Hydro or Gear for used Tractor

[MMH]

Looking at getting a used tractor. Someone mentioned to me that a hydro must be meticulously maintained. If it were not operated properly, fluid not replaced at regular intervals, being extremely clean when replacing the fluid, etc. then expensive problems will be the result.

So, how robust are the hydros? If they need to be rebuilt, how expensive is that? By the way, I am looking at a 28 Hp size tractor.

 

[beenthere]

From my experience and others that I know, the hydro's are not so fussy about being "meticulously maintained".

How many hours on the 28 HP tractor that you are looking at?

Brand might enter into the picture, but as far as I've heard that doesn't change my opinion on the hydro's.

Others' experience may differ. Gear fans also may have a different outlook.

 

[Ford tractor]

Someone mentioned

.

Consider the source. All equipment needs maintenance. All name brand modern tractors are VERY reliable. Was the "someone" selling the gear tractor?

 

[Thomas]

"If it were not operated properly"
Kinda answer your question..abuse.

Test spin always good idea when purchasing second hand..listen,look,feel of.

 

[bp fick]

Agree with above posters.

BTW, having to split a tractor to replace a clutch isn't a walk in the park either.

 

[knightrider955]

Agree with above posters.

BTW, having to split a tractor to replace a clutch isn't a walk in the park either.

Splitting a tractor isnt that bad. I guarentee if you burn up a hydro tranny its gonna be 5 times more expensive than burnung up a clutch. Guarenteed

 

[bp fick]

Splitting a tractor isnt that bad. I guarentee if you burn up a hydro tranny its gonna be 5 times more expensive than burnung up a clutch. Guarenteed

Not that bad, eh?:laughing::laughing:

Well, the point of the OP was the questioning of advice being given when looking at used tractors. The transmission type shouldn't be the criteria.
A cared for tractor versus an abused tractor should be the issue, plus the buyers preference for hydro versus gear.

Steering the potential buyer away from a hydro based on possible lack of care is fine, as long as the concerns about buying a ridden, burnt clutch is also pointed out.

If I am shopping used, the transmission type, per se, would not be the issue. How it was used and how well it was cared for would be my concern.

 

[TripleR]

Agree pretty much with bp; look at your needs and condition of the tractor. I bought a used L5030 HSTC and have been very happy with it.

As to splitting a tractor, I have seen my brother do this and no thanks on that no matter the reason.

 

[oldnslo]

Like others have said the style of tranny should only be a factor based on your needs and experience.

Examples:
If you are going to be doing a lot of speed or direction of travel changes then the hydro is probably the style to consider. I.e. FEL work

If you are going to drive the same speed for extended periods of time then the gear may be a better choice. I.e. tillage type field work

Yes potentially an improperly maintained hydro could cost more to repair than a comparable sized gear style.

Roy

 

[Ford tractor]

Splitting a tractor isnt that bad. I guarentee if you burn up a hydro tranny its gonna be 5 times more expensive than burnung up a clutch. Guarenteed

On a mid-size Kubota you can replace the entire transmission with a BRAND NEW one at a component cost of about $3200. That's the about the same component cost as the new replacement gear transmission. Naturally, crawling inside and fixing will cost less - for both types.

Yeah, that's 5x the cost of a clutch job. BUT, you forgot to mention that across the industry, there are many many many clutches replaced before a Kubota HST is "burned up". I've personally fixed many broken gear transmissions but no hydro's. Done a lot of clutches too, but not on hydro's.

If anything, a hydro is less likely to be damaged than a gear trans by a rookie operator. Do stupid things and a hydro will pop the overpressure valve and do no damage to the clutch, mid-case, differential or transmission. A gear trans will typically make you pay for being stupid much more often!