s219
Super Member
- Joined
- Dec 7, 2011
- Messages
- 8,608
- Location
- Virginia USA
- Tractor
- Kubota L3200, Deere X380, Kubota RTV-X
I think you'd know it if you needed manual transmission on a tractor. Otherwise, HST is likely the more versatile choice.
When you say "manual shift", do you mean GST or like a "real" gear tractor with a typical clutch and everything?
ac
I have had HST tractors since '98(and also used full gear tractors), but have also rented L35 TLB with GST a few times. HST is wonderful, but I did like the GST too. I have no problems with gear tractors.
I have a gear drive 70 HP tractor and a hydrastatic drive B26 Kubota. The B26 is so much quicker than the gear drive in loader work and also much easier to inch forward or backward when needing to. For 2.5 acres, I wouldnt look at anything but hydro drive for mowing or any other task. If you had to mow 20-40 acres a gear drive would be preferable to holding down the hydro pedal for hours. Some of the higher end tractors with lots of bells and whistles have a cruise control on them, but I have never used one so I cant say anything about their operation.
I borrowed an L45 which has the HST. I live on hilly ground. I found that I need to shift ranges to go from the flats up the hills. That means coming to a complete stop, clutching from M to L and then starting out again. Then stop again at the top, clutch from L to M and then take off again. On the GST, I approach the hill, pull the gear selector lever back a few gears and continue right up, once I reach the top slide the lever forward a few gears and continue. I NEVER come to a stop.