davesisk
Platinum Member
Tech question, here. I understand how the hydraulic drive on our PT's work: hydrostatic pump and 4 wheel motors, pretty simple in concept. What's different about the HST drive that you find on many (traditional) compact utility tractors? I'm going to make a wild guess, and someone correct where I'm wrong. I'm guessing that there's still a gear-shift, differentials, etc., but that the main drive shaft is turned by a single hydrualic motor rather than having a direct mechanical connection to the engine. Is this correct? That way, you have the ability to select gear ranges while still having the ability to press the right pedal to go forward/left pedal to go backward. If this is correct, I'd also assume that you have some potential loss of traction due to the differentials (unless they can be locked up), where with the approach of using 4 wheel motors you do not (at least in theory).
When I was looking, I drove a few manual tractors (although I didn't drive any HST models because they were usually out of my price range) and I have to say, I really like the hydraulic drive, it's fantastic for my small property with a maze of trees...
Can anyone educate me on the mechanical differences?
Dave
When I was looking, I drove a few manual tractors (although I didn't drive any HST models because they were usually out of my price range) and I have to say, I really like the hydraulic drive, it's fantastic for my small property with a maze of trees...
Can anyone educate me on the mechanical differences?
Dave