A planetary drive system that has an input and a gear housing that is connected to a speed control system. A cross connecting shaft is drivingly engaged by the speed control system and rotatably connects to a forward and reverse gear set that is drivingly connected to a reduction gear set to provide an output. The speed control system, forward and reverse gear set, and reduction gear set are actuated by band clutch elements that frictionally engage the exterior of ring gears and carriers within the system to control the operation of the planetary drive system.