The Versatile Model 300 Hydro-Mech
Versatile produced 200 units of the Model 300 Hydro-Mech in 1973 before halting production of this rather unique machine. Obviously ahead of its time. Reportedly, Versatile decided this was not the direction it wanted to pursue in four-wheel drive tractors. Never the less the 300 Hydro-Mech stands today a testament to Versatile’s ingenuity and innovation in four-wheel drive Ag tractors. Perhaps forethought to the innovative Model 150 Bi-directional of 1977.
Peter Pakosh and Steve Hrab with a Model 300.
Powered by a 378 cu.in. Cummins V6 diesel engine and coupled to a Versatile designed transmission the Model 300 incorporated a Sundstrand variable displacement hydraulic pump and motor. The 300 Hydro-Mech can be operated in either of two speed ranges and any of three different power modes. As the name indicates this tractor is hydro-mechanical drive. In order to change the tractor from one mode to another, use of the clutch is required. However, within the hydrostatic mode the tractor can be moved between forward and reverse operation simply by moving the hydrostatic speed control from the forward position through neutral to the reverse position and vice-versa. As you move the speed control away from the neutral position the ground speed increases (independent of engine speed). Thus full engine power is available throughout the full hydrostatic speed range. The tractor operates forward or reverse from 0 to 7.8 mph. The second mode is ‘hydro-mechanical’ and is the intended mode for heavy in the field tillage work. Use of the clutch is required to place the transmission in this mode and to choose high or low range. The speeds within this mode are infinitely variable by movement of the hydrostatic speed control from 1.9 to 7.8 mph. The third mode is completely mechanical drive in either of the two ranges and has top speeds of 9.7 and 15.4 mph at full engine throttle.
In other appointments, inboard planetaries with load bearing axles permit completely adjustable tread from 56 to 96”, and 1000 rpm live PTO are standard equipment. Category II / III 3-point hitch with quick coupler and depth control, heater and air conditioning as well as 3rd spool hydraulics were available options. Hydraulic control spools were capable of ‘float’ position, self-canceling spool and standard manual control.
Many of these tractors were sold to vegetable farmers in California in the USA while others went to various parts of the central plains of Canada and the US. Today these tractors are still in every day use and are in demand by some farmers to convert to a more modern machine- the high-wheeled sprayer.