Hydro vs Gear Trans?

[MChalkley]

And I, on the other hand, refuse to have a car or truck with a automatic transmission. Both my VW and my Dodge pickup are manual diesels. When it comes to tractors, though, it's a different story completely. Go figure.

MarkC

 

[MossRoad]

You're killing me!

<font color=green> MossRoad </font color=green>

 

[MChalkley]

Hey, what can I say? I just enjoy shifting gears. I used to enjoy shifting gears on my GST tractors, too. Other things being equal, I'll take a gear transmission any day, but in the case of hydrostatic tractor transmissions, I've found that the advantages far outweigh the fun of shifting, so I'll gladly sacrifice that for the safety and productivity.

I think it's something of a macho thing: All you have to do to ruin something in some people's eyes is say it's "easier to use". The immediate reaction is "easier to use is for wimps". Whenever someone asks about HST transmissions on this board, one of the first comments is "HST is easier, but...". Translation: Real men use gears because they're harder to use and require more skill. It's the perfect left-handed compliment - "I don't like them because I'm a "real tractor user", but you might because you're a beginner." I don't use HST because it's easier - I use it because it works better. Easier and "more fun" are often synonymous (what's the difference between work and play?) - so, given that definition, I think gear transmissions are "easier" because I think they're more fun to use. But that's not the whole issue, by a long shot. I don't need my choice of transmission to make the job more work, I can just just do more if I need more work. I want what gets the job done best, fastest, safest, and lasts longest. In some of those issues, hydrostatics and gear transmissions are a dead heat, in others the hydrostatic wins hands down, but in none of them is the hydrostatic the runner-up.

MarkC

 

[Bird]

Aw heck, Mark, why go halfway./w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif I've got automatic in everything I can get it in. Of course, we'd still be driving a manual transmission car if my wife hadn't rolled and totalled it nearly 3 years ago./w3tcompact/icons/frown.gif I've accused her of doing it on purpose just so I'd buy her one with an automatic transmission./w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif

 

[TerryinMD]

Besides the HST being easier on me for using the FEL and not having to think about which gear to use!! My problem - old timers disease. /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif What I find as the biggest advantage is, is that I can have my daughters or wife up on the machine instantly to help. Many a time they have assisted when I'm pulling out small trees, fence posts, attaching implements... well, you get the picture. All I had to do was to explain what each lever and pedal does - once!!! No muss. No fuss.

If there was one thing that I could attribute to the sale to me of the JD 4100, was the face that my wife hopped on the thing during the test drive, drove it around, and parked the thing. The smile on her face was truely amazing. I knew that the tractor was mine!!! /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif/w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif/w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif When the CFO is happy - the rest of the family is happy.

Terry

 

[MossRoad]

I agree. That's my plan. Simple, easy to use machine that everyone can use to do my work for me! I see my self sitting on the deck by the pool next year while my wife mows the lawn under the guise of, "You'll get a more even tan by riding the tractor than sitting on the deck."

<font color=green> MossRoad </font color=green>

 

[raptor]

You guys have it figured out. Momma won't drive the Massey, because the "clutch and brakes are too confusing". Maybe I do need a new HST tractor after all.

Terry

 

[TerryinMD]

Hey - you need to change your name!! /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

Terry

 

[MChalkley]

My wife, Terri, thinks somebody should. /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif

MarkC

 

[kerr]

Kinda hard on the fella ain't we?[raptor I mean ]Opinions are like armpits,every one has a couple and they both usually stink!So what,I bet ya thats what is most appealing ta most new members and visitors fer sure.

Before I bought the ol mighty 4200 ,I asked TBN members for opinions,and I got em.Thanks again.We all likes what we likes and don't what we don't.No harm done Raptor.
Glennmac,where ya at on this one?Kinda miss your colorfull post and oppinions.