HST vs. Gear Trans

[funwithahoe]

Had both - For a homeowner Hydro is better but if you have a 25 acre field you are going plow Gear is probably better as hydro are less efficient.

Don't get too caught up in it though - Enjoy whatever tractor you buy and good luck!!!

Send pics of your purchase!:thumbsup:

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

When I do FEL work, my right hand stays on the FEL stick, my left hand stays on the steering wheel and my right foot stays on the HST pedal to determine whether to go forward or backward and how fast. For FEL work there isn't much choice, in my opinion.

 

[_RaT_]

For the most part I would completely agree.

Had both - For a homeowner Hydro is better but if you have a 25 acre field you are going plow Gear is probably better as hydro are less efficient.

Don't get too caught up in it though - Enjoy whatever tractor you buy and good luck!!!

Send pics of your purchase!:thumbsup:

 

[shooterm]

I've been working dairy farms since I was a knee high and now extensively into Heavy Equipment operating. After I switched up jobs this last year I got alot of tractor work on the weekends with the erosion crew Baling/Mulching what not. Anyways after running a HST for the first time this year I must say its made the AG tractor into a practical loader platform. My only beef I've had so far is the size of tractor this system is on. Is there any reason to why HST isnt used on larger HP platforms?

 

[robs660]

I have a hst and ant say enough good about it. Easy to run, smooth, and very convenient. I have had gear tractors before and will never go back. Love not having the clutch!

 

[wade simpson]

I've never driven a HST but, I love my gear tractor. I have never enjoyed automatic trucks, felt like I am disconnected from the road. I have driven a standard transmission for so long, I figure its second nature now. I found the gearing is so low that I'm almost stopped before I have to disengage the clutch.
I would probably care if I had to work 12 hrs a day on my machine but for 5 hrs it's fun and slows me down somewhat..which is not a bad thing somedays(smile).

 

[k0ua]

I operate a HST on the hills and find that the HST is safer because you don't need the brakes while changing directions or when stopping.

Exactly! much safer here, all I have is hills, only flat ground on the place is the lower driveway. Still don't need the brakes much here. unless stopped, then the hydro will creep very slowly if it is steep. But when you are mowing, and you need to go slow and precise, then hydro is much better than my old B7500DT gear rig. I always wished for a lower gear in the B7500 so I could keep the rpms up to run the cutter, and go slower for the darn hills! No problem for the L3400HST.. go as slow as you want one second and as fast as you want the next, all the while the cutter is singing along at the same rpm. Side benefit, wife can safely operate the L3400HST.:thumbsup:
James K0UA

 

[shooterm]

I guess what I'm trying to say is I'm used to loader declutches and I've never seen one on a tractor. With the HST I select rpms I'll need for the load and come forward at a adjusted speed with the HST.

 

[_RaT_]

I am sure the guys that wrote with sticks in the sand and never used papyrus and charcoal said much the same thing. :laughing:

I've never driven a HST but, I love my gear tractor. I have never enjoyed automatic trucks, felt like I am disconnected from the road. I have driven a standard transmission for so long, I figure its second nature now. I found the gearing is so low that I'm almost stopped before I have to disengage the clutch.
I would probably care if I had to work 12 hrs a day on my machine but for 5 hrs it's fun and slows me down somewhat..which is not a bad thing somedays(smile).

 

[Volfandt]

I got both and each has it's strengths.
For me HST wins out in finish mowing & loader work. The ability to constantly change speeds at minute increments effortlessly pushes this over the gear in these tasks.

The gear wins out towing, ground engagement and just crusing around.
I've got 2 identical sized small tractors, one HST and the other gear and the gear just puts more power to the ground than the HST does. And it does it at lower RPM too.
That additional power @ lower rpm makes a more pleasant experience especially when one only has to "set it & forget it" .

So, IMHO the better tranny is determined by the task at hand. Neither has a 100% better advantage over the other.

Now, does anyone want to comment on the new variable speed CVT found in the new Boomer 8N?

Dave