DT transmission Vs HST transmissions any drawbacks for longivity ?

[wcampbell47]

I do a lot of front loader work and mowing. I have both a gear and HST tractor. Prefer the HST to the gear. HST is easier, faster and more precise with the FEL. When mowing with the gear depressing the clutch also disengages the PTO. So going to reverse and back forward can be tricky. Not so with the HST which maintains constant PTO speed during direction changes. Don't buy a tractor you have not climbed on, sat on and driven - or at least the same model with similar equipment. I really like the open driver station on my Kubota HST. I added a step for ease getting on and off. I run R4 tires and am happy with them.

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

Good info has been provided.
I'll add my opinion regarding gear/HST.
In 10 years I've bought 15 Kubotas. Number 13, I think, was a geared B2320 my first and last geared tractor. I don't farm 40 acres but do 5 acres of level rental property and 5 acres of hillside home mowing and landscaping. Lots of FEL work and some PTO powered work in the past but not now. I've owned lots of High performance and sports cars and liked the 4, 5 and 6 speed shifting so it's not like I don't have experience but NOT in any tractor with what I have to do.
You'll never wear out either one of them if your over 40 years old and probably not if your under 40 years old with fairly regular maintenance and a bit of common sense.
I've always bought new because, as you said, new is about the same as used prices and the financing is great for new units.
Contact Barlows and get their price for Apples to Apples comparison of what you want. They deliver all over and if you just want to do a cross country drive pick where you want to go and have them meet you there.

 

[TripleR]

A perfect example of what happens when you arrive late, nothing left to add other than to agree with the excellent advice given by others. I run HST and geared, Ag and Industrial and can't improve on what you have been told. One thing I have found for me, things with which I was comfortable a few short years ago are now problematic due to age/health, so I took particular care buying my last new tractor with an eye to the future.

 

[Grandad4]

...because of the specials and package deals i have seen from a few dealers in the South Carolina area. The price for fuel will about average out with my love for road trips to pick up a new tool for the garage and yard...

Good advice about getting a variety of quotes. Also be aware the "package deals" may be for the same tractor but often involve different brands of attachments and trailers, often "economy models" to give a better price point in the package deal. A local dealer may be selling a better grade of stuff and thus end up quoting higher. Nothing wrong with either approach as long as you understand what's involved.

 

[Bluegill2]

I do a lot of front loader work and mowing. I have both a gear and HST tractor. Prefer the HST to the gear. HST is easier, faster and more precise with the FEL. When mowing with the gear depressing the clutch also disengages the PTO. So going to reverse and back forward can be tricky. Not so with the HST which maintains constant PTO speed during direction changes. Don't buy a tractor you have not climbed on, sat on and driven - or at least the same model with similar equipment. I really like the open driver station on my Kubota HST. I added a step for ease getting on and off. I run R4 tires and am happy with them.

Not so with many gear drive tractors. Mine has two stage clutch, depress clutch to change gear/direction and the PTO never loses power.

 

[bigbull338]

for what your wanting todo the R4s are what you need.turf tires will get you stuck if its the lest bit wet an muddy.the only thing R1s will do for you is get you a better tade in value if you decided to trade.

 

[PHILIP8N]

turf tires will get you stuck if its the lest bit wet an muddy

There are several different types of turfs. My turfs look more aggressive than most mud tires on 4WD trucks, and are better in mud than one would think. Here I am pulling an 8000# super stock diesel pulling tractor down a muddy mess. Now in this picture, do I wish I had R1's, yes, but my turfs got the job done. Would I cut my grass with R1's, no. They are great on turf, great in snow, good on dirt, and ok in mud unless it is really sloppy. Philip.

 

[DK35vince]

Not so with many gear drive tractors. Mine has two stage clutch, depress clutch to change gear/direction and the PTO never loses power.

Most modern gear drives have live or independent PTO and continue to run if the clutch is pushed in.
On my gear tractor you flip a switch on the dash and the PTO runs regardless of the clutch being in or out. The PTO continues to run till I turn off the switch.

 

[Bluegill2]

Most modern gear drives have live or independent PTO and continue to run if the clutch is pushed in.
On my gear tractor you flip a switch on the dash and the PTO runs regardless of the clutch being in or out. The PTO continues to run till I turn off the switch.

I personally do not like electric PTO engagement. I want a manual lever (not a cable) and clutch activated PTO. And that's what I have.

 

[TripleR]

I personally do not like electric PTO engagement. I want a manual lever (not a cable) and clutch activated PTO. And that's what I have.

Me either but I can live with it. Our M8540 has an independent PTO that is engaged by a lever, same with most of our tractors, but my L5740 has the push button. I have gotten use to it, but still like the lever better.