DT transmission Vs HST transmissions any drawbacks for longivity ?

[mikehaugen]

What about when ground speed is critical, say in a spraying application... would gear be an advantage there? I know this doesn't apply to the op, but was just curious what the hydro guys do in this situation.

 

[TripleR]

What about when ground speed is critical, say in a spraying application... would gear be an advantage there? I know this doesn't apply to the op, but was just curious what the hydro guys do in this situation.

Right now we are using a boom less 3PH 150 gallon sprayer on our M8540HDC and just pick the right gear for ground speed, if we put it on our L5740HSTC, we would use cruise control.

 

[k0ua]

What about when ground speed is critical, say in a spraying application... would gear be an advantage there? I know this doesn't apply to the op, but was just curious what the hydro guys do in this situation.

Press the little button on the dash, labeled "Cruise Control". It energizes a magnet that holds the pedal at a set position.

James K0UA

 

[k0ua]

TripleR.. that is pretty good.. exact same time!

 

[TripleR]

TripleR.. that is pretty good.. exact same time!

Yep, had to go back and check it myself.

 

[nc redneck]

Split brakes can help a lot with front end loader work. I have owned 2 gear tractors in the past and now own 2 HST and would never go back to gears.

 

[sewdds]

Hmmm. I keep looking for those posts that end with, "I've owned both geared and hydrostatic transmission'd tractors, and will never go back to a hydrostat".

 

[k0ua]

Hmmm. I keep looking for those posts that end with, "I've owned both geared and hydrostatic transmission'd tractors, and will never go back to a hydrostat".

I am not saying that doesn't exist, but I haven't come across it yet.

 

[SageBrush]

If you have to ask your a hydro man no doubt. I use my GST Kubota mainly for soil work and its been trouble free for 11 years so far. I have a hydro machine also, my leg cramps up when I use it and forget to use the cruise

Old habits are hard to break.... Come to think about it my neighbors are all gear tractors too. One neighbor has a nice Kubota 4x4 with a cab on his ranch, probably 70hp and its a glide with a shuttle like my little L4330. I pick the tractor based on what I'm going to use it for primarily. If I was mainly doing loader work then it would have been a HST. Another neighbor runs cheap old tractors for each task so he can leave implements on, I guess he doesn't like changing implements...

 

[sewdds]

I use my GST Kubota mainly for soil work and its been trouble free for 11 years so far.

Old habits are hard to break.

I pick the tractor based on what I'm going to use it for primarily. If I was mainly doing loader work then it would have been a HST. ..

Personally, I think you have given the answer(s) here to the person who started this thread.
1) Kubota doesn't seem to have an HST durability problem.
2) HST does draw some power to operate, so for certain work it has some disadvantages.
3) For some work , the consensus of opinion is that the HST simplifies the operation(s) - FEL work, some bush hogging, certain tilling, etc.
4) HST has advantages in situations where inexperienced, mechanically disinclined, most wives, etc operators are involved.
5) Costs more, unless you end up replacing the clutch.
6) Is noisier than gear driven.

Is one better than the other? Likely "yes" based on the situation. Only the purchaser can make that decision: for the new buyer, often only after a period of ownership.

 

[Bluegill2]

Hmmm. I keep looking for those posts that end with, "I've owned both geared and hydrostatic transmission'd tractors, and will never go back to a hydrostat".

Here's one, I've owned both and have no plans to go back to HST. Actually my mom's Massey with HST, but I've spent a fair bit of time on it. She can't use it any more because of her back and it's mine if I want it, but I don't want it.

I spent the last two days on the L3800DT working with FEL and box blade. Lots of flooding and washed out roads here lately... Tractor works fantastic!

Things can change though.

 

[Fordman1981]

I am not saying that doesn't exist, but I haven't come across it yet.

Koua. Here you go. I have had hst and gear tractors. I will never go back to a HST tractor unless its a lawn mower. The tractor that did me in on HST was a TC33D new holland. It was a good overall tractor. I started using it in the woods and I only had one way in and out of the bottom land where the creek was. When the ground was even a little damp it would not come back up the trail. You had to come back up this trail in range 1 so you didn't have enough speed to keep the r4s clean. If you tried coming up the trail in range 2 you had to keep backing off the HST until it just stopped. I traded that tractor for my L4400 and I was able to come up the same trail even in a down pour rain. Now I know it's not a true apples to apples comparison because the L4400 has R1's and the TC33D had R4's. I still feel that even with R1's the TC33D would not come up the hill in the same conditions as the gear L4400.

