RancherGuy
Gold Member
- Joined
- Feb 2, 2010
- Messages
- 301
- Location
- Rosenberg, TX
- Tractor
- Kubota L3710; JD 5425, 6105R, 7130-P; IH 1086
I have to respectfully disagree with many of the HST comments here. It seems that those who quote the advantages have not experienced the disadvantages, or perhaps they have seen or ridden on someone else's, or they think that HST on a lawnmower is the same as on a tractor.
Do HST consume more power than geared? Absolutely. So a bigger engine is required to get the same work done.
What impact does HST have on PTO power? Depends. If you are the manufacturer, you will do a PTO test with the tractor sitting still in neutral - whether HST or geared. If you are going to be traveling, the transmission will take some of that power - a lot if the transmission is stressed.
Why is HST so popular? Because people drive automatics, and probably have a HST lawnmower. So they understand the concept of no shifting. They can also instantly change speed or direction with only one foot.
Here is what has not been said here. HST is noisy. I had an L3800 HST and found that if I had to push the transmission to 50% or more, there was a lot of noise. But to get the heavy beast to move I found myself pushing the pedal to 80-100% all the time. The screaming drove me crazy. I spent $200 just to replace the transmission oil with what I was told would abate the noise. That money was for the fluid - not labor. There was very little improvement. I sold that tractor with 100 hours.
At the same time I had a 2002 Kubota L3710 GST. I still have it and love it. Really do. The GST transmission is a dream. If I am to buy another Kubota, I would see if GST is available. If not then definitely geared. Dead last would be HST. That's my opinion, YMMV.
Do HST consume more power than geared? Absolutely. So a bigger engine is required to get the same work done.
What impact does HST have on PTO power? Depends. If you are the manufacturer, you will do a PTO test with the tractor sitting still in neutral - whether HST or geared. If you are going to be traveling, the transmission will take some of that power - a lot if the transmission is stressed.
Why is HST so popular? Because people drive automatics, and probably have a HST lawnmower. So they understand the concept of no shifting. They can also instantly change speed or direction with only one foot.
Here is what has not been said here. HST is noisy. I had an L3800 HST and found that if I had to push the transmission to 50% or more, there was a lot of noise. But to get the heavy beast to move I found myself pushing the pedal to 80-100% all the time. The screaming drove me crazy. I spent $200 just to replace the transmission oil with what I was told would abate the noise. That money was for the fluid - not labor. There was very little improvement. I sold that tractor with 100 hours.
At the same time I had a 2002 Kubota L3710 GST. I still have it and love it. Really do. The GST transmission is a dream. If I am to buy another Kubota, I would see if GST is available. If not then definitely geared. Dead last would be HST. That's my opinion, YMMV.