Advice on Hydrostatic Transmission vs Gears

[hayden]

One advantage to Hydro while digging into a pile is that if you let off the go pedal, the tractor simply stops. On a geared tractor, you can let off the go pedal but those tires are still churning until something breaks or the tractor stalls.

You need to clutch or hit the reverser, depending on what you have. I've been practicing my timing on hitting the reverser with my new-to-me IVT transmission. That's still needed with an IVT. You can also brake and that automatically clutches.

 

[JTKub]

My first tractor experience, except my home made version, was an L3800 size Kubota that came with my girlfriend when she moved in.

Girlfriends that come equipped with tractors? Sounds great unless you tick her off. LOL

 

[Too many Kubotas]

Girlfriends that come equipped with tractors? Sounds great unless you tick her off. LOL

Hah, that was many years ago and we're still together.

Also, she bought two of the four we have now, although she has never used either one of those two. I sure do.

 

[redman135]

To the OP. HST would be better for your children as they are more forgiving of mistakes, than their gear driven equivilents, and easier to learn from a zero start.
BUT be aware that these small tractors are narrow and tippy. LOOK at the rear rims. You want the 2 piece rims that let you widen the track for more stability(surprising amount of difference) and ballast the rear. Significant safety gains.
I am off hill country and the tractors have wide track or dual wheels.

 

[Wobblin-Goblin]

You need to clutch or hit the reverser, depending on what you have. I've been practicing my timing on hitting the reverser with my new-to-me IVT transmission. That's still needed with an IVT. You can also brake and that automatically clutches.

LOL, no kidding. I was simply making the point that geared tractors will bury or break themselves if not operated correctly.