HST vs. Gear Drive

[Egon]

shifting gears and the knowledge of how to properly isn't one of them.

Really!

Perhaps give us some instructions on proper gear shifting for tractors!

 

[jas67]

I guess the main thing that most novices don't know about gear tractors is that most of them are not syncronized, and you can't shift while moving. I only knew this fact, because I borrowed my brother's JD 970 (very nice Tractor BTW, even thought it isn't oranage) several years back, and he warned me of that fact.

I would agree with HST being a convenience, but if you use a three point snowblower on the back, HST is much better IMHO. First of all, you can keep the blower going at full speed while changing tractor speed to deal with different depths of snow (drifts). An, in the case of a tractor with only two speed ranges, those two speeds are probably too slow, and too fast for given snow conditions.

At this point, it really doesn't matter, as the HST tractor has already been sold - I didn't have a chance anyway, it sold before the owner even got a chance to reply to my email asking to come see/drive it.

 

[Soundguy]

Really!

Perhaps give us some instructions on proper gear shifting for tractors!

Too many people use the clutch as a speed control device.

I've seen a person take out the clutch on a piece of new equipment in 30 minutes.

soundguy

 

[The Gardener]

If a choice/decision must be made between gear or HST, I would use this as my compass.

"Constant" repetitive motion = HST

Where the line gets a bit gray is how much time passes between each repetition. For example, if I am mowing 300 yard strips of lawn with a simple turn around at each end, I'd opt for gear unless the HST also included cruise control.

I have done our 4+ acre cut with both transmissions. The HST did not include cruise control on the model I borrowed. I sure felt my ankle by the end of that ordeal using the HST whereas the gear transmission on this type of long run acts like cruise control.

The BEST of all scenarios is HST with cruise control. You cannot beat that combination since it covers all possibilities.

:Gardener

 

[Egon]

I've seen a person take out the clutch on a piece of new equipment in 30 minutes.

Golly, that sure isn't much time is it?

Might be time to set up a clutch operators school ?

 

[N80]

Golly, that sure isn't much time is it?

Might be time to set up a clutch operators school ?

Egon, you haven't seen too many newbies operate a tractor have you? It's more than just clutching. They also have a tendency to get timing wrong and grind gears a bit. But probably the worst thing, other than damaging the clutch is improper gear selection, especially trying to do a task in too high a gear and constantly lugging the engine or running it at too low an rpm.

 

[Egon]

gear tractors is that most of them are not synchronized, and you can't shift while moving.

Check out some of the newer larger model gear tractors to see how their transmissions operate. It's a big difference from the older gearbox tractor shifting.

 

[The Gardener]

I believe the new GST is operated w/o a clutch on the L39. Others who know more can confirm. If I read this correctly, it [almost] sounds like a hand operated, HST tranny.

: The Gardener

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

HST VS GEAR DRIVE specifically on a B CUT. That's the question. I bought a new truck a few years ago. Wanted cheapest they had. 5 Speed. I like driving a 5 speed but driving all the time I prefer the auto. Couldn't sell the truck until I sold it to a family member. They also soon tired of it and had a tough time selling it. Finally traded it to a dealer on another vehicle. Resell on cars, trucks and CUT's will always be better with automatics which means more of your money back if you decide to sell or trade. Not saying no one will buy the geared ones but most people want the auto. Someone hunting the least expensive will buy the least expensive one which is the geared one and they will be hunting for a bargain which is usually not best for the seller. Yes, I know there are those hot rodders like me that want a Vintage Corvette to be a 4 speed but that's not the masses of buyers. Ask your dealer. People that think they will do their own repairs and expect something to break will look toward gears. Most of us know that when it stops we'll call someone to come fix it. Convenient and ease of use is what most of us buy. Anyone believe the gear drive is easier to use on a CUT? From one end of a field to the other all day probably won't matter. That's probably rarely the reason for someone to purchase a CUT. I now have an L and BX and F but would not buy any of them in gear drive. Talked to Kubota regional rep a couple of weeks ago and he indicated that I'm the average Kubota buyer. Acreage yard owners that want better than a disposable mower and can afford it and also want small tractor capability. So a mechanic will mostly be thinking about repairs. A trader and 60 year old like me will look toward resale and ease of use. I currently own three Kubotas and have bought 6 Kubotas in 4 years. Sold and traded 3 of them in the last 2 months. I keep hunting for that perfect tractor for my needs with perfect amount of power, size and ease of use. For ease of use for me = HST. For resale=HST. How many people traded a gear for a HST and want to go back to the gear? Again, most things tear up in time and with use. I expect that. Don't like it but expect it. When it does I'll try simple repairs but transmission goes out I'm calling someone and believe most people are like me in that situation. Extra cost for repair, I expect that for something that is more technical and easier to use. I've heard the Model T was an easy to repair vehicle and fairly reliable but I don't want one.

 

[Egon]

You surely didn't have to shift gears on the Model T!