Hydro or Gear for used Tractor

[Dead Horse]

I have one of each and would be interested in your definition of "stupid". Cite examples of behavior that would hurt each type of tranny.

I would go for a hyd tractor every time, given my experience with both. The principle reason is I like the infinate choice of speed within a given range, being nearly instantaneous. Hunting and pecking for the right gear on a gear tractor can be a real pain in the tail.

I also run a MX10 slewing mower behind the gear, cutting an orchard, and backing up afterwhile has the knee stiff from too much clutch work.

 

[gwdixon]

Looking at getting a used tractor. Someone mentioned to me that a hydro must be meticulously maintained. If it were not operated properly, fluid not replaced at regular intervals, being extremely clean when replacing the fluid, etc. then expensive problems will be the result.

So, how robust are the hydros? If they need to be rebuilt, how expensive is that? By the way, I am looking at a 28 Hp size tractor.

Others have already stated excellent points.

Nobody has deeply mentioned the source. Most folks on TBN would never buy a used rental tractor. There are exceptions of course and those owners will be here to defend their tractors. As a personal experience, my first Kubota (L3650) was a rental return with 60 hours and it didn't have a problem for 20 years. Still going strong.

My Kubota dealer sells rental returns and one of the renters works land around the dealership. He tells horror stories about how the tractors are abused by the farm workers as he sees it from his lot. It was enough to steer me away from rental returns.

(The dealer may make more profit from new so take this with a grain of salt.)

My guess would be that a hydro would be more difficult to destroy than a clutch/geared transmission.

My wife only drives a hydro if that is any help. The geared jobs are mine.

 

[RoyJackson]

Although I'm a gear guy, when you look at a used tractor, just check out the condition and determine if it's a good fit for your needs (including transmission type).

Clutch repairs aren't cheap and neither are HST repairs, so you want to buy a tractor that doesn't have these kinds of problems. If it does, walk away (unless you get a super deal and are willing to have the repairs done at your cost).

Which type of transmission is better? Well, there's more threads (on TBN) on that subject then there are stars in the sky. It's which you, as an individual, prefer...

 

[Ford tractor]

I have one of each and would be interested in your definition of "stupid". Cite examples of behavior that would hurt each type of tranny.

.

"Stupid" actions are those that cause damage - intentionally or unintentionally. If you ever saw someone doing it, you'd know it wasn't smart! Like; popping the clutch on a gear trans with an implement in the ground, rocking the machine forward to back to get unstuck, riding the clutch to control speed. Funny, but those actions are all ones that will harm a gear tractor but not a hydro. Hydro's have built in protection when pressures build up a relief valve opens.

A hydro does need more maintenance, namely keeping on top of filters and fluids. So,I guess that it would be "stupid" to forgo maintenance and wait for damage to occur.

 

[Don87]

"Stupid" actions are those that cause damage - intentionally or unintentionally. If you ever saw someone doing it, you'd know it wasn't smart! Like; popping the clutch on a gear trans with an implement in the ground, rocking the machine forward to back to get unstuck, riding the clutch to control speed. Funny, but those actions are all ones that will harm a gear tractor but not a hydro. Hydro's have built in protection when pressures build up a relief valve opens.

A hydro does need more maintenance, namely keeping on top of filters and fluids. So,I guess that it would be "stupid" to forgo maintenance and wait for damage to occur.

I was waiting for you to answer before I posted, there are lot's more examples.....IE: pulling stumps(as you described), pulling cars or trucks from ditches, slamming into dirt piles with the FEL, pulling trees over..........I've seen all of this attempted.


And as you explained, almost all lead to clutch replacement(at the least), or tranny/rear end overhaul at the worst.
Hydro is much more forgiving in a lot of circumstances.

 

[_RaT_]

Wait, Roy, I counted the stars in the sky tonight and lost track at 12,478,948,616,789 or just slightly less than the current US debt. Then I added up all the posts on TBN and we still have less posts than visible stars (with the naked eye). Are you sure about what you said? Maybe my math is off. On the other hand, besides dino oil vs synthetic, which chainsaw to buy and "I know a guy who died using his tractor", the HST posts come out tops.

Although I'm a gear guy, when you look at a used tractor, just check out the condition and determine if it's a good fit for your needs (including transmission type).

Clutch repairs aren't cheap and neither are HST repairs, so you want to buy a tractor that doesn't have these kinds of problems. If it does, walk away (unless you get a super deal and are willing to have the repairs done at your cost).

Which type of transmission is better? Well, there's more threads (on TBN) on that subject then there are stars in the sky. It's which you, as an individual, prefer...

 

[knightrider955]

I was waiting for you to answer before I posted, there are lot's more examples.....IE: pulling stumps(as you described), pulling cars or trucks from ditches, slamming into dirt piles with the FEL, pulling trees over..........I've seen all of this attempted.


And as you explained, almost all lead to clutch replacement(at the least), or tranny/rear end overhaul at the worst.
Hydro is much more forgiving in a lot of circumstances.

I yank out stumps all the time. Havent had any issues yet. Gear trannys are pretty tough. ever tried pulling 4 bottom plow? or a 14 wide disc? Pulling stumps is a walk in the park compared to using these tractors for what they were really designed for.

 

[RoyJackson]

Wait, Roy, I counted the stars in the sky tonight and lost track at 12,478,948,616,789 or just slightly less than the current US debt. Then I added up all the posts on TBN and we still have less posts than visible stars (with the naked eye).

Ya gotta use all your fingers when ya count...

 

[RalphVa]

I think you'll find a lot fewer problems with hydros than clutches in geared transmissions. Hydro is used on big industrial equipment and big ships. It's pretty reliable and not the same as an automatic transmission.

Ralph

 

[Gary Fowler]

I am with Old Roy Jackson on gear transmission tractors. I admit I only ran my brother in laws NH about 1/2 hour, but that was all my right leg could stand. I run my gear tractor 12 hour days and my legs are not cramped at all. As for durability of either, it depends on the way they are treated and how well they are serviced. With most of the CUTs that I see mentioned here, that get 30 hours a year or less, you could likely get a good used one without any problems other than the price. Most of the used deals I see want as much as the tractor cost when new which may save you a thousand or so over new cost with brand new model, however you can recoup that difference quickly ( well easily) with the 60 month 0% interest loans available on many of these tractors versus a 8% or higher loan on used. Unless I had found a super deal, I would look at new rather than used.