Gear drive vs hydro

[Reg]

My summary is

hp loss with HST is very small.. if this is a problem, wrong tractor for you
yes, you can run high RPMs for PTO speed yet infinite creep from 0 mph.
Personally, my legs and arms are much less tired using HST all day.
HST is extremely reliable, reported failures near or at zero

For me, HST is most beneficial when lifting 2800 lbs concrete culvert with FEL and seeking to set it precisely within .25 inches on a ground location while avoiding bounces and hydraulic surges. Extreme slow speed and ease of operation allows me to focus on ground conditions, tilt, are the wheels on the ground or is a rollover beginning... and to drop load/correct before it all goes topsy turvy. This is what I mean by precision....

Yes, it BECOMES the wrong tractor.
The RIGHT tractor has a lot more power, weight and other features for about the same price because it is a whole model size bigger.
It isn't about the power loss in the hydro trans, it is about the power (hp, features and weight) loss in the whole tractor for a given purchase price.
You have to DOWNSIZE the tractor to get Hydro for approx the same money.

Of COURSE I'm assuming a fixed purchase price, my resources DO have limits.
I suspect everyone else's do.

 

[jake98]

delete

 

[MossRoad]

To me a spinner is just something to break your knuckles when your front wheels hit something and the wheel is ripped out of your hands.

Andy

My tractor is articulated. I can hit stuff with the front tires all day and the spinner never moves.

 

[MossRoad]

No, I thought I made it very very clear that I had driven one in a parking lot once.

You need to get with a friend that has a hydro tractor and do some work with it. Really put one through its paces. You'll have fun!

 

[MossRoad]

So, it sounds like you're saying that your shifting is smoother than infinately variable? I think you can compare the hydro to a snowmobile variable belt thing.

I'm curious about the PTO hp, were you guys saying you get less at pto with hydro? I'm gonna have to check that...

Jake

The loss of HP can be confusing.

If a tractor is rated at 50 engine HP on a gear tractor and 50 engine HP on a hydro tractor, there will most likely be less PTO HP on the hydro model.

However, if you buy a gear tractor rated for 50 PTO HP or a hydro tractor rated at 50 PTO HP, you get 50 PTO HP no matter which transmission you have. The engine in the hydro will most likely be larger to make up the difference.

And most tractors are rated at PTO HP, not engine HP. So, you should figure out what implements you need to power, which transmission you prefer to use, and then find a tractor that will provide the PTO HP that you need to operate those implements.

 

[MossRoad]

It becomes apparent in these gear VS hydro threads that some of us that are saying we prefer gear tractors over hydro tractors have never, ever been on a hydro tractor doing any work!

FOLKS!!! Get out there and put a hydro tractor through its paces with your butt in the seat. I mean really work one for a few days. You will really appreciate the tool for what it is.

 

[WilliamBos]

It becomes apparent in these gear VS hydro threads that some of us that are saying we prefer gear tractors over hydro tractors have never, ever been on a hydro tractor doing any work!

FOLKS!!! Get out there and put a hydro tractor through its paces with your butt in the seat. I mean really work one for a few days. You will really appreciate the tool for what it is.

Well said. Don't think any less of them. because those who do, can or will be proven wrong.

 

[Egon]

It becomes apparent in these gear VS hydro threads that some of us that are saying we prefer gear tractors over hydro tractors have never, ever been on a hydro tractor doing any work!

Please, do not confuse the issue with empirical facts gained from experience!

 

[N80]

You need to get with a friend that has a hydro tractor and do some work with it. Really put one through its paces. You'll have fun!

I don't let friends drive hydros.

 

[N80]

Please, do not confuse the issue with empirical facts gained from experience!

In the world of experience there can be empirical observations but very few empirical facts.