FST vs GST vs HST

[machmeter62]

I have the older version of ther GST 8- FWD/8- REV. The new version if you are in 12-FWD; then select netural on the column, then into REV. What gear in REV. will be activated #8?

 

[Deerlope]

# 7, there is no 8th in rev.

 

[Deerlope]

Unlike a car, there is no torque converter to allow the rear tires to stop while the engine is turning. It's not an automatic at all, it's more like a hydraulically shifted manual transmission. (How's that for a condensation of Sky's wonderful explanation?) As such, when in gear with the engine turning, the tires are turning.

The GST and the HST are both dead reliable.

Pretty much if a Chevy is like a rock, a Kubota is like an Anvil. (only tougher)

jb

What there is is a hydraulic compensator which prevents stressing the gears, that is why there is that little lag when going from forward to rev without using the clutch.

 

[Iron]

If most of your work now or in the future is ground engaging work, my choice would be the ones I own. If loader work, lawn mowing, bush hogging in confined areas around tress, etc, I think the popular choice would be HST!! I maybe wrong, I have never operated a HST, but the tractor must be stopped to change any of the three ranges, and the throttle is set at a constant RPM, which provides precision movement? The movement FWD/REV is controlled with a pedal only. I would test them all before deciding to prevent buyers remorse. Since the HST operates at a constant RPM, the fuel usage and noise will be slightly greater if that is a concern for you?

These are very accurate staements. GST provides better power to the ground drive than HST for ground engaging attachments. HST gives you an ease of operation factor. When the pedal goes to nuetral, the tractor stops, no clutching or braking required. HST is also more bullet proof with less maint. in the long run. For loader work or more back and forth movement it might be easier for you.
Regarding stopping the machine to change the ranges, the brand new L40 series has a groundbreaking new hydro transmission that has three ranges, 2 speeds on forward and reverse each range totalling 12 total speeds. This new hydro can be put into a full auto mode that utilizes a load sensing transmission to do ALL of the shifting for you on the fly. This make driving a tractor just like driving a car now - seamless and effortless. Just steer!

 

[_RaT_]

Here is my quick answer. If you are going to be doing mostly straight line, ground engaging work, such as plowing, discing, cultivating the FST will be all you need. If you are going to use a loader or mower than GST or HST is better since it is easier to change directions. If you are going to use your tractor for mostly ground engaging work with limited loader use than go with GST. If you are going to use it mostly for loader work than you will want the HST since you can keep one hand on the wheel, one hand on the loader joystick and use your foot to change directions. With GST you will need your left hand to change directions. I would also recommed GST if you are going to do anything that involves long straight runs with few turns such as mowing a field, or if you do heavy ground engaing work. HST noise can get a little tiresome on long runs, whereas the manual transmissions are quieter. Unless there is an objectionable price difference between FST and GST, I would go with GST. You can shift it like an FST if you want by just using the clutch. Hope that helps. Good luck.

That fills in the basic areas, but when it comes to some things like post hole drilling, you cannot beat HST. You move the tractor throughout the drilling process to compensate for the arch the PTO driven PHD's make and hold it on any kind of hill with no brakes. Other areas where HST is suberp is mowing where you must back down the bank of a pond, something I did frequently. Tight quarter loader work is really a bonus with HST. I also like the ability to precisely place the tip of my toothbar under rocks and concrete something very easy with HST. For long straightways, the Kubota HST cruise control is so easy and simple. The noise created by HST at low wheel loads is very small but gains with increased loads. In rough areas, I like how easy it is to feel my way through by using the front axle as my feeler and instantly adjusting the tractors speed via the HST pedal. This is in no way saying GST or FST cannot do these things. They are both very capable and in some areas better choices. Toolguy did a good job explaining those.