HST vs Manual trans

[tcreeley]

I have a TC30 gear and I like it I have spread a lot of gravel, cleared a lot of snow, tilled, bushed hogged, harrowed, etc. I have live PTO {two stage clutch)- makes using the PTO pleasant,
I scoop up gravel in low and switch to medium to transport it without needing to shift gears. I like the hydrostatic on my ztr. I rented a hydro backhoe tractor. I didn't care for it- had the wrong feel to it. - I like just sitting there going around the field, just steering! I'll stick with gear.

 

[Rmart30]

Love my L4600 with HST for loader and mowing work.... The only time id like to have a gear tractor is on fall planting days at the hunt club where I may disk for 8+ hrs straight. The HST gets a little warm then.

 

[paulfun9]

I have both and prefer the shuttle.

 

[RoyJackson]

Boy, I thought the HST vs. gear debate was over about a decade ago!

IMHO, the reverser transmissions are the best of both worlds. Very easy to change direction (with the Power-Reverser on John Deeres, no clutching is required) and less horse power loss then an HST.

 

[ericm979]

I like just sitting there going around the field, just steering! I'll stick with gear.

Many HSTs have "cruise control" that holds the HST in position so you can take your foot off the pedal.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

AND how about the difference to OWN a hystat vs a gear drive tractor???

It must be "at least" 3 times more costly just to change ALL the oils in a hystat! AND that's every time you do it!

SR

 

[ericm979]

I don't know about other tractors but on Branson 20 and 25 series the HST and manual hold about the same amount of transmission fluid. The manual uses 9 gallons, the HST 9.8. This fluid is also the hydraulic fluid so perhaps the hydraulic systems' reserviour requirements superceed the transmission's. Or they want the fluid at a certain level (even the HST has a bunch of gears inside that need lubrication) and the transmission cases are about the same size.

 

[k0ua]

AND how about the difference to OWN a hystat vs a gear drive tractor???

It must be "at least" 3 times more costly just to change ALL the oils in a hystat! AND that's every time you do it!

SR

Hi Rob, My manual calls for the same oil and the same schedule HST vs the gear models. There is one more filter though.

 

[k0ua]

You know, I compare this debate to the ones I had with my dad when he was alive. He thought that the automatic transmission in a truck was an invention of the devil. He would never own one and he went to his grave not owning one. Of course try to find a light truck now with a standard transmission. They exist, but they are few and far between. He also hated power steering, power brakes, and air conditioning. He "knew" that those things broke down every 10,000 miles or so, and wanted nothing to do with them. I on the other hand, thought they all were good inventions and had their place.

I also think hydrostatic transmission are the most popular transmission choice in scuts and CUTS, and I also think if you have to ask which is best, there is only one answer for you.

If you are experienced, and know which transmission choice you want, then that is the answer for you.

 

[k0ua]

I don't know about other tractors but on Branson 20 and 25 series the HST and manual hold about the same amount of transmission fluid. The manual uses 9 gallons, the HST 9.8. This fluid is also the hydraulic fluid so perhaps the hydraulic systems' reserviour requirements superceed the transmission's. Or they want the fluid at a certain level (even the HST has a bunch of gears inside that need lubrication) and the transmission cases are about the same size.

Yep, all tractors are about like that... Same hydraulic fluid hydro or gear, about the same quantities and the same schedule. But all hydro machines will have an extra filter of some type. But some people "know" they cost 3 times as much to service and operate!