GST,FST.HST Confused

[IHUNT]

I am in the market for for my first tractor. Looking at the L3240 and the L3430. I am in need for some help on which transmission to get. I want something that is not hard to get used to. I plan to do backhoe work digging out stumps in a 2 acre clear cut. I also plan on creating a food plot and maintaining it. I also have 10 acres of woods that I want to clean up.

 

[art]

The hydro's have been one of the easiest to get used to for many people to learn on. The selections are all easy to use depending on the user's driving experience. If you have been driving standard transmissions or automatics would make a difference. For the times that you might have help that should also make a difference for there comfort of operation.

There have been many posts about this subject in the past and many opinions thrown out. I'd be at a dealership test driving them, there ability to make you comfortable during this process will also let you know if you feel comfortable with them.

 

[IHUNT]

Thanks for the info Art. I was just up at the dealers and think I may go with the HST. I think that I will get used to that one pritty quick. Also I will have less chance of blowing a cluch.

 

[Z-Michigan]

Yeah, HST is probably the most suitable for what you describe.

 

[texasjohn]

I confirm that HST is easy to learn and superb to use... highly recommended.

Here is a thread where I posted my experience with HST.

Just remember that when you back off/slow down on the HST pedal you gear down lower as well as go slower. I've heard that Kubota has just come out with a version of HST that links the HST pedal to the engine speed and this is even more "natural" to use.

 

[DmansPadge]

Here is a good link explaining the different types of transmissions and how they work. Just click on "Info" and there will pop up a new screen with info about several different aspects of tractors, including trannys.

 

[john_bud]

If you go HST, the "40" series is a MAJOR step up in performance. The HST peddle is connected to the engine's fuel metering and the gear ranges. So the tractor will give it more fuel when needed, take away fuel when not needed (better economy) and automatically change ranges for best transport speed. (If i understand the specs correctly)

I have the older version of the tractors you are listing (L3410 HST) and maintain 240 acres with it, make food plots, dig ponds, move dirt, etc. Very good tractor for smaller places.

jb

 

[kevinj]

If you go HST, the "40" series is a MAJOR step up in performance. The HST peddle is connected to the engine's fuel metering and the gear ranges. So the tractor will give it more fuel when needed, take away fuel when not needed (better economy) and automatically change ranges for best transport speed. (If i understand the specs correctly)

jb

It does seem to work something like that, but I like to control it myself. The auto throttle is great for moving the tractor and pulling a trailer though.