HST or Shuttle

[manny2005]

All,

First, thanks for all the insight.

I still am tossing this over. Budget is tight and got a price on the CK25 Shuttle and HST. There is $1100.00 differace in price with the HST being more expensive. My primary work now will be mostly FEL work and blade dragging. After this project is completed, the FEL work will be cut considerably and will be using it to cut about 2 acres regular and road maintenace.

Thanks again for the assistance.

 

[bg71361]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Why not, I have used my brakes to turn while using the HST and FEL. Cruise Control is a beautiful thing ! )</font>

You use cruise control while using a loader? I'd like to come and watch! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[daTeacha]

I can visualize that. Put it in low range, low speed, set the cruise, and as you approach the area needing a tight turn, use one brake or the other. It takes longer to write or read than it would to do. You'd need to plan ahead a little, and gears would be easier, but it can be done. Personally, I've only needed the turning brakes when using things on the rear of the tractor, but I can see situations where you'd need them with the FEL, depending on the size of the tractor and where you want to place or dump something. I'll probably go in and out of my woodshed with brake assist after I get the new tractor.

 

[bg71361]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I can visualize that. Put it in low range, low speed, set the cruise, and as you approach the area needing a tight turn, use one brake or the other. )</font>

It's not that it cannot be done, but is it practical. If we were moving gravel in a competition, I think I would be on my 4th beer while your still working! lol Hydro's and cruise control are for fancy boys! Have fun! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[TOL1488]

...through ten feet of snow, up hill both ways, and we liked it! /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif


LOL sorry had to it just reminded me of it.

 

[RobertN]

I do not see the need for steering brakes on a CUT with power steering. And, although it can be done, running steering brakes while in 4wd does not do your drive train any good(stress on front driveline, lead/lag on front end...).

On an old 8N, or especially on a trike like a Farmall C, H, or M, I could see where you could really whip them around. Now though, the CUT's steer so tight to begin with, it seems brake steering is an artifact left over from a different age.

IMHO, of course /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[daTeacha]

It depends on how and where you use the thing. I've owned a couple of 8Ns and I've taken my B7100 into and out of places where the 8N wouldn't go. I've used the brakes on the 8Ns and also on a narrow front WD-45 mowing fields with a 6' bush hog and a sickle bar cutter. I've had need of the steering brakes on the B7100 (gear) and thought long and hard about gear vs. HST for the new tractor. I decided on HST only after convincing myself that I could use the steering brakes if needed. I may not need them, but then who would think I'd need them with the little B7100?

I don't use the tractor to mow lawn, but to work in the woods clearing brush piles, moving firewood logs, filling gullies, etc. I also use it for barn and barnyard work, spreading manure, hauling firewood from the woodshed to the house, stuff like that. As with most of the owner/operators here, the work I do is not something that I'm in a major hurry about, nor am I getting paid by the hour for doing it. I'm trying the HST -- committing to it actually -- only after carefully considering all the options and starting out as a pretty dedicated gear guy. I've driven the tractor I'm buying and made sure I could use the brakes as I envision I might need them. The advantages of the HST for slow and delicate maneuvers in the barn are what sold me on that tranny. I don't consider it a fancy option but something that will make the tractor better suited for the manner in which I intend to use it.

I could use a short "D" handle shovel to dig a hole, too, but why should I when a long handled one lets me do the job more efficiently? Yeah, the shorty has it's place, but the long handle is more useful in most situations where I need a shovel. I decided the same thing about the HST vs. gear, but it was not an easy decision for this dedicated gearhead.

BG, you're new here. I suggest you read the rules. A person with a less thick skin than my own might take offense at your comments about "fancy boys". Being a veteran of 39 years of dealing with junior high and high school kids, I'm kind of used to hearing people direct derogatory comments at those they disagree with and then try to cover up the insult by saying it was a joke. The kids usually outgrow it by the time they graduate. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Donnyj]

Steering the tractor while doing any major loader work such as pushing dirt or even snow pushing will require using the brakes to help steer the tractor. Once that front bucket gets full the front of the tractor will sometimes not be able to steer with the front tires. If you pick the loader up a little that wil help, but if you want to push the most amount of material you will have to use the brakes to steer. Brief instances of steering with the brakes will not cause damage.

 

[bg71361]

daTeacha If you took my comments to heart, too bad for you. Maybe all the time you have spent with adolescents has jaded your sense of humor. Please don't put words in my mouth by interpreting my post. If you disagree that is fine, but do not try to make me out the bad guy for putting in a joke. Shame on you for wanting to dominate this thread!
Bill

 

[3RRL]

As the daTeach said, this topic has been been discussed and there are give and take on both sides. I'm very happy with my shuttle shift but sure would like to have an HST. From a convenience point of view some chores would be lot easier withoout having to do a lot of shifting. Another thing to keep in mind is to place the importance of usage above that one chance you may have a breakdown. No doubt warranty, dealership, repairs and parts are all important, but you can't live your tractor life worrying about if "this" or "that" happens. You need to get something that will accomplish your tasks and yet give you some comfort while doing them. After a full day of shifting your a$$ off in a gear tractor, you'll be thinking the same way. That's how I feel about it.

bg71361,
As the other posters have done, at least daTeacha is trying to help Manny in his decision by offering his opinion via experience and explanations. Yours are more like "chops" rather than jokes.

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( You use cruise control while using a loader? I'd like to come and watch! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif)</font>

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( If we were moving gravel in a competition, I think I would be on my 4th beer while your still working! lol Hydro's and cruise control are for fancy boys! Have fun! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif)</font>

Just curious, were you on your 4th beer when you wrote them? /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif (sorry, could,'t help that) You may be new here on TBN, but it's obvious you have experience to share. Why not try sharing it without being so "in your face"? It doesn't hurt to be a little respectful of other opinions whether you agree or disagree.