I think for some commercial applications you probably are right, but I think for Harry Homeowner there are low range jobs(ground engaging) and mid range jobs. Not too many low then mid then low then mid, ad infinitum jobs?
I was box blading yesterday and I suppose in theory I could've used mid range to back up some of the time, but for 5 seconds a pass, for 8 hours a year? Moving dirt 5% faster isn't really worth that much to me. For the price difference I'd be farther ahead with a bigger tractor and box blade.
Also, the better fuel efficiency is worth something too, but for H.H. its not significant either.
I couldn't agree more. HST+ is cool, but saving 7-10 grand is way cooler...! If I had to put a price on the HST+, I'd say I would pay 2k extra for it. "Old school" HST is pretty cool on its own.
These comments are spot on. The HST+ sure is nice - and when priced equally definitely better than the standard HST, but for $7-10,000 you can get a machine with a lot more HP and a lot more capable than the HST+'s features.