Hydrostat owners and did not like it ???

MMM · Jan 17, 2005

( Sycro- shuttle, sycronized main gears (shift on the go) )

I have the syncro with shutle reverse and foot throttle, a poor man's hydro.
Has one of you guys had to repair or have repaired, hydro sytems, and did it hurt? I know the systems on heavy eqipment are ridiclously expensive. I'm looking at small tractors and think HST might be nice for the wife., but I don't want to buy a new tractor every time warranty expires for fear of costly repairs. Splitting a tractor and installing clutch is ok, but the HST might be too complicated to attempt.

WhiteRock · Jan 17, 2005

( Has one of you guys had to repair or have repaired, hydro systems)

Great question. And if anyone has every had one fail, what part failed?

I suspect seals would be less than a clutch, however a control valve would probably be much more. I can't imagine the pump or drive motor failing if properly maintained.

ksmmoto · Jan 17, 2005

I didn't know Kubota built gear tractors when I bought mine! Love the HST.

I think when these Hydro vs. Gear threads get hot (might be ok with the -20 below tonight) it is because everybody has different uses. Someone plowing or disking 20 or 30 acres at a time may like gear. People doing landscape, mowing, loader or other stop and go jobs may like hydro.

ksmmoto

DocHeb · Jan 18, 2005

( And if anyone has every had one fail, what part failed?)

An advantage of HST is that there really aren't that many parts to fail. When they do fail it usually is "Something inside OR outside..." (this is a quote from a very wise man) /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif. This whole topic was covered adequately, with a suprisingly minimal amount of gear/HST rancor (but with a couple interpersonal "digs"), and with some important input from a NH technician, in the thread: If a hydro fails what part of it fails ???

MossRoad · Jan 18, 2005

When they do fail it usually is "Something inside OR outside..." 

Yep, that is about as accurate a statement as you'll ever read. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

slowrev · Jan 18, 2005

Let's see my left foot rests near the brake,
//

Just one brake ?

Ben

Syncro · Jan 18, 2005

I'm probably in the minority that just plain likes a gear tractor. The reason? I prefer adjusting speed with a foot throttle and like the 'feel' of positive engagement. Did I ever switch back from hydro to gear? Yes, I bought a brand new Cub Cadet for cutting grass and went back to a gear driven mower. Its just my personal preference. My road vehicles however are all automatics. As far as speed goes, I can run a syncronized shuttle loader pretty darn fast. For me at least, the closest I'd get to an HST would be a power shuttle. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

JayC · Jan 18, 2005

Just one brake ? 

Well, I'm certainly not PineRidge, but I think I can answer that. The larger CNHs have the dual HST pedal design. The pedals are on the right and the brakes on the left. That's what I like about the dual pedal design. You can still use the differential braking if need be. I think all the Deere HSTs are dual pedal, the CNH SubCUTs are a dual pedal I believe, and Farmtrac has the dual pedal HST system as well. I think some Cub Cadets CUTs have the dual pedal, too, although I am unsure about that.

SkyPup · Jan 18, 2005

I've operated our MF 1030 for 20 years now with its three speed Hydro without a problem besides the hydro hydraulic filters are so expensive. Purchased new in 1985 and have not had a single problem with it and still operates just fine with about 1,200 hours on the clock.

When we purchased our 2004 Kubota L-3130, I got the GST transmission primarily for FEL work and am extremely happy with it putting 550+ hours on it the first year with a single solitary problem whatsoever.

I should have our new LTB-39 Kubota in a couple of weeks here shortly and it too is a GST.

Main thing to remember is that with all HST, GST, hydraulic operated clutches and trannies, using Full Synthetic Hydraulic Fluid is the way to go. Don't bother getting one if you plan on using the cheapest dino hydraulic oil you can find.

EastTexFrank · Jan 18, 2005

We have 2 straight gear tractors and 1 syncroshuttle at the farm and a B2400 HST at the house. My preference? .... the HST everytime. I love being able to keep the PTO rpm at 540 and control the ground speed by easing up on the throttle when the going gets rough or a little bit iffy. It's so much quicker and easier than any gear tractor but I don't know anything about the JD vari-speed transmission they now have available on their bigger tractors. It's probably very, very expensive.