When a gear tractor reaches 1000's of hours it needs a clutch; what does a HST need?

[Teachu2]

I can understand that.
But I will also say that of numerous tractor dealership and independent tractor repair shops I have been in,
I can not think of a single one I would be comfortable having them rebuild a hydro. A few of the mechanics yes, but they do not have a clean enough facility.
Replacing one OK, but I also know that is should have a drain and refill after just a couple of hours on it from airborne dirt and dust.

My local dealer uses a non-local company that specializes in rebuilding hydros. Of course, they can't do so if parts are not available. If I had multiple tractors, it would matter less. Then again, I don't have a hydro - so it doesn't matter at all to me!

 

[wagne223]

Just wondering what the potential repairs will be on a hydro tractor as it ages?

I dont really think this is an apples to apples comparison.
A friction clutch is a wear item by design.
Clutch maintenance usually only means keeping it adjusted correctly.
No matter what, the clutch will wear from use.

An HST is a hydraulic driven motor that drives the metal gears in the transmission.
It is not a wear item. Meaning it is not designed to wear from normal use.
Maintenance is changing the fluid and filters.

Failures are not common although they do happen.
I would think that you run the same risk with the hydraulic system as you do with the prime mover (engine). A failure in either with a high hour machine will mean the machine is scrap. Unless the owner is mechanically inclined.

 

[ptsg]

You do have wear parts in a HST that are designed to wear. You have swash plates, pistons, valve plates, thrust washers, cylinder blocks... The list goes on and on. So yes, after X hours, it'll either get a rebuild kit if it's still available or just dump the whole thing out.

While a clutch will wear faster or slower according to use and how it's used, the HST will wear faster/slower according to the maintenance and the quality of oil and filters.

 

[Industrial Toys]

No one has said anything about wet vs dry clutches.

 

[3gunr]

My 32 year old Ford is a basic geared transmission. IF I ever get a new tractor (highly unlikely), I was curious as to the possible repair bills with a HST.

Then why bother asking?

 

[MA1920]

Then why bother asking?

I hope I don't come across as rude, but the answer is in my quote in your post. "I was curious..."

 

[LouNY]

No one has said anything about wet vs dry clutches.

Expensive when they do go bad, I hope I never have to on my Branson with them.
On the farm one of the magnums has over 10,000 hours with no issues yet on the clutch packs,
the Puma 125 has 9000 hours and no work done to it yet as far as clutch packs, wiring issues yes a few of those.
I know the dry clutch on my IH574 would be much less expensive and a lot easier then the wet clutch packs on my Branson,
heck I could be putting the 574 back together before I had gotten to those clutch packs between removing the cab and splitting the tractor.
But most likely quite a bit less then a hydro repair.

 

[sd455dan]

Just wondering what the potential repairs will be on a hydro tractor as it ages?

While probably not directly comparable we had a problem with our hydrostatic drive Ford New Holland skid steer when 1 side of the Cessna Aerospace Hydro drive went out several years back.
Parts and labor It was About $7000 to fix it.

 

[1930]

In case anyone was wondering why I recently bought a geared transmission this thread says it all

 

[mmc205]

My understanding with HST was that if you keep the fluids clean, HST will last longer but not forever; the hydraulic pumps and motors will still need rebuilt. I'd love to know what a running average would be for different machines to reach that point is.