Creeping forward with a shuttle shift

[holeycow]

I have an idea! Maybe the HST FANBOI CLUB should set the record straight around here on the "more accurate" thing. You know, just so that those of us who know better wouldn't get so concerned about that little piece of misinformation which seems to be shared around.

 

[Steppenwolfe]

OK, having finally purchased a b2320 hydro, I can honestly say, I don't know yet. I love my gear drives, getting use to this hydro isn't easy for me, but, I also have no complaints. Thankfully a couple of the guys on here helped me learn how to use the hydro, that was a huge help. But I don't see how its easier.

 

[willysmb]

I have been quiet for a while but since I started this mess I should probably chime in. I do appreciate all the input and it has given me some good stuff to think about. I don't know that it has brought me any closer to my decision but at least I have more to go on.

A couple days a week I drive an all original Willys CJ3B to work. I would not drive it if I was in a rush. Its fun to drive when I am not. This simple thought is what made me decide to buy a new tractor and not an older one. As much as I love my old Jeep and as reliable as it is I wouldn't want to have to rely on it, or deal with it's issues when trying to work.

I kind of see the HST vs Shuttle debate as similar to the old automatic vs manual. Modern automatic transmissions are great but I still prefer my truck to be a manual for towing. Sure, it does suck in traffic sometimes but in the end I prefer it. Yes, the automatic would be easier to tow with but I just prefer the manual, mainly for reliability, even as strong as modern autos are.

That said, I sit in a similar place with the HST vs Shuttle debate. Just like lining up my manual transmission truck up to a trailer I want to tow is harder than it would be with an automatic, I generally believe it would be easier to inch forward an HST than it would be shuttle.

So, that is basically the summary of my thought process including what I have taken from this thread, if anyone cares.

Moving forward, while I have your attention, how reliable is an HST long term when pulling ground engaging implements? In the long run the bulk of my tractors time will be in the fields planting crops OR food plots. That is one of my biggest HST concerns is long term reliability issues.

 

[jk96]

I have been quiet for a while but since I started this mess I should probably chime in. I do appreciate all the input and it has given me some good stuff to think about. I don't know that it has brought me any closer to my decision but at least I have more to go on.

A couple days a week I drive an all original Willys CJ3B to work. I would not drive it if I was in a rush. Its fun to drive when I am not. This simple thought is what made me decide to buy a new tractor and not an older one. As much as I love my old Jeep and as reliable as it is I wouldn't want to have to rely on it, or deal with it's issues when trying to work.

I kind of see the HST vs Shuttle debate as similar to the old automatic vs manual. Modern automatic transmissions are great but I still prefer my truck to be a manual for towing. Sure, it does suck in traffic sometimes but in the end I prefer it. Yes, the automatic would be easier to tow with but I just prefer the manual, mainly for reliability, even as strong as modern autos are.

That said, I sit in a similar place with the HST vs Shuttle debate. Just like lining up my manual transmission truck up to a trailer I want to tow is harder than it would be with an automatic, I generally believe it would be easier to inch forward an HST than it would be shuttle.

So, that is basically the summary of my thought process including what I have taken from this thread, if anyone cares.

Moving forward, while I have your attention, how reliable is an HST long term when pulling ground engaging implements? In the long run the bulk of my tractors time will be in the fields planting crops OR food plots. That is one of my biggest HST concerns is long term reliability issues.

I just traded in my hst after 1600 hours with lots of ground engagement work and zero problems. Traded for a cvt. With that said for what your main usage is I can't help but think I would be looking at a gear tractor.

 

[Fallon]

I have been quiet for a while but since I started this mess I should probably chime in. I do appreciate all the input and it has given me some good stuff to think about. I don't know that it has brought me any closer to my decision but at least I have more to go on.

A couple days a week I drive an all original Willys CJ3B to work. I would not drive it if I was in a rush. Its fun to drive when I am not. This simple thought is what made me decide to buy a new tractor and not an older one. As much as I love my old Jeep and as reliable as it is I wouldn't want to have to rely on it, or deal with it's issues when trying to work.

