How does an HST compare in pulling power with the same tractor and a gear trans?

[HEC]

I have both and like both , but for heavy pulling my hyd. shuttle is the best for my pulling needs . The Kubota factory rep. strongly recommended the gear for pulling . That being said my 2650 pulls much more than I ever expected . I just don't know how hard it is on the hst so I don't do it . The 2650 can pull my 6 ft. disc harrow or the 5 tooth cultivator in my garden , but is that to hard on the tractor . I don't know honestly so I just don't do it anymore .

 

[Sawyer Rob]

I wonder how people worked with tractors before the HST came out...

No kidding, the newb's in here have re-invented everything to do with tractors, even where gear drive tractors will or will not go! lol

SR

 

[RickB]

No kidding, the newb's in here have re-invented everything to do with tractors, even where gear drive tractors will or will not go! lol

SR

Let's give 'em all 2wd manual steer tractors with straight cut gears and transmission driven PTOs.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

Let's give 'em all 2wd manual steer tractors with straight cut gears and transmission driven PTOs.

They would actually have to learn something then!!

SR

 

[K5lwq]

Let's give 'em all 2wd manual steer tractors with straight cut gears and transmission driven PTOs.

There is logic to that in my opinion. I suggest an 8N to a new guy after seeing what he was doing with a rental. Learn how to use a 8N and keep it running for a few years and they would have a lot more success with a newer tractor.

He did not listen. Haven't heard how it is going for him but I can only imagine.

 

[jstrick]

I have a very old gear tractor that convinced me that HST was a requirement for my new tractor. In terms of pulling the two tractors aren't comparable. As someone else said: "The convenience is worth any power loss." I figure if the HST can spin all four tires, it doesn't matter - gears would also spin the tires (my old tractor would spin over backwards and I would be flattened). Then again, I do all sorts of things with the tractor, and I think gears might win out for someone who spends hours in a field pulling implements.

 

[MF243RedTop]

Let's give 'em all 2wd manual steer tractors with straight cut gears and transmission driven PTOs.

Hey hey, I like my hydraulic steering...
The gears I can do..
Don't miss disking over turned ground with the 135 manual steer.

 

[4570Man]

Let's give 'em all 2wd manual steer tractors with straight cut gears and transmission driven PTOs.

I’ll drive a 5x2 truck all day long but a geared tractor is worthless for what I do.

 

[RickB]

I値l drive a 5x2 truck all day long but a geared tractor is worthless for what I do.

No, you just prefer the ease and convenience of a hydro. No shame in that.

 

[Smokeydog]

For lots rear ground engagement and set and forget mowing I can see advantage of a gear transmission.
For front loader engagement, mowing difficult terrain and mixed use the HST really shines.
Ease and convenience has some safety relationship. As age increases and physical abilities decrease the HST, open deck, auto throttle, no stall are nice features. I’m sure my opinion would be different 40-50 years ago.
When asking which pulls better is a hard yardstick to measure given the variables of the operator over time and variety of equipment. Can’t really determine which will pull better till you see the work and the worker. Guess the better question is “What would you prefer HST or gear transmission?”