Gary Fowler
Super Star Member
- Joined
- Jun 23, 2008
- Messages
- 11,998
- Location
- Bismarck Arkansas
- Tractor
- 2009 Kubota RTV 900, 2009 Kubota B26 TLB & 2010 model LS P7010
I have one of each and the HST is much quicker and easier to use for FEL work when a lot of forward/ reverse activity is required. When using the gear drive shuttle shift(not power shuttle where you don't have to clutch) it will tire the left leg out with all the clutching but power wise they do have a bit more power. This can be offset by just getting a size larger tractor which in most cases can be had easily with only a grand more in cost if the next size up is still in the same frame size. Most tractor brands will have at least 3 different HP tractors in the same frame size and just tweaking the engine a bit to get more HP. I have found that for the most part, all CUT tractors run out of traction prior to running out of power. Extra power is only good for doing heavy PTO work on most models.
It is hard if not impossible to find a HST tractor in models above about 60 HP but you can find power shuttle models that can be almost as easy to operate as HST. I like both HST and geared, depending on what I am doing. Mowing or using a disk, I prefer gear. I wouldn't have anything other than HST on my TLB as I can set at the hoe and by using a rod, push on the HST pedal to move the tractor forward or back as needed to reposition the back hoe. This might be a P.I.T.A. with a gear having to turn the seat around, put in gear, move a bit and then reverse all the order to get back to work. Sure, sometimes you can just use the hoe to reposition, but not always.
It is hard if not impossible to find a HST tractor in models above about 60 HP but you can find power shuttle models that can be almost as easy to operate as HST. I like both HST and geared, depending on what I am doing. Mowing or using a disk, I prefer gear. I wouldn't have anything other than HST on my TLB as I can set at the hoe and by using a rod, push on the HST pedal to move the tractor forward or back as needed to reposition the back hoe. This might be a P.I.T.A. with a gear having to turn the seat around, put in gear, move a bit and then reverse all the order to get back to work. Sure, sometimes you can just use the hoe to reposition, but not always.