Hydro vs SS for 45 HP Compact Tractor

[ovrszd]

I have two tractors with gear drive shuttle shift, and one with hst. I HATE THE HST. Only have 30 hours on the B2320, but am seriously considering getting rid of it, I dislike it that much.

My little JD that I mow with is HST. The Ford and Kubota are Shuttles. Wouldn't have it any other way.

 

[TMGT]

It just doesn't work for me. No high / low range, no power in my opinion, and has to run at 3,000 rpm's to feel powerful. I simply don't care for it. Give me a shuttle shift any day.

I have a B2620, couple differences but not much, I'm confused what you mean by no high/low range? Are you running pto equipment? I know i have 3hp on yours but I run a 5ft tiller in clay and a 6in chipper with no problems.

As for the original topic, I prefer the hydro for my needs, mostly loader and landscaping type work or brush hogging in the woods where I have to manuver and change directions alot.

 

[johncanfield]

What a fun thread. My Kubota L2900 is a shuttle shift, no problems with mowing, loader work, etc - bought the Kubota new and put 560 hours on it. My new to me Deere 4720 hst is great, I really find it easier to operate for loader work than the shuttle shift. The 4720 is a thirsty beast compared to the little Kubota (twice the weight and HP.)

I have noticed the whine with the hst but it's not that big of a deal for me.

 

[scdeerslayer]

Just my experience buy I've never operated an HST. I've operated only clutch tractors since I was probably 8 or so. No shuttle shift or anything, you had to use the clutch to shift. All I had to do was sit on a Kubota HST and put my foot on the treadle pedal and I instantly knew it wasn't for me. I might could have went with a two pedal design but I wasn't going to spend $8k more for a Deere, New Holland didn't offer the package I wanted, and there were no other close dealers that I felt comfortable about.

 

[k0ua]

Just my experience buy I've never operated an HST. I've operated only clutch tractors since I was probably 8 or so. No shuttle shift or anything, you had to use the clutch to shift. All I had to do was sit on a Kubota HST and put my foot on the treadle pedal and I instantly knew it wasn't for me. I might could have went with a two pedal design but I wasn't going to spend $8k more for a Deere, New Holland didn't offer the package I wanted, and there were no other close dealers that I felt comfortable about.

It takes about a day of actual use to get used to the Kubota Treadle peddle. I didn't like it either for the first few hours, but I warmed up to it after buying and using one for a day. I now have a two pedal Kioti tractor, Didn't like it that much for an hour or two. It wasn't like my Kubota. Took about an hour and Love it now. The end result: I loved them both. Believe this or not, but every time I use my Hydro tractor especially for loader work, I think about how happy I am that it is a Hydro tractor. Yes I am a Hydro fanboi. And like you, I grew up using straight gear/clutch tractors, and owned one just a few years ago. While I can operate them, and operate them well, I am never going back to a gear tractor..