Gear or Hydrostatic Transmissions for Compact Utility Tractors?

[oldpilgrim]

++1 for you Moss...

^^^^^ this, thanks.

 

[GManBart]

Drive the one you like the best. I havent figured out the constant desire on here to try to prove one over the other.

This was post #2 and pretty much every post afterwards has been a waste of typing.

 

[gladehound]

Again, I'll say the argument about power loss to the PTO on an HST is a red herring. If the machine is rated for XX HP at the PTO, that's what you'll get. You won't lose anything.

This would only be true when you're not moving. Run an implement with the PTO while moving and you can add the extra inefficiency of the HST transmission to any difference in rated PTO power.

 

[gladehound]

Yup and the argument that gear is better for Plowing is only subjective. Constant PTO speed with effortless, infinite ground speed control is definitely better in my mind.

Not when you can get a huge increase in power to the ground with gear for about the same purchase price! Example, your 28hp 3016HST and my 45 hp DS4510HS. Add in the extra transmission loss of HST and you are getting near twice the power for plowing. That will make a big difference in the amount of time it takes - and the clock is very objective.

So obviously there are many tasks at which a same price gear tractor will far outperform an HST. Just as there are many tasks at which a same price HST tractor will outperform a gear tractor (namely those where the big gear tractor wont fit easily or is too cumbersome to maneuver).

Some might say I'm not comparing apples to apples - and they are absolutely right. I'm comparing dollars to dollars.

 

[oldpilgrim]

Your 45 hp gear tractor cost the same or less than my 28 hp HST?

My HST tractor with fel and BH was $24K. I think your dollar to dollar comparison is flawed.

 

[SteveM70]

This was post #2 and pretty much every post afterwards has been a waste of typing.

Agreed. Both have there place but just not in the garage of the owner of the other.

It's almost like the "which caliber rifle is best" debate. What works best for you is not universal.

 

[DK35vince]

Again, I'll say the argument about power loss to the PTO on an HST is a red herring. If the machine is rated for XX HP at the PTO, that's what you'll get. You won't lose anything.

If you take the same make and model, one gear, one HST.
The HST will generally have around 1 1/2 HP less at the PTO than the identical gear model.
So there is some power loss at the PTO.

 

[k0ua]

Agreed. Both have there place but just not in the garage of the owner of the other.

It's almost like the "which caliber rifle is best" debate. What works best for you is not universal.

Well, now see, that is easy. Everyone knows that .308 Winchester is best. And in low power centerfire rifle, 5.56 X45 is best. See how easy that was?

 

[oldpilgrim]

I personally like the .44-40 in my 1873 Winchester.

 

[SteveM70]

Well, now see, that is easy. Everyone knows that .308 Winchester is best. And in low power centerfire rifle, 5.56 X45 is best. See how easy that was?

7-08 and 22-250 are my go to rifles.

Old Pilgram, the saying goes, "more game big and small and more men good and bad have been killed with a 44-40 than any other caliber." But you probably knew that already. I have one myself, great old caliber.