Hello everyone and a HST vs SYNCHRO tranny question!

[MarkV]

I happen to have both transmission types so no prejudice here. I also use both in the woods but sure do not understand why the salesman would say the shuttle was so much superior in the woods. I find that in the woods I am normally working myself slowly around more obstacles than when doing field work and the HST lets you "creep up" on things much easier. You can do it with the shuttle and I have for 10 years now,surly doable with experience. This being your first tractor experience I believe you will find the HST easier to learn on.

Welcome to the forum. Before you buy there are options to consider before purchase and safe operating procedures to be familiar with going into the woods. Grab yourself some good Canadian beer and spend a few hours reading here on the forum. Great deal of information in past posts. :drink:

MarkV

 

[94BULLITT]

I prefer HST. I think it is the better trans for most tasks. You don't have that problem of one gear is too slow and the next is too fast. Did you look at a Kubota L3800 with HST? Did they dealer show you a L3540? Have you looked at a John Deere 3520 or comparable size tractor?

I had a Bobcat CT235 (same as CK35) and had problems with the hydro pedal sticking. There are other people on here that have had the same problem.

 

[murphy1244]

If you look at a L series tractor check for jerky hitch on the 3 point. Put something heavy on the 3 point and try to slowly go up and down.

 

[murphy1244]

:welcome: to TBN

 

[camshawn]

Hello from the west coast. Lots of craft beer here.
I found that a gear tractor is better for me. I. tried a hydrostatic and it was ok until the automatic part of my brain took over as I was watching the FEL bucket while digging. pushing down on the go fast peddle and left brake instead of clutching and braking. The wife had a similar experience so we both felt that a gear drive would be more like the pickup truck.

We have a treed back area here that is about 3 acres. For getting around the trees and other obstacles,we chose a Mahindra 3616. 36 hp, smaller than the Kabota 35 hp size( can't remember the number). It fit the wife best as she is a little smaller than I am. The ergonomics are also good for both of us. She will cut the field if she is up to it and it needs doing. So far we are happy with our choice.
I would choose what fits you both as an extra operator is handy at times. She did all the tractoring last summer.
Test drive, borrow from the farmer next door, try out the different makes and transmissions around the fields and trees, not just in the dealers parking lots.
Cam

 

[drg1]

I have the massey 1532 and love it... It is hst, and I went that route for a couple of reasons. Cleaning out the woods is not so fun, but with hst it makes life a whole lot easier. Manuvering in tight quarters, working the bucket, and trying to avoid obstacles at the same time can be a job in itself. Freeing up not having to move another lever sure makes the job easier and not as agrevating. Same with snow removal. I can have almost anybody drive it if needed since its almost automobile type set up, that came in handy when I had to have my kid go and run to get the tractor. But like others have said you really need to drive all the different types. It's kind of like wearing a pair of gloves, you'll know when it fits right.

 

[rmorey]

:welcome: aboard!

I put 1200 hours on our Kioti CK25 HST before we recently traded for the 35 HST. We have a 200 acre woodlot with lots of trails and downfalls. Lots of maintenance. Good ergonomics and lots of power.

We also have the backhoe and find it invaluable. Use it for everything including trenching, moving rocks etc. Get the one that feels right and equip it to do the jobs you have to do. Again welcome!

 

[vtsnowedin]

Welcome to the board .
Enjoy your tractor shopping and do test drive more then one to see how they handle on sloped ground etc. I just went through the same process and this is what I came up with. About 28K US with the loader.

 

[Egon]

Hydrostatic.:thumbsup:
A backhoe might be a consideration if there are lots of trails.

Good beer is hard to find!

 

[3v0]

I would not want a non HST tractor for loader work. As suggested earlier drive a few different brands and models to find the one the feels right for you.

Prior to this thread I did not know much about shuttle shifting. If I understand correctly it gives your forward and reverse without shifting but you need to use the throttle or shift gears to change ground speed. With loader work you move slow when positioning to pick up or drop the work then increase the pace to move it. With HST this is all done with one or two pedals.

Another member posted that he and his wife mentally confused the pedal function with HST. This is possible but goes away with use.