Comparison Shuttle shift or hydrostat?? Is the extra costs worth it in a 50hp-ish cab tractor for pto power (brush hogging)

[GE7EA]

Wondering what people’s thoughts are on this. A friend of mine has been trying to figure this question out due to the additional expense ($8k).

 

[TractorTYMe]

It's more of a "depended of your intent of area of use" with it, the common agreement if you're using more ground engaging attachment a geared tractor is best. If you do loader work then a HST is better. But HST's has more loss of HP to PTO indeed, I have 48.3Hp on my TYM and I do just fine with what I do which is logging, brush cutting and snow removal etc.

 

[GE7EA]

It's more of a "depended of your intent of area of use" with it, the common agreement if you're using more ground engaging attachment a geared tractor is best. If you do loader work then a HST is better. But HST's has more loss of HP to PTO indeed, I have 48.3Hp on my TYM and I do just fine with what I do which is logging, brush cutting and snow removal etc.

It's more of a "depended of your intent of area of use" with it, the common agreement if you're using more ground engaging attachment a geared tractor is best. If you do loader work then a HST is better. But HST's has more loss of HP to PTO indeed, I have 48.3Hp on my TYM and I do just fine with what I do which is logging, brush cutting and snow removal etc.

Thanks for your reply Tractor TYMe. Are you using gear or HST?

 

[scootr]

52hp HST here. I mow odd shaped parcels where I sometimes use reverse to back into a corner or reverse direction... A gear shift would be a PIA

 

[TractorTYMe]

Thanks for your reply Tractor TYMe. Are you using gear or HST?

HST

 

[super55]

Personally for mowing I prefer a gear or shuttle shift over a HST for mowing operations. For me don't particularly like listening to the "hydro whine" for extended hours. It might not be an issue with the larger HSTs but the smaller ones it's very noticeable. The other issue is having to set the cruise control for long runs or develop a very strong right foot.

There are situations where a hydro does outperform the others. One is finesse' cutting where you might be mowing around a pond or something where constant speed adjustments might be needed. The other is hilly terrain, The HST might not pull up the hill as well as a gear trans but it definitely is a lot more manageable and forgiving going down and being able to stop especially for an inexperienced operator.

 

[ning]

I mow around my pond a few times during the year and it's nonstop forward/backwards as I'm getting the mower right to the water's edge (actually I mow a few feet into the water as well - reeds). My neck gets a permanent twist by the end of that but at least I'm not messing with gears. This is definitely "finesse cutting" though.

 

[bridge4]

I have a HST, but I've been using a M7040 for a few weeks with shuttle shift. I will never buy a shuttle shift after that. It's a great tractor, but the control is just not there for me. Maybe after a few years I'd not even notice, but the HST is such an advantage imo. I work in a lot of tight areas and the shuttle shift is a real pain.

 

[big bubba]

52hp HST here. I mow odd shaped parcels where I sometimes use reverse to back into a corner or reverse direction... A gear shift would be a PIA

but not so w/geared hyd shuttle, no clutch or gear shift required w/ change of direction, loading, etc. best of both

 

[Smokeydog]

Had my fair share of gear and shuttle shift tractors. All good tractors. Kubota M59 with HST plus is best for our hillside farm. Do a lot FEL work with lots of different attachments. The power, ease, control and speed is impressive. Same for mowing in tight or high hazard areas.

Initial cost and maintenance cost always a consideration. Hate to admit it but easy has its benefits when you get older.