I'm with the other poster I won't say gear is better I'm just tired of all the HST is better post. Everyone has their on opinions gear will always be my choice. (Other than a lawn tractor)

 

[GManBart]

The tractor that did me in on HST was a TC33D new holland. It was a good overall tractor. I started using it in the woods and I only had one way in and out of the bottom land where the creek was. When the ground was even a little damp it would not come back up the trail. You had to come back up this trail in range 1 so you didn't have enough speed to keep the r4s clean. If you tried coming up the trail in range 2 you had to keep backing off the HST until it just stopped. I traded that tractor for my L4400 and I was able to come up the same trail even in a down pour rain. Now I know it's not a true apples to apples comparison because the L4400 has R1's and the TC33D had R4's. I still feel that even with R1's the TC33D would not come up the hill in the same conditions as the gear L4400.

(Other than a lawn tractor)

A 2,300lb, 33hp tractor with R4s versus a 3,300lb, 45hp tractor with R1s...and you're going to compare their performance in slippery conditions.....seriously? There's no basis for comparison there....none. 35% more power, and 45% more weight, with R1S should be vastly superior in slippery conditions.

 

[k0ua]

Koua. Here you go. I have had hst and gear tractors. I will never go back to a HST tractor unless its a lawn mower. The tractor that did me in on HST was a TC33D new holland. It was a good overall tractor. I started using it in the woods and I only had one way in and out of the bottom land where the creek was. When the ground was even a little damp it would not come back up the trail. You had to come back up this trail in range 1 so you didn't have enough speed to keep the r4s clean. If you tried coming up the trail in range 2 you had to keep backing off the HST until it just stopped. I traded that tractor for my L4400 and I was able to come up the same trail even in a down pour rain. Now I know it's not a true apples to apples comparison because the L4400 has R1's and the TC33D had R4's. I still feel that even with R1's the TC33D would not come up the hill in the same conditions as the gear L4400.

I'm with the other poster I won't say gear is better I'm just tired of all the HST is better post. Everyone has their on opinions gear will always be my choice. (Other than a lawn tractor)

Alright, I have been so advised. ( a couple of times actually now).. But to be fair I never said Hydrostatic is best for everyone. I say Hydro is best for me, and I also have always said, if you have to ask, then hydrostat is most likely best for you. By the way I had a TC33DA, with Supersteer, and it was one of the best tractors I have ever owned. Extremely easy and handy to use. I used it mostly as a mowing machine which it excelled at. But it also got down in the creek and cleaned up a lot of things too.

James K0UA

 

[Fordman1981]

A 2,300lb, 33hp tractor with R4s versus a 3,300lb, 45hp tractor with R1s...and you're going to compare their performance in slippery conditions.....seriously? There's no basis for comparison there....none. 35% more power, and 45% more weight, with R1S should be vastly superior in slippery conditions.

Ok you like to compare numbers but I don't think you really look at what you just said. A 2,300 lb 33 hp tractor was only trying to pull a 2,300 lb tractor up the hill (i.e pull it's own wait up the hill.) The 3,300 lb tractor was asked to do the same. Yes the 3,300 lb tractor has 45 hr but it is 1000 lbs heavier too. It wasn't only a traction issue. Like I said if you put R1's on the TC33D I might have made it up the trail in just a little slipper condition. still doubtful. The Geared tractor would come up the trail in several gears and no loose power. In the end the hydro tractor didn't have enough power to pull itself up the hill. The gear did. The power to wait ratio of the two tractors are very close so you saying there is no basis of comparison is way off.

Good Day.

 

[Fordman1981]

Alright, I have been so advised. ( a couple of times actually now).. But to be fair I never said Hydrostatic is best for everyone. I say Hydro is best for me, and I also have always said, if you have to ask, then hydrostat is most likely best for you. By the way I had a TC33DA, with Supersteer, and it was one of the best tractors I have ever owned. Extremely easy and handy to use. I used it mostly as a mowing machine which it excelled at. But it also got down in the creek and cleaned up a lot of things too.

James K0UA

I agree with you the TC33D was a really good tractor it just wasn't up to the task of working in the woods I was asking of it. For mowing I'm sure it did great at especially with the super steer. And I see what you are saying the Hydro is best for you and that's great just the same as the gear is best for me. :thumbsup:

 

[Bluegill2]

Forman1981, I understand what you're saying and agree. I work mine logging in the woods when it's usually wet and some steep hills. Like you, I have what works best for me and that's gear drive. :thumbsup:

BTW, my brother in law has a L4400DT and loves it.
The dealer tried to sell him a HST and he wouldn't have it.

