DT transmission Vs HST transmissions any drawbacks for longivity ?

[Manshoon]

I guess it really comes down to price in replacing the clutch Vs the whole transmission with the HST, if it were to go bad some day ? Because I am hoping to buy a premade package deal from one of several dealers across the USA who have the L3200/L3800 DT and HST packages they are selling.

I am just curious about what will be best for old age and what is going to last or hold up to very little abuse maintaining 1.8 acres that are flat scrub brushy. I like the idea of getting everything included for x amount of $, trailer included, not to mention saving a few thousand in Taxes if possible, as I wont need to License it anytime soon in my state I don't think.

Thank you for any input you can offer, and huge bonus if you have direct experience buying of one of these premade packages from whom ? how much did it cost you and how is it working for you as of now.

Thanks,
Manshoon

 

[Grandad4]

HST is generally more convenient in these compact tractors, because they often do lots of back and forth work. HST is pretty much bulletproof, based on what you read here. There are dealers who admit they don't know a lot about fixing them due to lack of experience... so few ever fail. That said, they are hydraulic devices, so poor maintenance can cause problems. You want to keep the fluid and filters clean.

The DT is tried and true, of course. In the hands of a good operator, the clutch and gearbox will last a long time. Either type will ordinarily outlast the first owner. I would say you'll probably be doing a fair amount of starting and stopping with one of those L3200/L3800 setups on 1.8 acres... probably tilts things toward the HST somewhat.

I am 67 and have used manual gearboxes my whole life but would not want to go back to one on our work tractors. The hydro is just quicker, easier, and, yes, safer for me to operate. To each their own, however. If someone else likes the straight drive setup better, that's what they should choose.

 

[big bubba]

guess i'd echo what grand dad above said. in the smaller tractor you're considering, many operators prefer the HST for good reasons. never owned one, owned only 1 automatic auto in my years (65) gears work for me. wise for you to ask these questions. my question to you if you are considering manual trannie: are you used to it? and how good are your knees? resale value might have an edge w/HST as well. personally i love manual but that should not be reason for someone else to choose it. i really wouldn't worry about longevity of either system unless you abuse (riding clutch, etc). but no machine is exempt from abuse ...... good luck

 

[Manshoon]

Thank you for the advice. Just a little about me I failed to mention, as I have been driving commercial big rigs for 30+ years and have plenty of clutch time involved with that, I guess clutch spring pressure being what it is on anything hydraulic will have it effects on my old knees. Most likely to the point where HST might be the way to go for me at this stage of the game of life.

But cash on hand is on the low side right now after a new house purchase to get the 1.8 acres to play around on and maintain. Price being what it is on new tractors will most likely determine what I get in the end. My choice of tractors has been narrowed to three brands with the Kubota likely out in the front because of the specials and package deals i have seen from a few dealers in the South Carolina area. The price for fuel will about average out with my love for road trips to pick up a new tool for the garage and yard.

Can anyone one share any Issues that have popped up over the first couple years of ownership with your L3200/3800 series tractors that can educate me on what to expect or watch out for ?

Thanks again all for the help, as I am new to tractors that pull plows, rather than tractors that pull 108 thousand pounds on any given day/all day.

 

[big bubba]

have you decided to go with new? or a more "equipped" or larger model 2nd hand? sounds like you have gathered info on the setup good for you...now (as always in life!) it's about compromise & $ best of luck

 

[Manshoon]

I am most likely going brand new, only because of the prices people are asking for half used up prices for 10 year old stuff. It just makes more sense for me to spend the little extra to get new as I don't like to insult folks with what I might consider fair market value to what they have paid for their setup with sketchy maintenance records, if they keep them at all ?

One other question I wanted to ask was regarding tires. What will be the better of the 2 for longevity, the AG tire or Industrial tire for soft dirt and grass and with any luck some snow. I haven't considered the Turf tires as of yet, as I wouldn't have a clue as to how capable they are in the snow or wet areas of the pacific NW once the rains start back up.

 

[k0ua]

Do 8 hours of loader work and your left knee will thank you for choosing HST..If you are going to plow the 40 acres.. get the gear. If you want precise control when working with forks, grapple or even grading and working around buildings and people, get the HST. If money is the object, get the gear.. though you will get your money back when and if you trade. If you have others that operate the tractor. get the HST.. no learning curve for them.. I understand you are a pro-driver. You would probably be happy with which either one you choose. I have owned 2 gear and 3 HST tractors, I ain't going back to gear.

James K0UA

 

[k0ua]

Here are my thought on the tires... If you are going to plow in the dirt. get the AG's, If you are going to run in a lot of mud, get the AG's. If you are going to do loader work, get the R4 Industrials. Stronger tire, more puncture resistance, and able to handle heavy loads best.. Turf are the easiest on well.... turf.. and probably the best in most types of snow. They are the worst for loads. Industrials are the "middle compromise" tire, OK on everything, but not the best on anything, except FEL work. AG's tear the heck out of lawns unless they are dry, and even then leave some marks. All the choices are compromises in some way.

