Right, but anyone could guess just the opposite and be equally as likely to be correct. The reason that I say this is because reliability is simply an unknown. Valid reasons why you might see fewer repairs on HST would include a fluid based system to buffer shock loads but it might also include the fact that the vast majority of HST machines are weekend warriors, many of them not much bigger than a lawn tractor, that get very few hours per year and those hours likely spent mowing. Virtually any machine that gets limited use will get limited wear and tear.
Also, up until recently, geared CUTS and Uts probably got heavier use and abuse than comparable sized HSTs. With the decline of geared machines, that's probably not as true now and a geared machine like mine probably gets no more use than the average BX estate tractor.
Valid reasons HST might have more repairs would include more complexity. The converse is true for geared.
But here is the thing. If my clutch goes out, I'll fix it myself and there are a fair number of people here at TBN who could do the same. I dare say there are few if any who are going to go tinkering around in the guts of an HST. Plus, I suspect my clutch will last longer than me. But, being a pessimist, and after going on and on about how great gear tractors are and about how I'm the Zen Clutch Master, karma is bound to step in and mine is bound to burn out next weekend and I'll be posting a step by step pictorial about how I replaced it myself.
But as has been mentioned, there are virtually millions of aged gear machines with thousands of hours running on the original clutch. No matter how you slice it, that's a proven track record.
We're all ears. I'm sure we think we've heard it all by now but a fresh perspective would be a joy to behold.
As for comments (from others) about the gear heads being elitist; well how does that work? We're the ones forced into buying primitive (and by all accounts useless and dangerous) tractors with few amenities because we don't have the money for a luxurious HST with heated cup holders and an iPod socket. How is it that we're the snobs?
Darn, I didn't realize these options were available when I got my L4400HST. Being from the Deep South and prefering ice cold beverages, I don't require the heated cup holder but the iPod socket would be great. Do you know if we can get it later as a dealer installed option?
Sorry, I was trying to be humorous too. Maybe I should have put a few
[You could get a N ford tractor sans starter.. yet still have battery ignition, rubber tires, generator voltage regulator and battery. The same trans bellhousing was used, and a blank plate was installed in the opening. AND you can hit many suppliers and get a starter for less than 100$.. so there... there's an example.../QUOTE]
But gee whilickers, what would it have cost to do the original manufacturing without making compromises for an amenity like a starter. A magneto would have worked well in place of the generator, battery and all the associated foofaraw too would it not?
No chance of hooking up a battery charger either.
For myself only it comes down to this high-lighted above. I'm not asking for anyone to change their mind, just asking that the point of why I like the HST is taken as I can see why the geared is chosen and can accept that. I can think of many cases where I would buy a geared and would be happy (above 75hp), but I'm not in that scenario. Anyone who demands that Geared is better than HST or vice -versa is missing the point totally as it is an opinion that could be proven either way due to the fact of what the individual requires from it. With the tractor I own I prefer the HST. With that said Geared tractors are far from being junk or not capable. Just like the Ford, Chevy, Dodge or whatever debate....with that said it will be debated forever with no clear winner. I still own a Ford 860 that still runs well and my father has a couple of Massey Harris tractors. All HST is IMHO is time moving on and "old school" will always work as has been proven time and time again.
[Milwaukee?/QUOTE]
That's where the Beer comes from isn't it?
Uh oh, don't take this the wrong way but we may be starting to think alike.
A good idea is a good idea.. no matter who it comes from!
soundguy
[You could get a N ford tractor sans starter.. yet still have battery ignition, rubber tires, generator voltage regulator and battery. The same trans bellhousing was used, and a blank plate was installed in the opening. AND you can hit many suppliers and get a starter for less than 100$.. so there... there's an example.../QUOTE]
But gee whilickers, what would it have cost to do the original manufacturing without making compromises for an amenity like a starter. A magneto would have worked well in place of the generator, battery and all the associated foofaraw too would it not?
Sure.. ford could have made the tractor to not be able to accept electrics.. but why deny themselves al that extra money in the long run.
Way cheaper to make a single set of castings that does double duty.. dressed up or down..
same with lots of consumer electronics that have a hi end model and an economy model.. many time shte electrics and mechanics ar ethe same.. and it's been intentionally 'programmed' down due to what the rom says..
lots of electronics co's have done that for decades...
soundguy
