[RC Wells]

Are you stating the hydrostatic transmission has a clutch? Are you sure of the model? It an H or HC, or one of the syncro shuttle 16 speed versions?

If it is the syncro shuttle transmission version, those clutches fail from operator error, usually failure to drop the engine speed to idle and come to full stop before changing directions. All brands of manual transmission tractors with shuttles must be brought to full stop and returned to idle or they tear out the clutches.

All compact and utility tractors, hydrostatic and shuttle, must be dropped to idle and at a complete stop before changing directions because they do not have shock absorbing torque converters..

Kubota in the shop right now with 86 hours and the hydraulic shuttle clutch pack torn out from misuse. High dollar repair because it is the internal hydraulic clutch pack. Be about $8200 in repairs before it is done.

The Case and later Ford backhoes use torque converters and hydrostatic drives that allow directional changes on the fly.

 

[RC Wells]

You generally have specific rights under the concept of a product being fit for the intended use in most states.

An item is deemed merchantable if it is reasonably fit for the ordinary purposes for which such products are manufactured and sold. For example, soap is merchantable if it cleans. In general, a seller or manufacturer is required by law to make products of merchantable quality. In the event that the items do not meet with the proper standards, a suit can be brought against the seller or manufacturer by anyone who is injured as a result.

In this case the concept of injured means economic damage as well as other forms of injury.

Letting the dealer or manufacturer's rep know that you understand your rights is usually enough to obtain fair treatment.

Check with your State's Justice Department, or Consumer Affairs Agency. They will point you in the right direction to assure your rights are protected.

It is difficult when a person purchases used equipment without knowing the prior operators' treatment of that equipment. Unfortunately, condition of the tires means nothing. Also, one does not need to be running down the road cramming between forward and reverse, just normal loader operation while failing to stop and idle down when using a shuttle is enough to ruin the clutching system. The repair professional will be able to tell in a heartbeat if the failure was due to premature mechanical failure or operator abuse as soon as they open it up and inspect the failed components.

You are not alone, seems I terminate an operator or two every few years for burning out shuttle clutches (and these are folks that were properly trained) from inappropriate use, it is not a unique happenstance on one brand of tractor either. If it were I would not buy that brand.

 

[RC Wells]

Torque converter in a backhoe. Absorbs shock.!