Manuel or automatic trans to pull stump grinders

[Ax-man]

This is for you guys that pull stump grinders behind your trucks.

What is popular these days with you guys that tow grinders, stick shifts or automatics??

The reason I'm asking is because my current truck for towing a grinder is a stick shift with a hydraulic clutch, that is going out again for the third time.

I've never had a problem with a regular mechanical linkage type clutch in the past. The last time I did this hyd. clutch I put all heavy duty parts in it, but have only gotten two years out of this one.

After I fix this one again, I'm going to go truck shopping and would like to know what you guys like for a trans.

If anyone has a few pointers on hydraulic clutchs that I might be missing I'm all ears.

Larry

 

[rahtreelimbs]

I pull the stump grinder for the guy I work for on occasion. After years of driving sticks I like the automatic. This gives my wife the opportunity to drive the truck as well. I think that you are looking for a trans for work only. An auto is usually easier on the drivetrain. Also it is just nice not having to shift.

Unfortunately, the engine/trans combos differ from what is available with a stick or an auto. After 3 bouts with that clutch that you have an auto is almost a no-brainer!

 

[Ax-man]

I've never had a work truck with an automatic in it, so I don't have anything to compare.

So my next question would be, other than just pulling a grinder down the road, how does an auto compare for power delivery when it comes to backing over curbs, through low spots, over other stumps or just plain getting stuck. Not all stumps are on nice flat level ground, be nice if they were.

The reason for this question is, I was in a partnership for a short while and the other guy had a pu/p with a auto trans, I myself thought it was weak compared to my previous truck with a stick. But this truck was no prize either, so I don't want to make a judgement call based on my limited experience with automatics.

Larry

 

[rahtreelimbs]

With todays trucks being the torque monsters that they are, towing with an auto won't be a problem. I have never heard of anyone having problems towing with an auto.


Just make sure you get enough motor to go along with you towing needs. It will be easy to blame the automatic if the motor isn't up to the task!!!

 

[Ax-man]

Originally posted by RockyJSquirrel


Neither would consider a truck without A/C either.

____________________________________________________

Another luxury I haven't had the pleasure of enjoying much of either. Most trucks I've had never had it in them or it doesn't work and if it did it didn't last long. But I make sure the heaters work good in winter.

Larry

 

[glens]

What size truck to you have and what size are you contemplating?

 

[Stump Man]

I tow my 5200 pound Vermeer stumper with a F-350 Diesel auto. I used to have a standard. I find I can get out of a wet spot better with auto as you can just give it a little gas and will come out without spinning the tires. Never would go back to standard.

 

[Sep]

I prefer a standard for towing. Are area is very hilly and our automatic trucks seem to go through brakes, the standard trucks can be downshifted on hills and you don't have to be on the brakes. Its also nice to have the standard for towing, instead of an automatic which all seem to keep shifting up gears on hills then dogging back down. Also a standard seems better when marginally stuck because you can feather the clutch and walk your way out.
Sep

 

[Dadatwins]

4 x 4 with Auto tranny here. Did the 4 speed thing and like the auto much better.

 

[glens]

I prefer an auto that goes directly to 2 when put in 2 at a stop.&nbsp; All my Fords always did while my Chevys would start out in 1 and merely limit themselves to 2 on the way up.&nbsp; My current Chevy (GMC really, no bowtie!), however (2000) does the 2-only bit.&nbsp; Great for pu<i></i>ssy-footing out of a slick spot.

The Allisons are bullet-proof on the larger trucks and seem to engine-brake quite well.

Glen

 

[Husky372]

sep the diesel with auto has a very nice engine compression brake when in tow mode works nice. F350 powerstroke diesel one awsome truck. i hate standard trannies.

 

[Al Smith]

Automatic

Gents;I have a Ford 250,1977 300 6 c-4 auto.It is not used on a daily basis,it does however have 250,000 miles,and still runs great.The original tranny lasted 235,00 miles.The truck I had before had a 4 speed and a 390.It was semi annual event to change the clutch[ a Ford 4-speed is also heavy].The old Ford will pull a 14,000 D4 Cat,and 2800 lbs. of trailer,with relative ease,but of course ,won't accelerate very fast,but then,with that load,I don't drive fast.Before anyone asks,I have a real good set of large coil Wagner brakes on the 9,000 lb. axles of the trailer.An auto tranny,would be my recommendation.

 

[Wolfcsm]

Dodge does something that is sort of interesting. They have a HO Cummins that they only back with a 6 speed manual. In my 3/4 ton 4X4, it works great! More power than I can ever find ways to use. Will get the truck down the road at 75 - even with 1500 pounds of wood and a 800 pouond splitter in tow. Have not experainced a problem - yet- with the clutch. Also gets 18 plus miles per gallon going to and from work.

Hal

 

[NeTree]

Automatics, properly eqipped with a cooler, will last longer. The gears are actually BIGGER in an auto than a comparable stick.

 

[pbtree]

All things being equal, an AUTOMATIC is the best bet. They last longer and they are easier to drive, particularly when towing a heavy load.

Normally, when you get the heavy duty tow packages, they specify an automatic Trans as part of the deal.

The reason that some manufacturers do not offer an automatic with some vehicles is because they do not have an automatic in their product line that will handle the torque of the diesel motors.

But...

If the automatic is available, by all means go for it. It will outlast and out perform the stick everytime handsdown.

 

[Tim Gardner]

Get a front hitch for your truck too. You will be surprised how much easier it is to maneuver and you can get the grinder in places you can’t backing it.

4x4 auto is the way to go for a truck devoted to stump grinding. We always placed the truck in 4 low so it could creep around without damaging the lawns.

 

[Ax-man]

Front hitch on bumper, I think those are also known as a boat hitch for spotting boats. I've got one but never used it. Will have to try it sometime. Worked with a guy who did stumps that way, he said it was easier than trying to back up to them.

This shows you how ambitious I am, the truck still isn't fixed. I really had to physic myself up to lay on my back, fight that stubborn crossover, wrestle with the trans to extracate it from the bellhousing. On top of all that I get the joyful experience of getting dirt in my eyes and wearing a uniform of truck grud.

At least this time I have a regular transmission jack, works much better and safer than using a floor jack.

The truck is disassembled, clutch parts are under warrenty, but I had to some searching for a new flywheel, should have it Tuesday. It is always so much fun when you have to go " in search of ".

Thanks for all the replies.

I like the the idea of a 4x4 auto. I hope I don't get the urge to jack it up with some big mud tires, let my hair grow down to my shoulders, part it in the middle, get tatoos all over my arms and chest, the image wouldn't be complete if I didn't have a headband and a bottle of beer in my hand.

Then use a big barge rope and a big Sthil to solve some tree problems real quick.

Then I would be a real Tree Man, instead of some candy assed arborist .

Larry