James K0UA

 

[big bubba]

kuoa's words are well said

 

[Bluegill2]

I prefer Gear Trans myself, but... Go to the dealer and drive both HST and Gear, then buy the one you like best. Both will hold up and last a Long Time.

I like Ag tires here, mostly for the wet ground in the wood, some mud and general traction issues. Your conditions might be different.

The package deals look pretty good around here, but I can't remember exact prices.

 

[wcampbell47]

I do a lot of front loader work and mowing. I have both a gear and HST tractor. Prefer the HST to the gear. HST is easier, faster and more precise with the FEL. When mowing with the gear depressing the clutch also disengages the PTO. So going to reverse and back forward can be tricky. Not so with the HST which maintains constant PTO speed during direction changes. Don't buy a tractor you have not climbed on, sat on and driven - or at least the same model with similar equipment. I really like the open driver station on my Kubota HST. I added a step for ease getting on and off. I run R4 tires and am happy with them.

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

Good info has been provided.
I'll add my opinion regarding gear/HST.
In 10 years I've bought 15 Kubotas. Number 13, I think, was a geared B2320 my first and last geared tractor. I don't farm 40 acres but do 5 acres of level rental property and 5 acres of hillside home mowing and landscaping. Lots of FEL work and some PTO powered work in the past but not now. I've owned lots of High performance and sports cars and liked the 4, 5 and 6 speed shifting so it's not like I don't have experience but NOT in any tractor with what I have to do.
You'll never wear out either one of them if your over 40 years old and probably not if your under 40 years old with fairly regular maintenance and a bit of common sense.
I've always bought new because, as you said, new is about the same as used prices and the financing is great for new units.
Contact Barlows and get their price for Apples to Apples comparison of what you want. They deliver all over and if you just want to do a cross country drive pick where you want to go and have them meet you there.

 

[TripleR]

A perfect example of what happens when you arrive late, nothing left to add other than to agree with the excellent advice given by others. I run HST and geared, Ag and Industrial and can't improve on what you have been told. One thing I have found for me, things with which I was comfortable a few short years ago are now problematic due to age/health, so I took particular care buying my last new tractor with an eye to the future.

 

[Grandad4]

...because of the specials and package deals i have seen from a few dealers in the South Carolina area. The price for fuel will about average out with my love for road trips to pick up a new tool for the garage and yard...

Good advice about getting a variety of quotes. Also be aware the "package deals" may be for the same tractor but often involve different brands of attachments and trailers, often "economy models" to give a better price point in the package deal. A local dealer may be selling a better grade of stuff and thus end up quoting higher. Nothing wrong with either approach as long as you understand what's involved.

 

[Bluegill2]

I do a lot of front loader work and mowing. I have both a gear and HST tractor. Prefer the HST to the gear. HST is easier, faster and more precise with the FEL. When mowing with the gear depressing the clutch also disengages the PTO. So going to reverse and back forward can be tricky. Not so with the HST which maintains constant PTO speed during direction changes. Don't buy a tractor you have not climbed on, sat on and driven - or at least the same model with similar equipment. I really like the open driver station on my Kubota HST. I added a step for ease getting on and off. I run R4 tires and am happy with them.

Not so with many gear drive tractors. Mine has two stage clutch, depress clutch to change gear/direction and the PTO never loses power.

 

[bigbull338]

for what your wanting todo the R4s are what you need.turf tires will get you stuck if its the lest bit wet an muddy.the only thing R1s will do for you is get you a better tade in value if you decided to trade.

 

[PHILIP8N]

turf tires will get you stuck if its the lest bit wet an muddy

There are several different types of turfs. My turfs look more aggressive than most mud tires on 4WD trucks, and are better in mud than one would think. Here I am pulling an 8000# super stock diesel pulling tractor down a muddy mess. Now in this picture, do I wish I had R1's, yes, but my turfs got the job done. Would I cut my grass with R1's, no. They are great on turf, great in snow, good on dirt, and ok in mud unless it is really sloppy. Philip.

 

[DK35vince]

Not so with many gear drive tractors. Mine has two stage clutch, depress clutch to change gear/direction and the PTO never loses power.

Most modern gear drives have live or independent PTO and continue to run if the clutch is pushed in.
On my gear tractor you flip a switch on the dash and the PTO runs regardless of the clutch being in or out. The PTO continues to run till I turn off the switch.

 

[Bluegill2]

Most modern gear drives have live or independent PTO and continue to run if the clutch is pushed in.
On my gear tractor you flip a switch on the dash and the PTO runs regardless of the clutch being in or out. The PTO continues to run till I turn off the switch.

I personally do not like electric PTO engagement. I want a manual lever (not a cable) and clutch activated PTO. And that's what I have.

 

[TripleR]

I personally do not like electric PTO engagement. I want a manual lever (not a cable) and clutch activated PTO. And that's what I have.

Me either but I can live with it. Our M8540 has an independent PTO that is engaged by a lever, same with most of our tractors, but my L5740 has the push button. I have gotten use to it, but still like the lever better.