RitchieB, I own both a Kubota B2410HST that I bought new in 2002. I recently bought a Mahindra 5035PST which is a bigger tractor because I now have more acreage to maintain than when I bought the Kubota. Since I have driven both doing the same tasks that you anticipate, I will share my thoughts.
Frankly, it has a lot to do with what you are used to. I tried to find a HST Mahindra because I am used to the Kubota, but I could not. A HST by definition is a heavier machine than the gear version, and it will have a horsepower or two less power at the PTO. The HST will cost a little more to maintain because the fluid and filter has to be changed more ofter. Not a deal breaker in my mind.
My kubota just turned 13 years old and besides regular maintenance the HST has never given me any problems. Not to say that all will be like that. Here is the part that I like. My wife does not know how to manage a power shuttle machine what with the multiple ranges, gears, clutch etc. I can put her on the Kubota and go drink a beer and watch "the game". She loves that machine. This is why I wanted another HST. If you have a wife or significant other who is uncomfortable with shifting, clutching and finding the best range, the HST will probably be a better fit.
I told her I was going to sell the Kubota so we could offest some of the cost of the Mahindra. I got recalibrated very quickly. Now I have two tractors, and I only really need only one, Personally I like the HST better but that, as I said earlier, is my opinion. I wonder who is playing this weekend?.........