Fender Shift Hydro

16 years ago

Hey, the recent thread about people running over stuff when getting used to a foot operated hydros made me realize something. People have been sold a bill of goods so to speak. The marketing folks have convinced mower buyers that foot operated hydros are better because they operate "just like driving a car" I know it is just whatever folks get used to but unless you drive around in circles on a big flat yard it seems that a fender shift is much better. I have had a fender shift for many years and was dreading the day it died because (I thought) fender shifts were no longer available. Then looking through a Husqvarna catalog the other day I noticed they have 3 fender shift hydro tractors!!! One 38" LT and two GTs, a 48 and a 54. PRAISE BE!! Someone realizes that some folks know the superiority of fender shift hydros despite the marketing hype. A few years ago Simplicity still had fender shifts available but I don't think they do now. Husky may not be the best LT and GTs available but if you want a fender shift hydro they may be the only choice. If there are others please let me know.

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Comments (7)

jdd332d
16 years ago
I have used a JD 332 for 15 years which has the speed control lever on the dash. I also bought a foot control tractor 5 years ago and from day one I felt more comfortable with the foot control. I've never had a situation where I stomped on the gas be mistake to stop. It's much easier to creep up to a fence or the back wall of the shed with the foot control. If I could convert my 332 to foot control I would. It's not marketing hype. The consumers have spoken.
adkinsca
16 years ago
Several Craftsman tractors have fender mounted hydro controls. I bought a tractor 2 years ago, and at that time, Sears didn't offer a foot controlled hydro unit (all were fender mounted). The year previous they had a one-year run of a Honda V-twin engine with foot controlled hydro that I would have considered if it were offered when I bought my tractor. This years Craftsman models have a split of some models with foot control, some with hand control.

I guess to each his own, but in my case I ruled out any hydro tractor that wasn't foot controlled.
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I assume that this is one of the auto drive models- where you push on the pedal to make it go? The f&r lever is on the rear fender? (would be easier w/ a model #) About all you can do is to verify that the linkage isn't somehow obstructed, or a pivot bolt isn't binding. If these things check out on the outside- the problem is inside the transaxle. Are you up for disassembly? With any model, one has to be sure that the input belt to the transaxle isn't turning when you shift. Auto drives are the only ones you don't need to clutch.
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curtludwig
16 years ago
I've never used a foot hydro but I do like the fender hydro on my old White. If it weren't a hydro I'd probably have given up on it years ago.
Honestly though I wouldn't spend extra to get hydro, its a nice feature but not one that I'm so excited about I'd actually spend extra.
mbsl98
16 years ago
This is something (foot hydro) you should really try before ruling it out. I've run a lever hydro JD 165 for more than 15 years adn vowed never to return to a clutch/gear transmission for mowing around out 1 acre typical residential lot with house, garagae building, walks, driveway, gardens, a few trees - all flat. within the hydro cho8ces, the foot mounted systems came in several flavors, and some of them I don't find comfortable at all due to placement of pedals and the way they move. However, the ones set up like my JD LT160, with two pedals side by side, I find very comfortable and very easy to get used to. In my case, I like the foot style better, even though I love my old hand lever style also. I've only had it in use for a couple of weeks, but it is already completely natural. with teh hand lever, I did a lot of one handed steering with one hand on lever. Now I have a free hand to hold bushes or tree branches out of the way, hold a beer, etc. If i had long straight stretches to cut, teh hand lever might be better because it can just be left in position oike cruise control, but with ready adjustment at either lever or brake pedal. Try them both where you will use it.
jfls43
16 years ago
I have a fender shift hydro, I wish I would have chosen the pedal type. When I mow, I have some low overhanging trees and sometimes have to grab the branch to keep it from ripping across my neck. One hand on the wheel and one hand on the tree branch, I don't have another arm to work the fender throttle.
davidld
16 years ago
I have the pedal hydro here on the L110 in KY , but run the fender shift hydro GT5000 in ND.
I think the pedal setup is much easier to use, and I do lots of things I wouldnt attempt with the fender shift, ie going right up to trees and stopping like that.
I think you may be right if your mowing is mostly big open spaces, however.
goblin127
16 years ago
My 06 simplicity broadmore has fender and foot control. I like the foot best sofar.

Fender Shift Hydro

Comments (7)

jdd332d

adkinsca

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