I don't remember him ever having to replace the TA.

TA failure is usually on the low side due to wear on the ramp and roller assembly. When pulling in the TA low position the ramp and rollers are locked together and not wearing. The wear occurs while in direct drive, TA ahead, or letting the tractor freewheel going downhill.

Thanks Jim and all for the inputs. Your points for rapid forward movement of the TA make sense and appreciated. One point, I don't really move it forward in slow motion but I am sure it is slower than what you describe. I don't know if I will be able to change the way I operate it right away but it surely is food for thought.

I think I will follow suit with Agpilot and copy and print this and JimN previous post on TA for future reference.

Thanks,
Dell