Geared tractor reliability during loader work.

Moon · Apr 28, 2004

Not only yes, but heck yes! We have 50 plus year old tractors still on the market selling for the same price the sold for new (without taking inflation into the equation).
I hope the HST ones will last that long without incuring major repair costs, and I think that is likely, but time will tell for sure.
Gear ones have already proven thereselves to me. They are dependable and reliable, but, given the choice, I bought HST.

Moon of Ohio

ps. good one Bob S. ....s 10 + 7k trailer .....downhill.

slowrev · Apr 28, 2004

Yes the geared tractors will hold up fine. I am using a 68 vintage IH 444 which has been a loader tractor all of its life. With a bit over 2,000 hours showing on the tach it is still going well. I believe my Uncle put one clutch in it several years ago and that is about it for the major repairs.

For loader work a hydro transmission is by far the easiest to use.

cowboydoc · Apr 28, 2004

If you really want to give a complete answer then the answer as to whether a hydro is as efficient as the gear tractor depends on the operator. There are operators who are good enough with a gear tractor to beat out a hydro.

RoyJackson · Apr 28, 2004

"Yes the geared tractors will hold up fine."

Just don't ride that clutch pedal!

On the smaller gear (8/2) Deeres, 1st and reverse are inline. I believe the 9/3 synchro tranny on the 4xxx series has the same set up.

For a residential owner where time isn't a major priority, geared tranny's should be fine. Commercial users (especially with more then one operator), I think hydro would be the way to go.

Ledgemere Farm · Apr 28, 2004

Absolutely yes. My Cub has 2nd and reverse in line, so I can change directions really fast. But, as others have said, easy goes it on the clutch!

_RaT_ · Apr 28, 2004

"I'm sorry that this has turned into another "Ease Of Use--Gear vs Hydro" again. I stand by my Yes"

I stand by your yes too Jerry, but also don't think giving someone some personal experience necessarily a bad thing. Brevity may be the soul of wit but I think were trying to exchange ideas and experiences here, not just wit. I'm not seeing this as hydro vs gears. Cowboydoc suggests that much may have to do with the operator and I must agree.

johnbilt · Apr 28, 2004

Hi

These discussions always turn into an interesting display of facts, opinions, and good ole plain humor. I have to admit that I do enjoy reading them. I suppose it's a good thing that we all have an opportunity to add our two cents.

I have a 990 geared tractor. It works for me. I wouldn't want to race anyone, geared or not. I prefer to work at my own pace. That's why I bought a tractor, rather than renting one on a time schedule. I suspect any of the JD tractors wil outlast me, geared or hydro. The hydro trans is cool though.

As far as superiority for a bunch of loader work, I'd choose a Case 580 anyday, or something else with with a big @#$% bucket, but I get by with my little one for most stuff.

Have Fun

John

JerryG · Apr 28, 2004

Cowboydoc suggests that much may have to do with the operator and I must agree. 
I also agree, but that was not the way that it was being presented in at least one of the prior posts.

Bird · Apr 28, 2004

( depends on the operator. There are operators who are good enough with a gear tractor to beat out a hydro )

I agree, assuming you do mean operators good enough with a gear tractor to beat a less experienced operator with a hydro. If one is using the FEL, then the right hand is going to have to be working the joystick or levers at least part of the time, the left hand is going to be working the steering wheel at least part of the time. With the hydro, you can keep those hands there; with a geared tractor, one of them has to move to the gearshift and move that lever. With the geared tractor, the hand that moves the gear shift also has to be coordinated with the left foot on the clutch. With the hydro, you don't even use the left foot at all; simply work heel and toe or side by side pedals with the right foot. So assuming equally skilled operators, it would almost be a physical impossibility for the geared tractor to keep up with the hydro. Now I said "almost" because I suppose it is barely possible, but if it happens, that poor sucker on the geared tractor is sure going to be a lot more tired at the end of the day than the guy with the hydro. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

Rowski · Apr 28, 2004

( that poor sucker on the geared tractor is sure going to be a lot more tired at the end of the day than the guy with the hydro. )

That may be true...But he will be in better shape, have a higher heart rate. Aslo the "beverage of choice" gut will be smaller, /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Are tractor operators of gear tractor less over weight than hydro operators? Just a little ribb'n...