Handy Hydra-Shift proves its worth to tractor enthusiasts
Handy Hydra-Shift proves its worth to tractor enthusiasts
David Browns Hydra-Shift
brought the convenience
and versatility of US
powershift tractors to the
mainstream European
tractor market. Peter Hill
asks long-time users what
was special about it
ASK Roland Brown or David Lewis about David Brown tractors and the glint in their eyes becomes a gleam. Both are enthusiasts of the marque and both recognise the pioneering role of the Hydra-Shift transmission – forerunner of the multi-speed semi-powershift boxes now found on many a mid- and upper-range tractor.
"It was so handy," recalls Roland Brown of Manor Farm, Buckley Green, Warwicks. "Instead of having to dip the clutch and shift gears manually, which loses momentum on draft work, you could just move up or down the powershift speeds with a flick of the Hydra-Shift lever."
The transmission uses two sets of epicyclic gears, plus hydraulically operated clutch packs and band brakes, to produce four ratios with clutchless shifts. Coupled to a three-speed (plus reverse) gearbox, that provides 12 forward and three reverse speeds.
Mr Lewis and Mr Brown were among the first customers for DB 1212 tractors equipped with the then revolutionary transmission in the early 1970s. Both went on to buy another two each, so pleased were they with the performance and versatility.
"I had quite a bit of mechanical gearbox trouble with a 1200 so I was a bit sceptical about replacing it with a tractor seemingly more complex," says Mr Brown. "Also, other manufacturers attempts at producing powershift-type gearboxes for European tractors had not been very successful."
As a contractor, Mr Brown had a heavy and varied workload for the two-wheel drive David Brown 1212, with its 72hp four-cylinder engine, versatile Selectamatic hydraulics, and two-speed pto.
"It just made things a lot easier; you could change up or down easily when ploughing or baling, and adjust your speed for headland turns without changing engine speed," explains Mr Brown.
But unlike previous powershift transmissions, adds Mr Lewis of Orchard House Farm, Mousley End, Hatton, Warwicks, Hydra-Shift tractors had full engine braking and could be tow-started.
"Some people say the gearbox is troublesome but as long as you dont abuse it and make sure the oil is clean, it stays sweet," he says.
His present tractor is one of the last tractors built at the Meltham factory near Huddersfield, in 1988. Needless to say, the Case 1594 Commemorative Edition is complete with Hydra-Shift.
Outwardly, the only difference in the transmission department of this model is the way the control stalk, positioned on the side of the dash panel, is moved forwards to change up, rather than towards the driver as on the 1212.
"Its very smooth, even though there are no fancy electronics to handle the shifts," notes Mr Lewis. "And, although its not recommended, the transmission will always start in bottom gear, regardless of the position of the control lever, and move up to the gear selected."
Soggy ground prevented any field work with either tractor during farmers weeklys visit to Manor Farm but a brief foray down the farm drive and along local lanes emphasised how much tractor design advanced from the 1970s to the 1980s, even though the basic configuration and many of the major components and assemblies remained the same.
The 1594 inevitably lacks the standards of cab access, control quality and low noise levels of todays tractors – though some drivers will get pleasure from the obvious growl of the six-cylinder engine. But it is easier to mount and provides a lot more spacious and comfortable accommodation than earlier David Browns. The 1212s cab is rather like an inverse Tardis – it looks big from the outside but is extraordinarily cramped on the inside. It is difficult to get into, as well, thanks to a narrow, tapered door opening.
This was David Browns first Q or quiet cab, Mr Brown recalls. Headroom is sufficient to stand bolt upright but there is very little space around your feet; so little, in fact, that the foot accelerator sits above the transmission tunnel where it is all but impossible to use!
The three-speed gearbox, stirred using a tall, straight gear lever is a bit of a challenge but the four-speed Hydra-Shift powershift is as smooth changing today as it probably was when new. *