Hydro vs gears for durabilty

[BTDT2]

The answer is.... own one of each

I do, actually two:thumbsup:

 

[Heywood Jannockitov]

Thanks for the explanation. Does it hold you back on steep hills while shifting gears or changing directions or do you have to hold the brake?

I usually avoid shifting gears on a steep incline. Shuttling between forward and reverse, though is usually not a problem. If you flip the reverser directly to the opposite direction, the momentary auto application of clutch won't cause the tractor to "take-off" down the hill on you, but rather will change direction smoothly and in control, provided you are in a safe operating range setting for the working conditions. Multi-plate wet clutches are extremely durable and long lasting, over single-plate dry clutches.
You would need to hold with the brakes if you disengage the clutch manually

Now, if you were in-transit on the road, in high range 2nd gear and you are going down a steep hill and wanted to up-shift, then using the power reverser lever "N" is no different than pushing the clutch pedal in. The tractor will coast down the hill picking up speed as long as the driveline is disengaged from the road.

 

[Heywood Jannockitov]

I am just curious as I work on steep hills and I like the hold ability of the HST transmissions but I am also looking at what is out there that may be better.

I find with the HST (hydrostatic) transmission I dont even have to use the brakes and I have hold back so when I change directions I do not pass through a freewheeling/neutral situation where the tractor can get away from me.

Randall, It sounds like for your specific application the HST is the best choice for the reasons you have stated. With hydraulic shuttle, all you are really doing is getting the machine to do the clutching for you as you change direction using a separate lever. Otherwise, they behave like any geared vehicle with a standard transmission.

 

[soulasphil]

As I have often posted in other threads, I love the power reverser. You must not give too much importance to clutch changes in your budget predictions. When I traded in my 1963 Massey 35 last year, it had around 13 000 hours (the meter broke down shortly after 10 000). The original clutch was working like new. With the more recent development of a variety of shuttle systems, clutches should live even longer !

 

[lawn_king]

HYDROHYDROHYDROHYDROHYDROHYDROHYDRO. I would go with a hydro.

 

[Johndeere3720]

I own a hydro and two gear. The hydro is nice for getting close up to buildings and such but doesnt have as much torque as Gear in my opinion. As a comparison, My 169D 19hp Yanmar will easily out pull my Grandpa's John Deere 2210. I have to admit Hydro makes loader work way easier but Gear gets more power to the ground and will spin out way before a hydro which could stall. Also, you already own Gear tractors. I hate it when i get on a hydro and cant find the clutch. just my :2cents:

 

[Soundguy]

Carver,

Most large construction equipment (loaders, scrapers etc.) is hydro. Questions on durability should be a non factor.

About the only real question is efficiency. Hydro's are a little less efficient than gears, and efficiency is often not a problem when you have a lot of extra HP.

Joe

HUGE.. HUGE difference in a variableswash plate style hydro in a tractor and some of the things called hydro's in heavy equipment. .. IE.. torque converters.. etc..

hmm.. must be spring again.. I see this topic has come up again..

soundguy

 

[Heywood Jannockitov]

HUGE.. HUGE difference in a variableswash plate style hydro in a tractor and some of the things called hydro's in heavy equipment. .. IE.. torque converters.. etc..

hmm.. must be spring again.. I see this topic has come up again..

soundguy

Deja-vu, all over again!

 

[canoetrpr]

Having driven gear and Hydro I strongly prefer the latter for my mixed use. Heck I didn't even plan to get a loader till the guys here talked me into it. Now my loader is about 75% use of the tractor.

That said, I'd love to spend time doing some loader work with a power reverser / GST. I can't see there being much effort in flipping from forward to reverse while doing loader work. It would be nice to have throttle control on my foot and the ability to set a gear for mowing and such.

 

[canoetrpr]

Something worth pointing out that I see in my area anyway is that hydro's seem to hold their value almost 100%.