Another newbie

[KiotiJohn]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I understand that the fluid must be kept clean and changed on the prescribe intervals , if we do that is the HST reliable? )</font>
HST is not UNreliable. They've been around for many years and are used on a large scale these days in equipment much larger than we're discussing here.

And a correction as to gear drive tractors. Some are completely synchronized between all gears, and yes, you can shift on the fly, no stopping. Generally though, you choose the gear and range (h/m/l or h/l) you want and go from there.

Yes, anyone can get used to whatever type of tranmission he/she buys, but HST is by far the easiest to become accustomed to. For very close operations, new owners tend to slip the clutch a lot, causing excessive wear, and an expensive replacement too soon. With HST, just a slight push on the pedal can have the tractor creeping along at a miniscule speed if needed, whereas a geared version will not do that unless a creeper gear is part of the equipment.

Typically, a non-creeper will go at least 1 mph which can be quite a bit faster than one may think. Up close to something, it could feel like speeding for a new owner.

I've had gear and HST, no shuttle, but have used plenty of shuttle shift tractors. By far, the easiest to maneuver have been the HSTs. Also, the fact that the tractor comes to a stop if the pedal is not pushed is another good safety factor.

I'm not arguing against gear/shuttle exactly, but I do believe it is the best option for the inexperienced, and for those who do a lot of work in close quarters.

John

 

[ToadHill]

I don't understand wearing out a clutch using the FEL or other implements, My neighbors have tractors with FEL's and standard trans they they bought in the 1960"s that are still on the origional clutch. If you can handle that Mustang without using up the clutch, the tractor should be a piece of cake.

 

[KiotiJohn]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I don't understand wearing out a clutch using the FEL or other implements, My neighbors have tractors with FEL's and standard trans they they bought in the 1960"s that are still on the origional clutch. )</font>
They are indeed lucky if they still have the original clutches.
I was referring to newbies, some of whom I've seen trying to load dirt into t a loader. The RIDE that clutch, in and out, slipping the heck out of it until the smell is obvious. That's what I'm talking about!

I just imagine your friends are not newbies. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
John

 

[v8svo]

Thanks to all that responded. I think all things in balance we are going to go with the HST and put that part of the decision making process behind us. I will have to think some more about the L3400 vs. L3430 though. On one hand is the L3400 enough tractor and save the money for attachments, on the other does the added weight and the added features of the L3430 be something I will regret not getting? I will stay with the narrower loader bucket as recommend, that makes great sense. I came into the forum thinking about the L3400 now I seem to be leaning toward the L3430 if my wife will okay the cost difference. I appreciate the forthright comments from everyone.
Thanks again, Kevin

 

[coasterez]

Sounds like you're set on HST. I just want to point out that HST can also get tiring from holding your foot and leg in one position for long periods. My leg cramps up after long stints of mowing unless I use cruise control, and that isn't always practical. I'm not familiar with the details of options on the Kubotas mentioned. So, don't know if cruise if available. But, if it is, I highly recommend it, especially for that long driveway work.

I have tractors with both types of trannies. HST is awesome for tight spaces, very slow precision manuevering, and lots of back and forth stuff. HST is probably safer in most instances due to the control and instant response. However, gear is much better for long hauls at repeatable, precise and constant speeds. Gear also "feels" like you're putting more power to road, though I doubt this is really true (except for the HP differences). Yet the "whine" of HST under load is a little disconcerting to me at times. You won't be dissatisfied no matter which one you choose.

I first bought the "smaller" more "appropriate" tractor for my lot. And while, I love my "smaller" tractor. I found myself a number of years later needing and buying a "bigger" tractor. I now have two great tractors, perfect for their intended, now somewhat specialized, uses. But, had I bought "bigger" to start with I would have saved some serious doe, and would have completed some of the tasks I'm now doing many years ago.

Good luck with your purchase.

Tom