Kubotas in the low/mid 40hp range

[Robert_in_NY]

Robert, I don't know of anyone here who has said you need the HST+. But the OP was asking the differences. Since the HST+ is one of the biggest differences between the models the OP listed I chimed in as to it's usefulness.

Secondly I see it differently when it comes to someone new. The biggest mistake I see posted here by new people is they bought the wrong tractor. Usually it's because they create a list of tasks they want to do and leave off the list what they have no idea they will want to do. Secondly is people who find the process confusing and miss out on the features that set each model apart.

HST vs shuttle, vs gear is an easy thing to get a sense of the differences when sitting on a tractor. HST+ is not so easy because you need to use the tractor to understand it's benefits. A loose pile of dirt at a dealer doesn't give you much of a understanding how strong a fel is or how shifting down a gear gives you more push.

Once you understand what each model has for features then you need to decide how much each is worth. For Island the Kioti had a big enough difference in price so it wasn't worth it (I'm not sure if I would spend $5k more for HST+). But unlike him the price difference between the Kioti and the GL Kubota was only about $1500 around here (between a DK40SE and a GL4240).

When I bought my Kubota I didn't fully understand the features of HST+. For the first 10 hours or so I didn't use any of them. But as I got seat time and really had a chance to try them in a real world on my land I realized how much I like them. I have no doubts that if the Kioti met all my needs and I had bought one instead I would be very happy. But now I would really miss not having HST+.

Have you even been doing a task with your tractor and thought to yourself that you could go faster but it's not worth stopping to shift because you'll just shift back down in a few moments?

Yeah, there have been times I wished I could go faster before I injured my back. Since my injury I have taken a different view on things and now take things slower and don't push myself or my equipment as hard as I use to. I don't doubt the hst+ is a nice feature and really do not have an opinion of it or a standard hst since other then my lawn mower I have never used a hydro tractor.

I do know my 7710-II has the dual speed transmission which was great. You push it with your heel as it was on the floor and it dropped you down a bit, push it again and your back to the faster speed. That was nice for haying as some of the fields would have more hay on one side then the other so when you get to the larger windrow you pop her down and when the windrow thins out you speed back up. no stopping or clutching. There are quite a few transmissions out there like that and I would bet the more expensive field tractors have the gear version of hst+ already automated in them. I just can't afford one of those tractors or even need one currently to know for sure. Maybe some day though :laughing:

 

[Piston]

:mur::mur::mur:
Is there a "beat a dead horse" smiley anywhere?

 

[Robert_in_NY]

:mur::mur::mur:
Is there a "beat a dead horse" smiley anywhere?

or more to your request

 

[Piston]

or more to your request

:laughing::laughing::laughing: That's perfect!

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

Just trying to balance the fanboy element.

Hey man, the fanboy element of the Kioti forum puts the kubota forum to shame! At least we let you pick on our tractors without pulling out the big guns!

for what its worth, I hate selling HST+ because its so much to explain to inexperienced operators. To really explain and demonstate everything it can take a good 10 minutes. This kinda gave me a sour taste for it, but as I've spent more and more time on it I'd never want to go back to a mechanical hydro. I just took an L45 home for the weekend to do some backyard projects and I have no doubt that it makes a noticable productivity difference in that machine. The Auto-HDS makes traveling with an 8000lb machine much nicer.

 

[PHILIP8N]

Messick, You sell both. The only improvements I would like to see to the GrandL HST+ is: 1) A light to show when 4WD is engaged. I have left mine engaged too many times not knowing it. 2) A FEL joystick like the NH Boomers with the low/high switch on the joystick. Other than that, I cannot fault the tractor, and those are minor complaints/suggestions for improvement. Philip.

 

[IslandTractor]

Hey man, the fanboy element of the Kioti forum puts the kubota forum to shame!

I'll concede that point! Underdogs and folks who have eschewed conventional wisdom and the safe bet are often a bit extreme in defense of their choices. On the other hand, it is useful for those who stay with the safe mainstream solution to at least become aware of factors that cause others to choose taking the riskier alternative path.

I have no doubt that HST+ has tangible benefits just as I'm sure you would acknowledge that several hundred extra pounds of lift capacity would be a good thing. Orange tractors unite!

 

[PHILIP8N]

Orange tractors unite!

No. Why?

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

) A FEL joystick like the NH Boomers with the low/high switch on the joystick. Other than that, I cannot fault the tractor, and those are minor complaints/suggestions for improvement. Philip.

I know. I really liked that also. Only hickup is that that the 3rd function switches use the joystick and they really need to be there.

 

[IslandTractor]

No. Why?

It was not a serious suggestion. Just a friendly joke intended to make you drop your guard so we (the Chevy Orange tractors) can dominate.