HST vs. Geared

[TripleR]

Thanks guys. I'll search for some older posts. Although, I'm already better informed. Will definitely test drive before I make my decision.

This forum is great for researching tractors.

John

Spend as much time on them as you can. Until recently I operated a 1986 MF375 non synchro, Kubota M8540 hydraulic shuttle that replaced a synchro shuttle and a HST. A geared unit doesn't seem so bad for a while, but as the number of times you clutch to change gears/direction piles up, it starts to really begin to get old. This is even true with the hydro shuttle if you are changing directions a lot.

I have had to stop driving the MF375.

Now when I was a young man running a tractor five, six or seven days a week, it was not a problem, you get use to it. As you get older and use them less, it becomes more of a factor to consider.

Of course there will always be exceptions. Good luck.

 

[Bud Soda]

one of each

 

[charleyfarmall]

yes but when we were younger there weren't good HST tractors around or we might have been converted sooner

 

[TripleR]

yes but when we were younger there weren't good HST tractors around or we might have been converted sooner

Charlie when I was "young" all we could afford was used tractors that my brother could put in decent running condition, so it wouldn't have made any difference.:laughing:

 

[MossRoad]

Remember when we were young, cars had sticks and old dudes drove automatics.... fast forward 30 years and you realize grandpa had it right when he could afford the Cadillac with the automatic and all the bells and whistles. I'm just sayin'

 

[texasjohn]

HST...read all the posts and TBN threads on the topic....then buy an HST and post here telling us why you like it!!!

Me, it's safer and gives more control under all conditions I experience.

 

[Redneck in training]

One more vote for HST. The loss of power argument is mute. I run out of traction before I run out of power. The nice thing is constant PTO speed regardless of tractor speed. Great for loader work, mowing etc. I also think that HSTs take abuse better.

 

[TripleR]

Remember when we were young, cars had sticks and old dudes drove automatics.... fast forward 30 years and you realize grandpa had it right when he could afford the Cadillac with the automatic and all the bells and whistles. I'm just sayin'

I sure do and even remember thinking power steering and air conditioning was just a waste of money and robbed too much power.:laughing:

 

[Ledge End]

I grew up using a gear drive and liked it. I test drove an HST and liked it. Then I test drove a shuttle shift - it seemed to be between the gear and HST but is neither/both. It was difficult for me to "get it".

When I considered that my wife would be using the machine then the decision moved easily to HST. Not that she couldn't operate a gear drive machine (she is comfortable with an auto with standard trans.) but there was a much higher "comfort" level with the HST on the tractor.

I must say I love the way I can easily move the machine a wee little bit when doing up close work, even on small grades. The gear machine definately required more skill / coordination for small moves on grade.

I can say also that once you have a tractor to work around your place your initial task (mowing a field) will become only one of many tasks that you will use the tractor for. Dream a bit on this point. Future applications may suggest... another tractor :laughing:

Enjoy the search, and enjoy the tractor even more!

 

[charleyfarmall]

I sure do and even remember thinking power steering and air conditioning was just a waste of money and robbed too much power.:laughing:

Yeah, and I couldn't understand power windows and mirrors:laughing: