hydrostat vs. gears??

NIXON · Feb 12, 2004

I don't see is as a war, But as an ongoing skirmish /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
As to the winner .... The new poster asking a valid , if not oft asked question . John

slowrev · Feb 12, 2004

Well said Soundguy,
We will have to wait for some time till the word is in on the current HYDRO tranny's durability. I do know that they do/will cost more to repair than a good gear tranny. A small 4.00 O ring can go out in them and cost lots in labor time and gaskets to get to it and replace. I have seen this happen.

The hydro's are very fun and convenient to use though.

Henro · Feb 12, 2004

( The HST vs GEAR wars are now over ) 

 Uh, who won? 

Well, there was an unofficial cease fire [no officials available from each side to sign formally] and now we tend to have only the occasional pot shot here and there...or so it seems... /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

A gradual consensus seems to have evolved leading to an understanding that it is the owner, rather than the tractor type, that determines what is best for each particular person... /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Or so it seems to me... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

JerryG · Feb 12, 2004

Well said, Bill, well said. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

MossRoad · Feb 13, 2004

who won? 

We all did. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Wal · Feb 13, 2004

For me, the HST adds a safety factor. I don't need to clutch to change speeds, and I can creep slower than a turtle if I want to, when I am on a slope, at an angle I am not comfortable with.

I love that ability to change direction without clutching sometimes. Other times it would make no difference at all.

I don't plow so the advantage of a gear machine in that application does not apply to me.

Also like the ability to creep up to implements for 3PH hookup, without needed any skill whatsoever to do that.

So for me the real advantage of the HST seems to be safety related. Lift you foot off the directional pedal and the tractor stops on its own. On a hill, you always have a wheel-to-engine connection, at any speed.

Henro,

Well said /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif Most of my operating time is spent in "the woods" in tight quarters and almost always on some sort of slope. I enjoy a "stick shift" as much as anybody, just not off the road /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif Then again, I don't do any plowing either.

Now I'm kinda wondering what the really,really big machines used on commercial operations tend to have as far as transmissions? Its not really related, but I understand in the 18 wheeler world automatics are becoming common. I have heard on the CB more than once how certain operators really love their automatic.

JerryG · Feb 14, 2004

Now I'm kinda wondering what the really,really big machines used on commercial operations tend to have as far as transmissions? 
Powershifts

rambler · Feb 17, 2004

Yea, the new tractors of any power are all power shifts. Hydro or the typical automatic would waste far too much power.

Over on the NH board some folks are talking about their hydro's stalling out; or sticking in gear for a bit. (They mentioned other colors had issues too, so no color wars please. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Always wondered if that was an issue.

IH made big 100 hp tractors that were all hydro drive. Not very efficient, but handy for inching allong or loader work.

Fent (I think) has an infinite variable tranny, not sure how it works on the big machines.

Not trying to start a war myself, just talking. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

--->Paul

KNotMe · Feb 17, 2004

It is interesting that in a society where we are using 300hp cars and trucks to do things that can be acconmplished with less than half that power, we worry about 5% loss of power with HST.

KNotMe

cowboydoc · Feb 17, 2004

Yea if you're talking about cars or city slicker pickups but if you're talking about tractors and truck where you need that hp to accomplish the job then it's dang important.

PineRidge · Feb 17, 2004

Yea if you're talking about cars or city slicker pickups but if you're talking about tractors and truck where you need that hp to accomplish the job then it's dang important.


On a 100 HP engine 5% equates to only 5 HP. Most air conditioning compressors on larger cab tractors consume that much HP themselves. Yet I would imagine that the majority of cab tractor owners consider air conditioning an important part of their working environment, especially in warmer climates.

So it still all boils down to a matter of personal choice for each individual. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

_RaT_ · Feb 17, 2004

Hey, wait a minute, my hydrostatic on my pure pleasure machine has gears just a few less. I just love my hydrostatic transmission, you could try and talk me out of it but you won't succeed. Rat... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

_RaT_ · Feb 17, 2004

And a fine bit of talking at that Paul. Get the tranny you are willing to shell out those after tax dollars for. You make the payments, the least you should get is a transmission you enjoy. Don't you think?

_RaT_ · Feb 17, 2004

Hey Henro, AMEN buddy! Good comment. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

P.S. A few more posts and I hit 1000 posts baby, I think thats where I'll up and leave.

MossRoad · Feb 17, 2004

Where you gonna go? /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

JDgreen227 · Feb 18, 2004

And wherever you are going, let us all know when you get there..... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

JC4HD · Feb 18, 2004

I own a JD 4310 with a HS trans... for loader work there is no equal! So far I have 100+ hours and zero problems! Don't take my word for it... I just got done trying out a Cat 992 Loader (15 cu ft bucket) and it was Hydro! The thing is a few years old and works 18hr+ days... has had the engine replaced twice but not the Tranny!
I'd say the HS Trans is reliable! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

DK35vince · Feb 18, 2004

( .. I just got done trying out a Cat 992 Loader (15 cu ft bucket) and it was Hydro! )

Are you sure?
The Cat website lists the 992 as a Torue converter, planetary power shift transmission.

rtvman · Sep 14, 2004

HSD is the only way to go. Longevity??? I just turned 1000 hours on my L35 last weekend. I know that at least 600 hours of that was hard digging. No issues, no repairs./forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif I would say you should have no fear on the longevity of the HSD.

Soundguy · Sep 15, 2004

( HSD is the only way to go. Longevity??? I just turned 1000 hours on my L35 last weekend. I know that at least 600 hours of that was hard digging. No issues, no repairs. I would say you should have no fear on the longevity of the HSD. )

I had to chuckle at that. 1000 hours is hardle break in on a tractor. Lets talk longevity in the 3-4-5-6K hour range.. and 30-40-50-60 year range... That's what I look for in a tractor. Lotsa metal, levers, gears, and pedals.. not fiberglass, tons of hoses, electric modules and buttons.. etc. Thos are the things that age and die quickly on a tractor...

Soundguy