In this paper, a systematic design approach for a three shaft hydromechanical transmission(HMT) system is proposed by considering the power characteristics and speed ratio range. Using network analysis, possible configurations of the 3 shaft HMT are analyzed and it is found that the influence of HSU stroke on the power distribution of the HMT can be investigated by the network analysis. In addition, design methods are presented from the viewpoint of (1) power distribution and (2) speed ratio range. From the power distribution and the speed ratio range, a HMT configuration can be constructed, which minimizes the power circulation and provides the desired speed ranges. Based on the 3 shaft HMT analyses and the proposed design approach, a 3 shaft HMT is designed which provides 4 speeds in forward and 1 speed in reverse while keeping the power circulation less than 150% of the input power. It is expected that the design method suggested in this study can be used in a systematic design of the 3 shaft HMT.