PART ONE
Given my passion for IH and Case IH tractors, my experience with MF models is surprisingly varied. Aside from the 35X, 100 Series and 500 Series models I remember well from my younger years, some of the fondest memories I have are of models fitted with a shuttle transmission.
The 352 and 362 spring to mind, but the 390T also conjures recollections of simpler days. I liked the 12/12 shuttle best, with its chunky lever on the left of dash, and single, floor-mounted gear lever, but I am aware that not all were fans of this system.
Tractors such as these were the successors to the 600 Series, with its 12 forward, four reverse ‘Synchro-12’ and Multi-Power transmissions, as well as the 200 Series’ eight-speed ’box and early 300 Series models featuring similar powertrains. Good as they were, something better was needed if Massey Ferguson was going to remain competitive.
Queue the development of a robust shuttle transmission design to suit tractors of varying power outputs for all types of applications, and queue Tony Reeve –
