~50~60Hp compact cabbed tractor with a good loader and lots of stability?

[Sid Post]

I think it's a matter of preference and what you're doing with it. My experience has been that HSTs are convenient for frequent slow speed forward/reverse jobs but personally I feel like they just don't put the power to the ground like a geared tractor does

So true. Pretty easy to see when looking at PTO Hp values for the same tractor except for the transmission difference.

Newer HST options aren't as bad as the older ones but, there is a real difference.

In my case, the little B2601 works much better in tight areas, for this reason, as noted about a lot of back-and-forth motion. Around obstacles, it is very convenient too. When I mowed a large area I could not get to with my current tractor though, my leg got tired holding down the HST treadle. It also blows going between my place and a friend's about a mile away.

 

[Deanes]

My 55 HP New Holland was much too narrow to mow on the hills and slopes. I just swapped the rear wheels, tires and all to the other side. The bow on the wheels is now out instead of in and I don't think it can turn over. Like a new tractor the way it handles!

 

[jyoutz]

So true. Pretty easy to see when looking at PTO Hp values for the same tractor except for the transmission difference.

Newer HST options aren't as bad as the older ones but, there is a real difference.

In my case, the little B2601 works much better in tight areas, for this reason, as noted about a lot of back-and-forth motion. Around obstacles, it is very convenient too. When I mowed a large area I could not get to with my current tractor though, my leg got tired holding down the HST treadle. It also blows going between my place and a friend's about a mile away.

Cruise control is an easy fix for that issue.

 

[steve tym]

When I bought my Branson, I was told they are owned by Kukje. I believe that to be true. Recently, I believe TYM acquired Kukje and Branson completely.

 

[Sid Post]

Cruise control is an easy fix for that issue.

The Kubota B2601 "cruise" feature cuts ground speed too much for me to use it for general transport duties.

 

[jyoutz]

The Kubota B2601 "cruise" feature cuts ground speed too much for me to use it for general transport duties.

I was referring to mowing.

 

[Sid Post]

I was referring to mowing.

With the feral hog activity, cruise control is a hard no in my pasture mowing. I have hit holes hidden by overgrown grass too many times to risk that. Keeping my foot on the foot throttle is a whole lot safer for me so that it slips and mower bogs and/or stalls the tractor. Even on rough ground, it is much easier to modulate the ground speed too.

 

[jyoutz]

With the feral hog activity, cruise control is a hard no in my pasture mowing. I have hit holes hidden by overgrown grass too many times to risk that. Keeping my foot on the foot throttle is a whole lot safer for me so that it slips and mower bogs and/or stalls the tractor. Even on rough ground, it is much easier to modulate the ground speed too.

That’s what I do too. But I don’t see the difference between HST with cruise or a gear tractor. With both, you are running at a constant speed. With the gear unit, you have to hit the clutch when you hit the rough ground. With HST, you have to hit the hydro pedal.

 

[bgr]

You mention United Ag and Turf as your Deere dealer in Texas. In 2021, during COVID, they bought every single Deere dealer in the New England area. A pretty big firm. Sad to hear they are not people you like to deal with.

 

[tacticalturnip]

You mention United Ag and Turf as your Deere dealer in Texas. In 2021, during COVID, they bought every single Deere dealer in the New England area. A pretty big firm. Sad to hear they are not people you like to deal with.

Not every dealer, just damn near most of them, and their customer service is absolutely loathsome.

For example, Chad Little still exists up here in Maine.