Direction change HST

[Lencho]

I only use my breaks for parking. The HST slows the tractor as I let up the treadle pedal, it stops unless I am pushing on one side or the other and does not creep in either direction from neutral. Seems like a great system to me.

 

[torch]

Is there a treadle, two brake pedals and a clutch pedal?

Yup. The brake pedals are above the forward pedal. It is just possible to work one brake pedal with a toe and the forward pedal with the heel, but it's bloody awkward. Not one of Kubota's better ideas.

 

[npalen]

In my opinion, the fact that the hydrostat pedal(s) are on the same side as the brake pedals is testament to the fact that you really don't need to use either of them at the same time. The hydrostat makes it so easy to do a sharp turn especially with these short wheel base compacts.

I'm sure that the designers didn't simply forget that most people have only one right foot.

 

[torch]

I'm sure that the designers didn't simply forget that most people have only one right foot.

In truth, I suspect it's because they grafted an HST onto an existing design. It makes sense for a gear transmission to have brakes on one side and clutch on the other.

The alternative to a complete redesign of the clutch and brake pedal system would have been a hand-operated HST like some lawn tractors. I much prefer the foot operated system, leaving hands free for FEL and 3ph controls + steering. So it was the most economical option.

 

[troverman]

Hi,

I am new (<1 year) to bx operation and have a question. I mow and plow with my 1860 and I sometimes use the forward and reverse pedals to change direction without using the brake pedal. Is this bad? Should the tractor be completely stopped with the brake pedal before changing direction?

thanks,

Fred

The whole point of HST is for rapid forward-reverse changes to increase productivity and reduce effort to the user. I think the key here is to be reasonable. Don't go full speed forward to full speed reverse. But low to low-moderate speed rapid direction changes without the use of brakes is exactly the purpose of HST...say driving into a pile to get a bucket scoop and then reversing back out. You can also use the reverse direction to slow you down, so long as you only step on the reverse pedal a little. But letting off the pedal naturally slows you down anyway. There's not a lot of moving parts in an HST transmission and they are pretty tough and durable, so don't be worried about hurting it. Just be reasonable and you'll get a feel for it.

Cannot hurt to just use pedal as the other is mostly a parking brake and emergency brake


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

The foot brakes are actual brakes, not just a "parking" or "emergency" brake. They use mechanically-operated disc brakes immersed in hydraulic fluid which keeps them cool. They will completely stop the tractor if it was in neutral. But with an HST machine, you probably won't need to use them much.

Do you think you would rather have twin pedals got forward and reverse?

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G891A using Tapatalk

I would way rather have twin pedals than the treadle. I have used both and found I am much more productive on the twin pedals. The treadle is awkward. I have large feet (size 15) and riding on top of the treadle is uncomfortable and not precise. So I use my toe to move forward with my heel planted to the side; then plant my toe and lift my heel for reverse. Not as quick as the twin pedals where you just slide your toe left or right. You can get used to either system, but I prefer the twin pedals myself. And frankly, having the pivot point on top of the floor pan is even less comfortable then the older style of treadle where the pivot was below, but of course all the newer Kubotas are on top now.

All you guys with the treadle pedal, do you also have independent rear brakes, or do they not do that on HST machines? Seems like there would be alot going on to take advantage them. If there is, how do you use them and where are the pedals located? Is there a treadle, two brake pedals and a clutch pedal?

Kubota offered this feature on HST machine when it really isn't needed just to compete with the competition on tightest turning circle using single brakes. My 2013 B2920 is HST but still has a clutch for range changing and PTO engagement. The brakes are split and on the right above the forward portion of the treadle. Basically impossible to use unless you have cruise control active. I have never used them independently.

Now my new MX4800 removed the clutch pedal and uses electric or hydraulic PTO engagement and doesn't need a clutch to change between HST gear ranges. So now they moved the split pedals over to the left and it is certainly possible to use the brakes independently now...but I still don't.