thanks. It's when the exhaust noise is so muted, that I wonder if the hydro noises intrude. I watched the JD comparison video using a noise meter and of course the JD was quieter, actually by a lot at rated speed, but the tractor was sitting in idle. I'd like some feedback on whiny noises when the thing is under load, really being used.
I test drove the Kioti 50 with a cab, and was amazed how loud it was in the cab, really surprised too. BUT, we were under a metal roof at a fair ground and I think there was some booming going on. But as soon as I started up the Kioti, my first thought was headphones. Not what I want. Boy that was a nice tractor though. Noise can be very tiring, at least for me, and I don't like earplugs or phones, unless I have to, and often have to with the equipment I have now. Just wondering if i can finally take everything off my head, put a little vintage Alabama on the stereo and actually hear the music.
I'm not likely to do a lot of loader work, so a powershuttle or similar would be just fine. It seems the ultimate would be the Case IH CVT setup, which is now going into smaller tractors. But I bet that has a serious price tag for it, and one of the things I've always admired about tractors is their simplicity and durability. Not so simple any more, but a gear tractor with a good operator ought to last a very, very long time.
On YouTube there's some company hawking used tractors that always has a giant custom truck in the background and the tractors are all put through the same pace. He revs the crap out of it, usually pops the clutch and lurches forward, not a soft touch for sure as he wheels through the demo.
Now this is a guy who should drive a hydro for the sake of the tractor, though I'm sure one can abuse anything if they try hard enough.
My Gravely garden tractor is all gear, and it sings a symphony of different gear noises depending upon which direction it's going in, nothing objectionable, just sort of talking to me. But it's noise, and noise is cumulative, added to the exhaust, and the shaft drive mower, and there is no way I can drive the Gravely for very long without plugging my ears. Really don't want to have to do that if I spend 50K on a new tractor.
My Case IH 255/Mitsu has no gear/trans noise at all.
I'm going to guess that the total noise level isn't much different between hydro and gear, but that the sound may be different. Some noises you live with and some annoy you constantly. Want to avoid the latter.
Appreciate all advice.