(quoted from post at 14:37:36 07/12/16) In reading these posts, particularly yours, the 8 speed power shift transmission in the 760A tractor and the 770 road grader are the same transmission. Is this correct? Are there any other machines that used this particular transmission? I did find a brochure on the 760A tractor and if I recall correctly, there were only 3 reverse speeds in the transmission, so Deere must have blocked out the 4th reverse.
I also came across some parts related information citing some parts used in this transmission were also used in the 4630, 4640, and 4840 tractors with power shift. My next question is whether or not the internal components of this transmission are essentially the same as the components of a 4630, 4640, and 4840 tractor with the power shift, but simply housed in a different casting?
Let me take this one step further then. The horsepower generated by the 6531 engine in the 760A and 770 road grader end up being around 150 hp. Is there any thoughts out there as to if one DID in fact make a "custom 6030" with this transmission, will the internal components hold up to horsepower and torque produced by the engine? Will it withstand 225, or 250, or even 275 horsepower, as some owners of 6030's have claimed. I know we have one on our farm putting out around 225 hp.
I know I could not financially pull something like this off immediately or in the short term, but this IS something I would be willing to work on slowly and building a "custom 6030" with a power shift transmission. Having been into this model tractor mechanically, I have some familiarity with what is involved in building up a 6030, with the exception of this particular transmission. As I noted above, these transmissions were used in the 760A tractor and 770 road grader, and if there is any other machine made by Deere which used this transmission, which could be sourced for such a project. How about availability of "donor transmissions" themselves and the availability of parts to do a complete rebuild of such a transmission?
Such a beast of a tractor would certainly make a very interesting show piece!
The grader 770 has 8F and 8R, speeds, but the tranny looks the same. Yes, I have seen that few parts are shared with the 4520 PS. I would believe that the 760A being a scraper, the transmission is way overbuilt for the horsepower, because you downshift under ultra heavy load, shifts often under load...
For comparison, the 760 std had the 13.5" double clutch of the 6030, even if they did not have its power.
As far as building one, I would never start from a 6030, unless it is an incomplete junked one. Too rare and pricey to be modified
Rather, you buy a complete good running 760A. That is about 6000 to 10000$. You can probably sell the scaper unit for 1/2 that price if you make a dolly out of the front axle of the 760, or something else... The 760 has the right clutch housing. Even the bosses for the brake valve is there.
You need to have 1/2 front of a 5020 except the motor, + bar axle, fenders, dash, rockshaft, probably the entire hydraulic system, brake valve, side rails, all in one $2000. A 4020 powershift dash and gearshift should bolt right on.
Then come tires, but that is the case with every project.
If you want the big motor, I would rather find a nice way to have rear remotes and side console (maybe out of a junked 4520) and put a hood, exhaust, air filter from a 7520. 5020 valves should be possible to relocate on the back, using the late oil monifold of a 5020 and valves with integrated coupler. (they don't really have to, it is probably possible to put the valves close to the seat, and run custom linkage connected to a side console from a 4520).
I am not a fan of perfectly original stuffs (it is boring, they are all the same) , but rather fan of " what if JD or IH or whoever has done this", as long as if it is done well and not hacked.