Buying Advice HST or Gears?

[Fawken]

Gears.

 

[Citydude]

Gears

 

[GManBart]

This is a great topic. It clarifies different operators different preferences. I value your opinion and accept it as a difference. I do that with no malice or degrading comments. It seems that's not within your capability. That's fine and I accept that about you. But that doesn't mean it's okay to call my comments Gross or shocking. They are simply my opinion. Just as your comments are simply your opinion.

I said nothing that was degrading, and there was nothing malicious about it....simply factual. I didn't call your comments "gross" and I didn't call them "shocking" either. Rather than have you attribute things to me that are incorrect, what I said:

"All completely different animals that you're combining to make a gross generalization.

Comparing a 22hp SCUT to a 47hp Utility machine, much less a 95hp machine isn't going to make for a useful comparison. So a much larger machine spends the bulk of its time at a lower RPM....not exactly a shocking conclusion."

A gross generalization means lumping things together and making a generalization....gross = large in this instance, not distasteful.

I said it wasn't a shocking conclusion.

 

[wcampbell47]

Looking at a few different units. Particularly a NH TC30 with loader & backhoe. Its a "gear" model. Being unfamiliar with these small tractors, I don't know what real difference tjat represents. Clutch as in clutch pedal, or auto/centrifugal clutch? Stop to change gears like on a lawn tractor? Price is good @ $12500 asking...

Since you are considering a tractor with a loader and a backhoe let us assume you will be doing at least some loader work. With a "gear" model using the loader to actually load material will be like flying a helicopter in the sense that you will need to use both hands and both feet. Right foot works the brake or accelerator, left foot works the clutch, right hand works the loader joy stick and left hand steers. One of those hands then has to shift gears. There is a lot of hand, eye, and foot coordination going on there. With HST not so much. You still have to steer and use the joy stick. Right foot determines direction of control and speed with the same pedal. My own tractor is HST. I used an older tractor with shuttle shift to load my dump trailer at the mulch yard. That was an eye opener as to how much faster and easier my HST is to load my trailer.

 

[npalen]

I'm in the club that uses the lowest possible engine rpm to do the job. Just don't like the unnecessary noise, wear and tear of high engine rpm.

 

[redman135]

Hello auotmobilist, if you have no or limited tractor experience go hst , it is easier to learn and more forgiving of mistakes.As you get more skilled you will be amazed what you can do. A 2nd major advantage is you can let other inexperienced operators on the tractor, where as you would not on a straight gear tractor. I infer you have little or no experience as you have asked for advice.

 

[chuck172]

I'm in the club that uses the lowest possible engine rpm to do the job. Just don't like the unnecessary noise, wear and tear of high engine rpm.

My feelings exactly, that's why I'd really like to have a hst throttle link kit available.

 

[vsteel]

I always broke it down to gears if you are going to be doing a lot of ground engaging chores for a long time. IE you are going to plow or disk and just put the tractor in gear and not touch the clutch for hours at a time. HST for loader, mowing or wheeled loads.

You could also break it down to if most of your engine power is going to the wheels for a long period of time without speed changes get a gear setup. If you are going to be putting most of your engine power out through the PTO or hydraulics, then go HST. I have used both but I think they are for different applications, though they do overlap.

 

[Automobilist]

Thanks for the advice, opinions, etc...
To me, the best analogy was the comment about flying a helicopter, in essence needing three hands. I can easily land a 767 in a 30 knot crosswind in the rain, at night, but helos scare the crap outta me.

My usage will be homeowner on five acres. Clearing small trees, brush, building paths, driveways, etc.

HST it is...

 

[brasco426]

Thanks for the advice, opinions, etc...
To me, the best analogy was the comment about flying a helicopter, in essence needing three hands. I can easily land a 767 in a 30 knot crosswind in the rain, at night, but helos scare the crap outta me.

My usage will be homeowner on five acres. Clearing small trees, brush, building paths, driveways, etc.

HST it is...

HST it is... You sure about that....... JK kidding Happy Tractor Hunting keep us posted!