The Fendt Vario is considered the ultimate large tractor transmission and it is a hydrostatic-planetary hybrid. I would love one if I could afford it and had a dealer. Sure I like our large Deere's power shift, but when it lugs down I need to shift and hope I don't have to stop and shift ranges if the gear I need is in a different range. Mostly we avoid that by pulling smaller equipment than what the tractor is capable of pulling. My L5740 with stall guard - can be run by an old guy with dementia. Pulling gets tough, it destrokes the pump automatically keeping it in the optimum power band. This works well past the speed difference where on the JD I would have to stop and shift ranges. Why both tractors? JD can plow four times faster, uses less than half the fuel per acre, is quieter, and has an air ride seat for super comfort. Kubota can get into spaces the JD can't touch, it's hydro transmission is more efficient in many general duty apps like loader work, and fits in my heated garage while the JD sits in an unheated machine shed on blocks all winter. If I used it for plowing snow I'd probably have smashed into all of my buildings and vehicles by now. So each tranny has its place. You need to figure what's best for you. I had the advantage of three companies paying me to design, test, and validate hydro equipped machines from 27 HP to 1,000 HP so I have no fear of hydrostatic being delicate "*****" machines.