2 vs 3 spd HST and transmission controls

[ovrszd]

As other have stated, I'd be more concerned with what other differences there are? for example, do they both have telescoping 3pt lower arms? That's a biggie!!!!

Would be nice if you could park them side by side and make your decision.

Good luck with whichever you purchase. Post pics!!!!

 

[jenkinsph]

After talking to a JD salesman, I am comparing a 3039R vs a 3038E. I was leaning towards an R, but the dealer thinks an E might be better for me ($5k cheaper). He has an R on the lot, but he can find an E easily I guess. Anyway, the E has a 2 spd hydro, and no adjustment to speed up or slow down the acceleration and deceleration of the machine when the pedals are pushed down or let up. This is supposed to avoid tearing turf - but I won't be on "turf".

I figure R4 tires for working in the timber and around my house, barn and pasture, brush mowing, grading, and using the FEL to move wood, gravel and manure. Do I really need $5k worth of these transmission electronics and the 3-spd HST rather than the 2-spd HST and a "normal" transmission (less to go wrong??).

I'm a rookie to loaders and modern tractors. I have only an 8N for reference. I guess my JD x540 lawn tractor has HST, but I don't see much relevant there.

Thanks

I don't see how turf would be a problem with either transmission and would disagree with anyone saying otherwise. I use the auto throttle the majority of the time and engagement is smooth and steady. I am very satisfied with the Ehydro transmission that comes with the 3039R. I also agree with others that their are several other upgrades with the R series over the E series. I prefer the R series myself.

 

[TripleR]

If you never try an R, you'll be happy with the E.

 

[ovrszd]

If you never try an R, you'll be happy with the E.

That was a very mature and polite statement Larry!!!!

 

[Musdalen]

I wonder if this is something that has to be experienced to understand? It would seem to me that the number of speeds would be pretty immaterial but maybe not. Wouldn't one just select the gear needed and go? I don't go tooling down the road, so high end speed is of no use; if more speeds means more speed, I don't need it. My 8n is WAY too fast. I do need the low end for tugging trees into and out of the timber. Would a 3 speed go lower than a 2 speed?

I was looking at the demos on line for the different electronic features associated with the electronic transmission (accelerating and decelerating) and while they made sense for specialized work, I'm not specialized. What I would hate to do is to drop $5k on that stuff, and it is always set in the same position, "Normal" or whatever. Or that it could become a source of oft-needed and expensive repairs.

I also see that the Es have less hydraulic capacity (9.3 gpm vs 13.9). Does this mean that the loader bucket will operate 40% slower on the E than the R? That might be important to me.

The E has a "final drive" that is a Spur gear vs. the R's Helical gear. They are also 700 lbs lighter. Are these that important for some chores in particular?

The E's can't lift as much with the loader, but really 1200 lbs seems plenty to guy that doesn't even have a loader.

I suppose I could split the difference between a 3038E and a 3039R with the 3033R. A bit fewer horses, but the rest of the R's features would be intact. I'd be saving about $2500, instead of $5k.

Just thinking out loud, but I guess I'm getting closer to needing to actually try one or two of these things. Meanwhile, all of your input is welcome and helpful.

 

[Musdalen]

As other have stated, I'd be more concerned with what other differences there are? for example, do they both have telescoping 3pt lower arms? That's a biggie!!!!

Would be nice if you could park them side by side and make your decision.

Good luck with whichever you purchase. Post pics!!!!

They both have (I believe) the same loader on them. But I could be wrong. Not sure what telescoping arms are, but now I know to ask. Thanks!

 

[ovrszd]

I wonder if this is something that has to be experienced to understand? It would seem to me that the number of speeds would be pretty immaterial but maybe not. Wouldn't one just select the gear needed and go? I don't go tooling down the road, so high end speed is of no use; if more speeds means more speed, I don't need it. My 8n is WAY too fast. I do need the low end for tugging trees into and out of the timber. Would a 3 speed go lower than a 2 speed?

I was looking at the demos on line for the different electronic features associated with the electronic transmission (accelerating and decelerating) and while they made sense for specialized work, I'm not specialized. What I would hate to do is to drop $5k on that stuff, and it is always set in the same position, "Normal" or whatever. Or that it could become a source of oft-needed and expensive repairs.

I also see that the Es have less hydraulic capacity (9.3 gpm vs 13.9). Does this mean that the loader bucket will operate 40% slower on the E than the R? That might be important to me.

The E has a "final drive" that is a Spur gear vs. the R's Helical gear. They are also 700 lbs lighter. Are these that important for some chores in particular?

The E's can't lift as much with the loader, but really 1200 lbs seems plenty to guy that doesn't even have a loader.

I suppose I could split the difference between a 3038E and a 3039R with the 3033R. A bit fewer horses, but the rest of the R's features would be intact. I'd be saving about $2500, instead of $5k.

Just thinking out loud, but I guess I'm getting closer to needing to actually try one or two of these things. Meanwhile, all of your input is welcome and helpful.

And here you thought buying a new tractor was going to be easy......

 

[motownbrowne]

The speed thing works like this, in low medium and high, you can go 0-top speed for that range. In high range, though, you have less torque. If I have my tractor in high and try to pull a heavy log for example, the tractor won't do it, it just bogs down and the HST hits the pressure relief. In low, you have much more torque. In low range, I can hitch up at an immovable object and my tractor will spin the tires rather than bogging down.

For me, medium range is where I'm at 90+% of the time. Low has great torque, but I usually want to go more than 3 MPH or whatever it is. High is plenty fast, but I don't get enough torque to the ground. Maybe I'm wrong, but I feel like with a 2 speed I'd always be wanting a little more torque if I was in high or a little more speed of i was in low.

Does that make sense?

 

[Musdalen]

If you never try an R, you'll be happy with the E.

You are a wise guy

 

[Musdalen]

And here you thought buying a new tractor was going to be easy......

I knew I was getting in over my head, but I didn't realize the water could be quite this deep. I'm still learning to swim. But I'll get there.