Tractors
Powershift transmission now available

Buhler Versatile has announced an optional powershift transmission for the complete range of HHT (High Horsepower Tractor) series tractors. The Buhler Versatile 435, 485 and 535 will now be offered with an optional high capacity, high efficiency direct drive Caterpillar TA22 powershift transmission mated to the Cummins QSX 15 litre Tier 3 engine.

The Cat powershift transmission has been designed to integrate and communicate seamlessly with other Buhler powertrain components and machine systems to provide the power, shifting options and ease of operation that tough farming applications require. The fully optimized and fully integrated system will ensure that owners are obtaining maximum power and efficiency.

The TA22 includes a heavy-duty cast iron transmission case, a high power density planetary gear train, high capacity shafts and bearings, and electronic controls with on-board diagnostics. The design is capable of absorbing full engine horsepower in all gears.

The smooth shifting powershift transmission is controlled by the Buhler Versatile bump gearshift lever. There are 16 forward speeds and four reverse speeds, with eight gears in the heart of the critical field working range. Top speed is 40km/hr (24mph). The transmission features several convenient options for shifting:

• Auto shift automatically shifts gears based on drawbar load and speed, similar to the automatic transmission in a car. Pre-select the highest gear, press the auto shift button, and the tractor will shift down and up to the pre-selected gear based on drawbar load.
• Speed matching allows for automatic gear selection based on engine speed and ground speed when the inching pedal is pressed and released or the shifter is moved into neutral and back to forward.
• Pre-select allows the operator to select any gear up to sixth while in neutral.
• Auto modulation allows loaded starts in gears one to six by simply moving the shifter out of neutral — no need to touch the inching pedal — the control system will take over and modulate the clutches to provide the smoothest possible start.
• Shuttle shift is ideal for silage packing. Shift directly from forward to reverse, or vise-versa, without using the inching pedal. The tractor will shift down to fifth and then auto modulate into reverse.
• Pulse shift by pushing the gear lever left or right to move up or down one gear.
• Sequential shift allows the operator to continuously up shift or down shift by holding the lever to the left or right, respectively.

This smooth shifting is achieved through five shafts, seven rotating clutch groups and two stationary clutch groups. This design requires the engagement of only two clutches for any gear, eliminating three clutch pack shifts. The clutch engagement is dependent on drawbar load and the auto modulation of clutches is achieved without using the inching pedal.