435 Buhler transmission

[kdecker]

Just got the bill for repairing the transmission on my 435, $11461,and I'm not a bit happy about it. This is my third Versatile and the others were bullet proof. For eleven grand I could have upgraded to a Stieger and not taken the hit at resale time. I've talked to two other owners that have had the same problem with thier 485's. Anybody here with the same problem?

[north1]

Curious what happened to the transmission, manual or powershift, how many hours and what year?

I am looking for a larger 4wd, have a 1989 976 versatile with 5,300 hrs. Have priced out a 485 versatile, one with manual transmission and hydraulics and a 485 with cat powershift transmission and electric over hydraulic controls. Was told the powershift will suck about 30hp and was leaning to the manual for this reason. Also powershift has metric triples which would make it 21ft wide and it wouldn't fit in my shed. Current 976 has 20.8x42 triples which fits fine. Have looked at a case-ih steiger 550 if I remember right but didn't price it out as I assumed it was out of my league. Maybe I'm mistaken. Don't mean to hi-jack your thread just got me wondering if I should limp along with my current set-up.

[hulless]

was it the 16 speed poweshift or 12 speed manual that you got fixed?

[kdecker]

It is the 12 speed manual that I have, and the same for the other 2 farmers that I talked to. The tractor has 1600 hrs on it, used but not abused
I had a 9682 with 20.4's on it and traded for the 435 with metrics. The metrics are worth every penny.

[alfred]

i think the 12 speed was at its limit with the new holland 9884 at 425hp the newer engines got more power and torque. the cat transmission should be better suited to the power of the 15 litre cummins

[cornerpost]

Just got my 9680 out with transmission fix.$12000.Tooth knock off on medium range.Have a 855 Versatile that is bullet proof.Disappointed in the 9680.

[offroadnt]

We pumped $6000 in parts into our 435 last year, three months and 200hrs over warranty, they wouldn't contribute a dime. I rebuilt it myself right in the tractor, there's lots of room. The mid range gears failed in it, I figured maybe a blown shift but the shift collars showed no damage at all. Now I'm thinking maybe a problem with proper hardening in some gears...

[orange]

Originally Posted by kdecker

Just got the bill for repairing the transmission on my 435, $11461,and I'm not a bit happy about it. This is my third Versatile and the others were bullet proof. For eleven grand I could have upgraded to a Stieger and not taken the hit at resale time. I've talked to two other owners that have had the same problem with thier 485's. Anybody here with the same problem?

I would contact Versatile in Winnipeg and talk to Adam Reid. I can't imagine that they want these kinds of issues and publicity just when they are launching likely the most dramatic change to their 4WD since inception.

[kdecker]

Originally Posted by offroadnt

We pumped $6000 in parts into our 435 last year, three months and 200hrs over warranty, they wouldn't contribute a dime. I rebuilt it myself right in the tractor, there's lots of room. The mid range gears failed in it, I figured maybe a blown shift but the shift collars showed no damage at all. Now I'm thinking maybe a problem with proper hardening in some gears...

Did you replace the main shaft. I was told it was improperly made and would not let a gear engage fully.

[kdecker]

Originally Posted by orange

I would contact Versatile in Winnipeg and talk to Adam Reid. I can't imagine that they want these kinds of issues and publicity just when they are launching likely the most dramatic change to their 4WD since inception.

Thank you Orange, a message has been sent and I'll let you know the results.