Alan L.
Elite Member
If you plan to do work that requires changing direction or changing speeds often then go with HST. Although mowing at at a constant speed would seem to be fine with a gear tractor, I find that I have to change speeds a lot due to thicker material, terrain, etc. With the HST its just a matter of pressure on the pedal while the engine and mower speed stays the same. With a gear, you have to shift up and down to change speeds.
Using the FEL or box blade you will find yourself going back and forth and after a couple of hours fatigue will become more of a factor with a gear tractor than HST.
Also, the HST is safer. If you fall off the tractor it will stop. Letting off the pedal is almost like pushing the brake.
Since I change implements by myself, I push the HST pedal while standing beside the tractor to make minute adjustments. I'm too old to be getting on and off the tractor for this.
The HST is critical when doing fine work with the FEL, like trying to dump something in the back of your shiny new pickup without damaging it.
The HST is reportedly very reliable, moreso than clutches on gear tractors. My dealer says about HST "Thay don't break", which is probably an exaggeration, but they rarely give trouble.
If I was doing mostly plowing or mowing on flat level ground and no FEL work, the extra power of a gear tranny might be worthwhile.
With HST, using the FEL, you can steer with one hand and operate the FEL with the other, and use your foot to go forward or backward. No need to take your hand off the joystick.
Using the FEL or box blade you will find yourself going back and forth and after a couple of hours fatigue will become more of a factor with a gear tractor than HST.
Also, the HST is safer. If you fall off the tractor it will stop. Letting off the pedal is almost like pushing the brake.
Since I change implements by myself, I push the HST pedal while standing beside the tractor to make minute adjustments. I'm too old to be getting on and off the tractor for this.
The HST is critical when doing fine work with the FEL, like trying to dump something in the back of your shiny new pickup without damaging it.
The HST is reportedly very reliable, moreso than clutches on gear tractors. My dealer says about HST "Thay don't break", which is probably an exaggeration, but they rarely give trouble.
If I was doing mostly plowing or mowing on flat level ground and no FEL work, the extra power of a gear tranny might be worthwhile.
With HST, using the FEL, you can steer with one hand and operate the FEL with the other, and use your foot to go forward or backward. No need to take your hand off the joystick.