This a good quote, not forgetting though that the quad range was the same synchro-smash trans from the 4010 with a plantery shift infront of it and TREMENDOUS overlap in speed ratios. And the 90 series Case, which auto shifted back to '1' when the clutch was pressed, and sounded like a bomb going off in the trans when the powershift changed speed. They both were hard to change ranges, just like IH, and they both had trans technology that dated to the early 60's. And don't forget, Deere did not design the 8 speed powershift, that was designed by and outside group, was first installed in the Select-O-Speed Fords in the 50's. The 86 was a pain to shift, but there was only one ratio that overlapped, its a shame the TA couldn't have been more reliable.
The 8 speed PS was designed in house by JD engineers. Harold Brock lead the team that designed the Ford SOS. But it wasn't ready and Brock told uppermanagement the SOS would fail. Ford put it into production anyway and it did fail. Brock either quit Ford or left after that debacle and then was hired on by JD. Brock told JD not to worry about the SOS and then he led the team that designed the 8 speed. Those are the facts. I personally have never seen the insides of an SOS but have been told they work differently then the JD powershift.