 

[GManBart]

Ok you like to compare numbers but I don't think you really look at what you just said. A 2,300 lb 33 hp tractor was only trying to pull a 2,300 lb tractor up the hill (i.e pull it's own wait up the hill.) The 3,300 lb tractor was asked to do the same. Yes the 3,300 lb tractor has 45 hr but it is 1000 lbs heavier too. It wasn't only a traction issue. Like I said if you put R1's on the TC33D I might have made it up the trail in just a little slipper condition. still doubtful. The Geared tractor would come up the trail in several gears and no loose power. In the end the hydro tractor didn't have enough power to pull itself up the hill. The gear did. The power to wait ratio of the two tractors are very close so you saying there is no basis of comparison is way off.

Good Day.

You've over simplified it, but even if we accept your theory, it still doesn't work out.

Similar power to weight, with better traction, and R1s isn't remotely a similar comparison.

I have two gear tractors, and only one HST, so I'm not biased against gear...that doesn't change reality.

 

[Fordman1981]

You've over simplified it, but even if we accept your theory, it still doesn't work out.

Similar power to weight, with better traction, and R1s isn't remotely a similar comparison.

I have two gear tractors, and only one HST, so I'm not biased against gear...that doesn't change reality.

I didn't over simplify anything I just didn't make it more complicated than it needed to be. It doesn't matter if the TC33D had R1's it would still only make it up the trail in range 1. Range 1 is too slow to clean the tires and like I said it may have made it up in damp conditions but now way would it make it up the trail in a down pour rain like the gear did. Plus on top of that the TC33D had to be fully revved. The gear tractor would come up the hill at 1500 to 1700 rpm in several gears. Like I said HST may be right for some and I'm glad they are happy with their choice. I just don't think you should push you preference on everyone else. Gear or manual transmissions will always get more power to the ground end of story.

I prefer a gear transmission in trucks too. One of the big reasons I drive a Ram. I have A 2012 ram auto and 2012 gear. The auto is the HO with 800 lbs of torque the gear is rated 610 lbs of torque. Put the same load behind them and back them up the auto has to rev and rev to get the load moving up a hill where the gear is let out on the clutch and give it a little throttle if needed. I put the power in the autos favor in this comparison and the gear to me still out performs.

Here is my end point. If someone ask our opinion I think we should all say this is why I like what I use and give reasons. And then tell the person asking they should get what makes them happy. Not aggressively push our preference like its the only smart choice.

You said:
Similar power to weight, with better traction, and R1s isn't remotely a similar comparison.


Oh and how do you think one tractor has better traction than the other besides the R1's?

Do you think the L4400 would still have better traction than the TC33D if they both had R1's?

 

[NE Tractor]

If money is really tight, I'd suggest taking a look at anything other than a Kubota or a Deere....great products, but the two most expensive you can buy for any given level of performance. When I priced out comparably equipped models from all the big brands I would have had to pay $10K more for a Kubota, and a Deer would have been a bit more. Other brands are sold in package deals as well. When I settled on my LS, I looked around the country and saw that a couple of big places, like RCO in Tx, sold packages that were attractive. I'm sure you could find the same for a variety of brands.

One small note...WA has a use tax, so even if you buy the machine in Tx, you very likely still owe the use tax...not easy to enforce, but it's become a sticking point, and some folks are getting busted for it.

For the size property you're talking, and the description, I can't imagine you'll ever have a problem with an HST unit wearing out, or breaking...if you did, it would be a freak. That also brings up the issue of warranty....some brands offer a considerably longer warranty than Kubota. Kioti offers 4yrs, Mahindra and LS have a 5yr powertrain warranty...just something to consider.

For the work you're describing, the HST will be more convenient, and won't hinder your ability to do things...you're not pulling a hay bailer, or plowing large fields, so the power loss to HST won't be noticed. It will also be far easier for folks not so accustomed to manual transmissions....especially because with a tractor there are a lot of other things you're minding....the level of the implement, the throttle position, etc, etc. My wife has driven a standard transmission for years, but doesn't want to drive any of my tractors except the one with HST. Personally, I think she needs her own SCUT

Getting busted for not paying your tractor taxes....glad they are enforcing the really important crimes and not wasting money on silly things like busting drug traffickers ...Whats next, are they going to start doing exhaust emission testing on tractors too, to make sure nobody removes their tier 4 emission equipment?