HST vs. Geared

TripleR · Mar 20, 2012

johno2000 said:
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 · Mar 20, 2012

one of each

charleyfarmall · Mar 20, 2012

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

TripleR · Mar 21, 2012

charleyfarmall said:
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 · Mar 21, 2012

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 · Mar 21, 2012

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 · Mar 21, 2012

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 · Mar 21, 2012

MossRoad said:
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 · Mar 21, 2012

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 · Mar 21, 2012

TripleR said:
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:

TripleR · Mar 21, 2012

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

Yeah, I am pretty much spoiled now and don't mind admitting it.

k0ua · Mar 21, 2012

TripleR said:
Yeah, I am pretty much spoiled now and don't mind admitting it.

My latest truck has the backup assist sensors.. I used that think that was crazy " I will never spend money on something stupid like that".. well they came with the truck so I had no choice.. but you know it is pretty handy.

James K0UA

whitedogone · Mar 21, 2012

Hydro tractors look like this:

Gear tractors look like this:

buck12 · Mar 22, 2012

Once you decide on which transmission start a thread on tire choice and then a thread on Deere versus Kubota. It should keep you busy for a while

Good luck finding the best machine for your needs.

texasjohn · Mar 22, 2012

you forgot SUDT vs UDT.

WHITEDOGONE, I think you have the best definition I've ever seen!!

bigbull338 · Mar 23, 2012

come on guys yall love to get into the gear vs HST.we all have reasons why we like 1 over the other.but the best thing is to test drive both tractors an decide for yourself.

Don87 · Mar 23, 2012

bigbull338 said:
come on guys yall love to get into the gear vs HST.we all have reasons why we like 1 over the other.but the best thing is to test drive both tractors an decide for yourself.

Actually, test driving won't help much with a decision. One needs to think of the tasks the tractor will be used for as posted previously. Unless the test drive includes real work , like bush hogging, plowing, tilling, snowblowing....etc.

Personally, I'm gald I got HST.

Gale Hawkins · Mar 24, 2012

If your car and truck are manual then you may prefer manual on the tractor. Otherwise HST can rule the day especially when health declines and knees and hips start getting replaced.

ddb123 · Mar 24, 2012

Gale Hawkins said:
If your car and truck are manual then you may prefer manual on the tractor. Otherwise HST can rule the day especially when health declines and knees and hips start getting replaced.

My car and truck are manual, and I can't stand an automatic transmission. But I wish I had a HST on my tractor!