Hydro or Gear?

[ptsg]

If you mind is set on the L2501, I think the main deciding factor will be how the PTO is setup.

As pointed out on the first page or so, the L2501 Gear doesn't have an independent PTO. This means the PTO will stop whenever you press the clutch. As an example, when mowing against a fence or something, you want to feather the clutch to go slowly but the PTO will also go slower.

If you're not set on the L2501, there are plenty of options available. Either Kubota or several other brands.

 

[ptsg]

Sold my hydro so I could buy a gear....but for me, even more important is how much cast aluminum is being used in the newer tractors. I sold my newer tractor to get an older tractor, gear drive and all cast iron

There are plenty of new tractors with Cast Iron transmission cases. In fact, only Kubota and JD make Aluminium cases on CUT.

 

[PsRumors]

There are plenty of new tractors with Cast Iron transmission cases. In fact, only Kubota and JD make Aluminium cases on CUT.

You are correct, Mahindra, Kioti, Branson are the ones I know of

 

[rScotty]

There are plenty of new tractors with Cast Iron transmission cases. In fact, only Kubota and JD make Aluminium cases on CUT.

That's interesting. I had heard that some super compact little tractors had aluminum cases, but didn't know that utility size tractors were too. It sounds like you have researched it; which models are using aluminum cases? What are the issues?

When comparing the materials, there is a huge range of quality in cast iron compared to aluminum. That's why manufacturing engineers tend to keep a closer check on the quality of work that comes out of a foundary casting iron parts than one that is casting aluminum. For a tractor, I'd probably pay more attention to where the founding and machining was done than which metal was used.

All else being equal - and it rarely is - then for cast cases I'd prefer good quality ductile cast iron to aluminum, and aluminum over a mediocre or brittle type cast iron.
rScotty

 

[SDT]

You have to look at data for drawbar hp. That痴 where the parasitic loses of hydrostatic transmissions will show up.

Bingo, Rick.

This is why hydrostats are poorly suited to ground engaging tasks such as plowing. This is also one of the major reasons why one never sees fully hydrostatic transmissions in high HP tractors designed for tillage.

Not shown from manufacturers advertised specs.

SDT

 

[SDT]

Power to the wheels can be far greater than 15% power loss,,
I like HST,, but, one guy was trying to pull a 2 bottom plow with a HST SCUT,, the tractor could not spin the wheels,,
His previous gear drive always could spin the wheels,, with a similar size engine,

No matter which of the three ranges the transmission was in,, the tires would just stop, when pulling the plow.

I tried this with my HST JD,, yep, the tires would stall,, changing ranges did not help, it just made the tractor slower.

Now, it is kinda useless to spin tires, but, it is a demonstration of engine power to the wheels.
Maybe a unique situation, but, I was able to reproduce the results.

Bingo, DAD.

25% is more realistic.

SDT

 

[SDT]

Youæ±*e not making a good argument here. With my HST I can keep the wheel slip close to zero. My M59 will spin in 4x4 diff lock down in medium low so itç—´ got plenty of power to do it.

Maybe.

Ever tried plowing with a properly matched plow? Understand the concept of draft control?

SDT

 

[4570Man]

Maybe.

Ever tried plowing with a properly matched plow? Understand the concept of draft control?

SDT

I plow a small garden once every couple years. If I was buying a tractor to plow it would be gears but since I’m not and most people with a compact tractor also aren’t I’m not sure what the point is.

 

[Threepoint]

That's interesting. I had heard that some super compact little tractors had aluminum cases, but didn't know that utility size tractors were too. It sounds like you have researched it; which models are using aluminum cases? What are the issues?

When comparing the materials, there is a huge range of quality in cast iron compared to aluminum. That's why manufacturing engineers tend to keep a closer check on the quality of work that comes out of a foundary casting iron parts than one that is casting aluminum. For a tractor, I'd probably pay more attention to where the founding and machining was done than which metal was used.

All else being equal - and it rarely is - then for cast cases I'd prefer good quality ductile cast iron to aluminum, and aluminum over a mediocre or brittle type cast iron.
rScotty

Interesting, indeed! I'd like to learn more about this, as well: especially advantages and disadvantages of aircraft-grade aluminum vs well-cast, ductile iron for various CUT parts. One situation that comes to mind is hooking up a PTO-driven implement with a shaft too long for the tractor. A broken transmission case can result when the hitch is suddenly raised too high. Would the aluminum or cast iron be better able to withstand the force? :scratchchin: Just one example where it might make a difference.

Don't want to hijack the OP's thread. Think I'll start a separate one on this.

 

[radios1]

Bingo, DAD.

25% is more realistic.

SDT

+1 the HST can get very hot under a large load, which means energy wasted as heat, instead of mechanical energy.