If you're going to be doing real ground engaging work, like plowing, sub soiler etc. you may prefer the manual transmission. I have Kioti CK20HST and absoulutely love having the ability to just go straight to F or R while having both hands on the wheel and almost no stop in between. I find I get things done much faster than before with gear trans. I never had shuttle, but I'm sure I would have adapted, and that the time difference between HST and Shuttle would be negligible. The HST offers independent PTO when some manuals do not. Without it, the tractor can be pushed ahead by a spinning mower so in close work can be difficult. It's def. HST for me. John