DT transmission Vs HST transmissions any drawbacks for longivity ?

   / DT transmission Vs HST transmissions any drawbacks for longivity ? #1  

Manshoon

Bronze Member
Joined
Jul 19, 2013
Messages
63
Location
Spokane, WA
Tractor
2018 Kubota L3901 DT.
I guess it really comes down to price in replacing the clutch Vs the whole transmission with the HST, if it were to go bad some day ? Because I am hoping to buy a premade package deal from one of several dealers across the USA who have the L3200/L3800 DT and HST packages they are selling.

I am just curious about what will be best for old age and what is going to last or hold up to very little abuse maintaining 1.8 acres that are flat scrub brushy. I like the idea of getting everything included for x amount of $, trailer included, not to mention saving a few thousand in Taxes if possible, as I wont need to License it anytime soon in my state I don't think.

Thank you for any input you can offer, and huge bonus if you have direct experience buying of one of these premade packages from whom ? how much did it cost you and how is it working for you as of now.

Thanks,
Manshoon
 
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   / DT transmission Vs HST transmissions any drawbacks for longivity ? #2  
HST is generally more convenient in these compact tractors, because they often do lots of back and forth work. HST is pretty much bulletproof, based on what you read here. There are dealers who admit they don't know a lot about fixing them due to lack of experience... so few ever fail. That said, they are hydraulic devices, so poor maintenance can cause problems. You want to keep the fluid and filters clean.

The DT is tried and true, of course. In the hands of a good operator, the clutch and gearbox will last a long time. Either type will ordinarily outlast the first owner. I would say you'll probably be doing a fair amount of starting and stopping with one of those L3200/L3800 setups on 1.8 acres... probably tilts things toward the HST somewhat.

I am 67 and have used manual gearboxes my whole life but would not want to go back to one on our work tractors. The hydro is just quicker, easier, and, yes, safer for me to operate. To each their own, however. If someone else likes the straight drive setup better, that's what they should choose.
 
   / DT transmission Vs HST transmissions any drawbacks for longivity ? #3  
guess i'd echo what grand dad above said. in the smaller tractor you're considering, many operators prefer the HST for good reasons. never owned one, owned only 1 automatic auto in my years (65) gears work for me. wise for you to ask these questions. my question to you if you are considering manual trannie: are you used to it? and how good are your knees? resale value might have an edge w/HST as well. personally i love manual but that should not be reason for someone else to choose it. i really wouldn't worry about longevity of either system unless you abuse (riding clutch, etc). but no machine is exempt from abuse ...... good luck
 
   / DT transmission Vs HST transmissions any drawbacks for longivity ?
  • Thread Starter
#4  
Thank you for the advice. Just a little about me I failed to mention, as I have been driving commercial big rigs for 30+ years and have plenty of clutch time involved with that, I guess clutch spring pressure being what it is on anything hydraulic will have it effects on my old knees. Most likely to the point where HST might be the way to go for me at this stage of the game of life.

But cash on hand is on the low side right now after a new house purchase to get the 1.8 acres to play around on and maintain. Price being what it is on new tractors will most likely determine what I get in the end. My choice of tractors has been narrowed to three brands with the Kubota likely out in the front because of the specials and package deals i have seen from a few dealers in the South Carolina area. The price for fuel will about average out with my love for road trips to pick up a new tool for the garage and yard.

Can anyone one share any Issues that have popped up over the first couple years of ownership with your L3200/3800 series tractors that can educate me on what to expect or watch out for ?

Thanks again all for the help, as I am new to tractors that pull plows, rather than tractors that pull 108 thousand pounds on any given day/all day.
 
   / DT transmission Vs HST transmissions any drawbacks for longivity ? #5  
have you decided to go with new? or a more "equipped" or larger model 2nd hand? sounds like you have gathered info on the setup good for you...now (as always in life!) it's about compromise & $ best of luck
 
   / DT transmission Vs HST transmissions any drawbacks for longivity ?
  • Thread Starter
#6  
I am most likely going brand new, only because of the prices people are asking for half used up prices for 10 year old stuff. It just makes more sense for me to spend the little extra to get new as I don't like to insult folks with what I might consider fair market value to what they have paid for their setup with sketchy maintenance records, if they keep them at all ?

One other question I wanted to ask was regarding tires. What will be the better of the 2 for longevity, the AG tire or Industrial tire for soft dirt and grass and with any luck some snow. I haven't considered the Turf tires as of yet, as I wouldn't have a clue as to how capable they are in the snow or wet areas of the pacific NW once the rains start back up.
 
   / DT transmission Vs HST transmissions any drawbacks for longivity ? #7  
Do 8 hours of loader work and your left knee will thank you for choosing HST..If you are going to plow the 40 acres.. get the gear. If you want precise control when working with forks, grapple or even grading and working around buildings and people, get the HST. If money is the object, get the gear.. though you will get your money back when and if you trade. If you have others that operate the tractor. get the HST.. no learning curve for them.. I understand you are a pro-driver. You would probably be happy with which either one you choose. I have owned 2 gear and 3 HST tractors, I ain't going back to gear.

James K0UA
 
   / DT transmission Vs HST transmissions any drawbacks for longivity ? #8  
Here are my thought on the tires... If you are going to plow in the dirt. get the AG's, If you are going to run in a lot of mud, get the AG's. If you are going to do loader work, get the R4 Industrials. Stronger tire, more puncture resistance, and able to handle heavy loads best.. Turf are the easiest on well.... turf.. and probably the best in most types of snow. They are the worst for loads. Industrials are the "middle compromise" tire, OK on everything, but not the best on anything, except FEL work. AG's tear the heck out of lawns unless they are dry, and even then leave some marks. All the choices are compromises in some way.

James K0UA
 
   / DT transmission Vs HST transmissions any drawbacks for longivity ? #9  
kuoa's words are well said
 
   / DT transmission Vs HST transmissions any drawbacks for longivity ? #10  
I prefer Gear Trans myself, but... Go to the dealer and drive both HST and Gear, then buy the one you like best. Both will hold up and last a Long Time.

I like Ag tires here, mostly for the wet ground in the wood, some mud and general traction issues. Your conditions might be different.

The package deals look pretty good around here, but I can't remember exact prices.
 

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