HST vs. Geared

[Mark Page]

They both have their place. If your going to be doing a lot of straight run mowing, save your money and go with a geared machine. If your going to be doing loader or grading work go with the HST. I really hate having to stop slow the engine down and then shift then open the throttle again.

 

[71bronco]

They both have their place. If your going to be doing a lot of straight run mowing, save your money and go with a geared machine. If your going to be doing loader or grading work go with the HST. I really hate having to stop slow the engine down and then shift then open the throttle again.

My 3240 transmission is syncro so no stopping to shift. Just like my 5speed Focus. Plus with the shuttle shift foward and reverse is nearly instant.

Jeff

 

[IndyIan]

I appreciate not listening to the whine of a hydro, more PTO HP, being able to use my split brakes and foot throttle. Gear is the only way to go.:thumbsup::thumbsup:

Jeff

I use the split brakes on my HST tractor(brakes on left side). I kind of miss a foot throttle, but for loader work having a constant rpm keeps the loader moving at a quick constant speed while the tractor creeps slowly inches away from the ditch and then zooms off for the next bucket load.
Anyways, I'm sure most of us could use either, but I don't like that most CUT's have a dry clutch which most likely means changing it at some point in the tractors life.

 

[scoutcub]

Don't fall into the trap of listening to all these guys..... Search thru the old posts, so much info it's alarming.:laughing:

I have a shuttle shift and 2 hydro's......BOTH good machines. Try em out yourself and decide......:thumbsup:

 

[vabiker23518]

I have had both. First tractor was a Bolens G-152 that I had for 4 years. Geared, and I loved it. But no FEL or 4 WD...so I went looking a couple years ago. Didn't want the HST, but ended up with it. I have to say, its easier and fun to drive. Biggest advantage I see, is the PTO operates all the time. The Bolens PTO stopped everytime you pressed the clutch. Not sure if this is universal, but it sure helps to have it running, esp when cutting trails/grass with the bush hog.

 

[johno2000]

Thanks guys. I'll search for some older posts. Although, I'm already better informed. Will definitely test drive before I make my decision.

This forum is great for researching tractors.

John

 

[jenkinsph]

Thanks guys. I'll search for some older posts. Although, I'm already better informed. Will definitely test drive before I make my decision.

This forum is great for researching tractors.

John

My opinion and advice is to spend more time on the machines with various tasks testing out the different transmission choices and less time reading thru the threads. Reasoning that most of the threads are really opinions of what others think who may not have experience with all the choices. What should be most important is what YOU feel is best for your use. Seat time in the various machine types will tell the tale for you. Don't be bashful about testing all the choices for several hours each, you need to have a chance to get used to them and a few minutes won't do that for newbies.

 

[flusher]

Looking at buying my first compact tractor for use on 20 acre to bush hog primarily. Looking at tractors from Kubota and JD in the 30 hp range.

My father in law keeps telling me to get a geared tractor over a HST. Just curious what people thought the pros and cons are.

HSTs are great for tractor jobs that require a lot of reversing (FEL work) or maneuvering in tight corners (lawn mowing) or rototilling (where you need the tractor to creep along at 0.5 mph ground speed or less).

Gear tractors are great for jobs where you run the tractor long distances in a straight line (field work--plowing, discing, spraying, planting, raking, mowing, hay baling, etc).

 

[flusher]

Looking at buying my first compact tractor for use on 20 acre to bush hog primarily. Looking at tractors from Kubota and JD in the 30 hp range.

My father in law keeps telling me to get a geared tractor over a HST. Just curious what people thought the pros and cons are.

HSTs are great for tractor jobs that require a lot of reversing (FEL work), maneuvering in tight spaces (lawn mowing), rototilling( where you need to creep along at 0.5 mph ground speed or less).

Gear trannies are great for jobs that require driving the tractor in a straight line for considerable distances (plowing, discing, seeding, spraying, raking, mowing, hay baling, etc).

 

[flusher]

Oops--sorry for the double post.