SHIFTING GEARS:
UTILITY TRACTOR TRANSMISSION

The range of available transmissions may also affect which model or series of utility tractor you consider. In many ways, the transmission choices are similar to those available in most automobiles.

GEAR-DRIVEN MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS

The standard gear-driven transmission is the most efficient and reliable, and is the most common in utility tractors. However, there are still several types of manual transmissions, including:

PRO TIP:

If you do much front-loader work, you may want MFWD, or four-wheel drive. If you're just mowing, two wheel drive may suit your needs. While a four-wheel drive tractor will cost more, it's resale value will usually be higher than that of a comparable two-wheel drive model.

NON-SYNCHRONIZED

An economical, reliable choice that operates just like a car's manual transmission ... stop, clutch, shift, go. These transmissions are well suited for mowing, plowing, or other constant-speed jobs.

PARTIALLY SYNCHRONIZED

Smoother and more flexible, these allow you to clutch and shift without stopping the tractor, and are easier to operate over a wide range of speeds.

FULLY SYNCHRONIZED

The easiest of the manual-type transmissions, these allow you to shift on the go, without clutching, and typically offer a wider range of working speeds.

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS

Also called 'hydrostatic' transmissions, these systems function much like the automatic transmission in your car. Typically, an automatic transmission is more expensive, but they're also the most user-friendly.

POWRREVERSER FOR SHUTTLE SHIFTS

If your chores include loader work, consider a John Deere tractor with PowrReverser. That little orange lever to the left of the steering wheel lets you change direction from forward to reverse, without stopping, clutching or shifting.

WHAT ARE ALL THOSE LEVERS?

Don't let all the levers and numbers intimidate you. On most utility tractors, you'll choose your range (usually identified with letters such as A, B, C) and your speed within that range (1, 2, 3, etc.). Some transmissions are synchronized (meaning you can shift without stopping) between ranges, while some are synchronized between speeds. And if you see a transmission designated, for example, as '9F/3R,' that simply means you have 9 forward speeds and 3 reverse.

In 1953, Wyatt (JR) Smith bought Smith Tractor Company. Smith originally purchased a Ford tractor dealership until the company took on John Deere products in January of 1987. Since then, Smith Tractor Company has proudly provided John Deere equipment and service throughout Florida & Alabama. Our customer base is built on relationships and in today’s corporate world that is a rare commodity. You will find quite a bit of inventory if you take a trip to one of our locations.