I kind of see the HST vs Shuttle debate as similar to the old automatic vs manual. Modern automatic transmissions are great but I still prefer my truck to be a manual for towing. Sure, it does suck in traffic sometimes but in the end I prefer it. Yes, the automatic would be easier to tow with but I just prefer the manual, mainly for reliability, even as strong as modern autos are.

That said, I sit in a similar place with the HST vs Shuttle debate. Just like lining up my manual transmission truck up to a trailer I want to tow is harder than it would be with an automatic, I generally believe it would be easier to inch forward an HST than it would be shuttle.

So, that is basically the summary of my thought process including what I have taken from this thread, if anyone cares.

Moving forward, while I have your attention, how reliable is an HST long term when pulling ground engaging implements? In the long run the bulk of my tractors time will be in the fields planting crops OR food plots. That is one of my biggest HST concerns is long term reliability issues.

I agree, ran big JD powershift & power quad machines back in college & recently put a couple hours on a Kubota Glide Shift. You can get precision out of them, but it takes more work & more time. In the couple hours I drove the GST, I couldn't get a feel for the shift timing. Any precision work I instinctively went for the dry clutch with my left foot. I'm sure a few more hours would have me trusting the power reverser on the column & wet clutch. But it would never be quite as precise under all circumstances as my HST, or as quick.

Lastnight I was doing post holes, some on a nasty slope. Easy to position & adjust or wiggle the auger while drilling. My foot was on the brake or "riding the clutch" on the go pedal to keep me put or maneuver. That would have been **** to do with any gear machine. Even in low the HST wouldn't hold me perfectly still, but a foot or 2 a minute on a steep slope with no brake on is handy to help manage everything going on.

HSTs seem to be as reliable as basic gear machines & sometimes more so than complex powersshift trannys. If you were doing field work I'd be much more worried by the 15% HST HP (or fuel) tax. Personally I'm happy to pay that tax for my varied utility uses.

 

[Steave]

I'm so confused....what is better shuttle or hst?

Let's throw in another: My backhoe has a torque converter transmission with a forward-reverse lever and a dump clutch if you want to use it. The dump clutch pedal releases the fluid flowing to the gear box and stops all travel movement. You don't have to use it to go from forward to reverse. Only time I use it is when I'm in Low Range 1st gear, even at idle it will almost overcome the brakes.

To the OP I don't have a hst machine (except a lawnmower) but you can inch up on something with almost any transmission configuration. The way my lawnmower operates I'd lean toward the hst. When it comes to plowing and hours on end of mowing or heavy use I would think the gear transmission would be better whether it a gear/clutch or shuttle. Of course that's just my opinion.

 

[Ford850]

Why does one have to be better? Why can't they both stand on their own, with their own pros and cons? I'll take 2 of each, please.

 

[jenkinsph]

Why does one have to be better? Why can't they both stand on their own, with their own pros and cons? I'll take 2 of each, please.

I agree with Ford850. Better or better suited for the task, that is how I consider the choices.

Hydro is great for maneuvering in close quarters work with these compact tractors. I have had gear tractors and none of them were as easy to use as the hydrostatic tractors. For open field work a gear tractor is more efficient under high tractive loads and does not have the higher losses of the hydrostatic tractor.

All of the transmissions are well lubricated with oil and I don't see many problems with any of them. Dry clutch tractors are more likely to need service than wet clutch or hydro tractors. Power shift and IVT transmissions can be costly to repair and have more parts to fail but most seem to hold up well enough.

I will take two of each too.

 

[k0ua]

I agree with Ford850. Better or better suited for the task, that is how I consider the choices.

Hydro is great for maneuvering in close quarters work with these compact tractors. I have had gear tractors and none of them were as easy to use as the hydrostatic tractors. For open field work a gear tractor is more efficient under high tractive loads and does not have the higher losses of the hydrostatic tractor.

All of the transmissions are well lubricated with oil and I don't see many problems with any of them. Dry clutch tractors are more likely to need service than wet clutch or hydro tractors. Power shift and IVT transmissions can be costly to repair and have more parts to fail but most seem to hold up well enough.

I will take two of each too.

As the charter and founding member of the Hydro fanboy club. I AGREE 100% with the above.

 

[Steppenwolfe]

Why does one have to be better? Why can't they both stand on their own, with their own pros and cons? I'll take 2 of each, please.

I'm working on it...