Hydrostatic/direct drive transmission

The transmission includes: a drive shaft 52,60 driving a differential 28 and having a first input 50 connected with a hydrostatic drive 18, 20 and planetary gear arrangement 34 and a second input 64 adapted for rotatable connection with an engine 14 via a clutch 66. The hydrostatic drive is operable in a first mode by locking ring gear 42 clutch 70 for driving the shaft within a low speed range, in a second mode by releasing ring clutch 70 and engaging carrier clutch 72 for driving the shaft within a low-to-mid speed range, and in a neutral mode by releasing both clutches 70, 72 allowing direct shaft drive by the engine when the clutch 66 is engaged. An auxiliary axle and differential (92 Fig. 2, 112 Fig. 3) may also be driven via a further clutch (80, 102). Combines low speed hydrostatic transmissions with geared road suitable transmissions.