Advice on Hydrostatic Transmission vs Gears

[Same35]

As I get older, I realize the kids really won't be comfortable (or safe) on the older 60's tractors I have that I grew up with (AC, Farmall). We don't farm full time but maintain the fields, odd jobs, etc. I am considering selling the older machines (well maintained and in excellent condition), and finding a 40-50hp size modern machine with cab and quick detach loader - something the kids can relate to and use more than the old stuff. Won't hurt me to plow snow in a warm cab either.

I am favoring hydrostatic for ease of use. But in general, how do they hold up compared to conventional geared machines? I realize this is a very broad question, but how trouble free are the newer hydrostatics?

 

[4570Man]

I’ve seen a lot more threads with seized or burned out clutches vs HST problems. HST transmissions are for the most part very reliable.

 

[SPYDERLK]

As I get older, I realize the kids really won't be comfortable (or safe) on the older 60's tractors I have that I grew up with (AC, Farmall). We don't farm full time but maintain the fields, odd jobs, etc. I am considering selling the older machines (well maintained and in excellent condition), and finding a 40-50hp size modern machine with cab and quick detach loader - something the kids can relate to and use more than the old stuff. Won't hurt me to plow snow in a warm cab either.

I am favoring hydrostatic for ease of use. But in general, how do they hold up compared to conventional geared machines? I realize this is a very broad question, but how trouble free are the newer hydrostatics?

Hydrostatics are extremely controllable, but hugely force limited compared to gear tractors. In my experience based on more than 10 gear or hydro tractors, you will always encounter situations where you cannot apply enough "go" in any range to spin the wheels on an HST. Up to that point you are happy. After it you feel betrayed -- and maybe stuck.

 

[LouNY]

One thing I'd consider is the size of the cabs. On the smaller tractors they are small also. From what I recall seeing around it was 75+HP to get a larger cab with a buddy seat or even enough room for a passenger.

Edited to add;
What the heck lets get it started, I prefer gear and power shuttles and or power shift over hydro's by a long way.

 

[4570Man]

Hydrostatics are extremely controllable, but hugely force limited compared to gear tractors. In my experience based on more than 10 gear or hydro tractors, you will always encounter situations where you cannot apply enough "go" in any range to spin the wheels on an HST. Up to that point you are happy. After it you feel betrayed -- and maybe stuck.

In my experience that only happens with the heavy 24 hp tractors that only exist because they’re trying to beat the epa emissions regulations. If you have enough power the HST works just fine.

 

[SPYDERLK]

In my experience that only happens with the heavy 24 hp tractors that only exist because they’re trying to beat the epa emissions regulations. If you have enough power the HST works just fine.

With a loader you can always make the tractor heavy. Iv never found an HST tractor that will spin wheels pushing and lifting with differential locked. Iv never found a gear tractor that wouldnt, at half throttle, even fully ballasted and counterweighted.
Maybe a 4 range trans on the hst would do it.

 

[4570Man]

With a loader you can always make the tractor heavy. Iv never found an HST tractor that will spin wheels pushing and lifting with differential locked. Iv never found a gear tractor that wouldnt, at half throttle, even fully ballasted and counterweighted.
Maybe a 4 range trans on the hst would do it.

My L3240 and M59 with the 6 speed transmissions could both do it. My L3800 with the 3 speed transmission but has considerably more power to weight can do it. With the OPs main goal of plowing snow I doubt there’s enough traction for that to happen anyway.

 

[IXLR8]

For me HST has plenty of push. With my DK40 HST in the medium range, with loaded rear wheel and the backhoe on, I can still spin the rear tires and dig small holes if I am trying to push too much dirt. I can't imagine using anything but HST with the dirt work I do.

 

[RjCorazza]

For the op's stated concerns, the choice is HST.

 

[shooterdon]

Being able to inch forward with the HST allows me to use a stump grinder effectively. It is also easier when using pallet forks and trying to position loads accurately.

I never considered the longevity of HST vs Gear tractors because I was 70 years old when I bought my last tractor and I put about 80-100 hours a year on it.