Hydrostatic (HST) Transmission Longevity?

_RaT_ · Jul 5, 2004

" spoke to a dealer today who does not sell HST tractors."

If he is selling compacts, he'd not make it out West, a majority of the compacts for us homeowners and small orchard/vineyards users purchase HST almost exclusively in the compacts. The versatility is second to none. His loss, the other dealers gain. I would love to be his competitor, I think I'd kill him. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Darren · Jul 5, 2004

I wouldn't apologize. For once I didn't have to squint.

Bob_Skurka · Jul 5, 2004

Cowboydoc: I am not sure what you are agreeing with. You seem to indicate power loss to HST, and nobody will argue that, but what does that have to do with reliability and lifespan? I think you missed something and might want to reread the original post.

FlDave: I did realize that while I do not own a tractor with HST drive that has 1500 hours on it, I do have a propane fork truck that is driven by hydraulics. It is from the early 80's, gets run 2 shifts a day, 5 days a week. We've rebuilt the engine about 5 years ago, but the drive system is, to the best of my knowledge original. That unit must have 5000???+ hours on it.

_RaT_ · Jul 5, 2004

Bob, I'm glad I was not the only one confused.

MikePA · Jul 5, 2004

Anyone who unilaterally dismisses tractors with HST, without asking how you plan on using the tractor is (1) Misinformed or (2) A troll.

If a dealer say this, particularly one who doesn't sell them, is either misinformed or (2) Lieing. In either case, buy your tractor someplace else.

A Search of TBN will reveal there have been dozens of threads about gear vs HST.

They each have their place and are a function of what you want to do with the tractor.

neilly2 · Jul 5, 2004

I think like most every question related to what tractor or features to buy, it boils down to what you plan on doing. As you can see most of the opinions are based on what people have and what work they are doing.

I think we can all agree for light to medium use the HST is plenty reliable for a property owner. If you're set on a JD, I reccomend finding a manufacturer's rep. or get a hold of a technical rep. for JD. Usually the technical reps. don't care at all about being salesmen and will give you the straight poop.

I first bought and still own a gear tranny. I actually feel it is safer to learn on, since you think out each move when you're learning the controls. When on an HST I tend to be a little lax in the safety and thinking ahead department (hit it and go). Now, shifting gears is not a thought and when mowing, raking, blading, tilling or hogging I wouldn't consider the HST a big step up in convenience.

BUT, when it comes time to need a loader for a continuous stretch, I have my brother come down with a shuttle shift. Even the shuttle shift gets bothersome after a while, and I would kill for an HST.

Large construction equipment has been running HST for many years. I have to imagine that the HST is more maintenance than a geared tran, but these are production machines and need the speed of HST to make money. The additional cost of maintenance is offset by production. Not the case with most of our 'backyard' tractors.

The John Deere website has 'question email' page on it. Start asking there and keep pushing until you get a good answer. I would be curious to see what they say.

cowboydoc · Jul 5, 2004

I guess I didn't finish what I meant clear enough. PERSONALLY and from MY experience I don't think a hydro would hold up the same as a gear tractor. Do I know of hydros with less than 1500 hours that have failed? Yes. Do I know of problems with gear tractors before 1500 hours? Yes. But I know of more hydro problems than I've ever seen gear problems. That's why I won't buy the 4720. For what I do with MY tractor I have no doubt in MY mind that I would not get a very useful life out of a hydro. I agree with Mike and a few others that have said you need to analyze what is right for you and make the decision about which to buy. For medium and light duty work I have no doubt the hydro would be fine. For what I do with one I wouldn't have one and I don't think it would hold up. That's my opinion and I know nobody will agree with me but nobody else here that I know of trys to farm like I do with one. My needs are different and what I expect of a tractor is different. It's just my opinion based on my experience like all the people that swear by a hydro. No more no less. Doesn't mean I'm right or I'm wrong or vice versa.

Darren · Jul 5, 2004

Doc,

With your situation, you're obviously in a different category as far as requirements. It's up to the individual to evaluate their needs and choose accordingly. There's certainly plenty of infoon TBN to make a decision

Alan L. · Jul 5, 2004

HST results in some HP loss, but not necessarily the "amount of work" that is accomplished.

I have never seen any documented evidence that an HST will last either longer or not as long as gear. Maybe someone can produce a study?

Cliff_Johns · Jul 5, 2004

Here is a brief article on work being done at MU to extend the average life of HST transmissions beyond the average 5,000 hours. The article says that the problem is in the bearings which wear out after about 5,000 hours.

HST research at MU

Cliff