hydrostatic vs power reverser?

[chrisdvorak]

I am thinking about buying a 3000 series tractor mainly for loader work and i have two hydro drive garden tractors right now and they are easy to drive but can have a week transmission at times and wouldn't mind trying something new, so my question is- is it worth saving a little money and going with the reverser for loader work or do i want to pay more for the hydro? do you have a hydro and wish you didn't? any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[WH401]

Since you have two hydro's already, and your pleased with them, (other than the week transmission point), than I would stick with a hydro. If your use is mainly loader work, than a hydro will be the fastest, though a PowerReverser (PR), won't be far off in terms of speed. Also, there's a big difference between the hydro on a garden tractor and the hydro on a CUT. The hydro on a CUT is built to much higher and stronger specifications because of the work load and abuse it may see. Today's hydro transmissions are just as reliable as gear driven types, as long as proper maintenance is taken.

I myself have a PR, and do some loader work, but mostly it's used as my grass cutter. I have 7 acres of my total 11 that consists of a lot of open fields and one large hill, so I wanted to be able to set it right to a constant speed and go, with not having to fiddle with any pedals or what not. A hydro tractor could do the same thing with cruise control, but I grew up with gear driven tractors and I've never really "fully" like a hydro. One main reason is the power loss through the transmission compared to a gear driven tractor. Gear driven tractors put more power to the ground and that was a big selling point for me.

I would suggest going to a Deere dealer and test driving both transmissions, and see what you like before you make a complete decision.

 

[jenkinsph]

Chris,
This has been debated many times here, you can do a search and find days of reading.

My vote is for the ehydro transmission in the 3000 and 4000 series CUT's. I would also say if you are planning on a lot of loader work to consider the 4520 instead of the 3x20 machines. The extra width of the 4x20 machines will help with stability. Overall I am very satisfied with my 4520 and 110tlb and both are ehydro.

 

[chrisdvorak]

the biggest machine that i could afford would be a 3320

 

[WH401]

I think you'll be fine with a 3320 for loader work. I also have a mid-60's IH 340 w/ an FEL, which is about the size of a 4x20 series JD, but probably a slight bit bigger. Comparing stability of the 3320 in loader work to the stability of the 340, it's very similar. There's two big things you can do to gain as much stability with a 3320 as possible. 1. Swap the rear tires around so that they are set up to run in their "wide" position. 2. Have a more than adequate amount of rear ballast, such as a weight box attached to the 3 pt and fluid filled tires. With those two things, you shouldn't have any stability problems, when common sense is used of course.

 

[ddivinia]

I am thinking about buying a 3000 series tractor mainly for loader work and i have two hydro drive garden tractors right now and they are easy to drive but can have a week transmission at times and wouldn't mind trying something new, so my question is- is it worth saving a little money and going with the reverser for loader work or do i want to pay more for the hydro? do you have a hydro and wish you didn't? any suggestions would be appreciated.

Go e-hyrdo - I have both a PR and e-hyrdo. If they offered a e-hydro in my 5525, it would have it.

D.

 

[beenthere]

Another vote for hydro.
Leaves a hand free to do the loader work, or hang on, or scratch.
I wouldn't go back to PR for any amount of money.

 

[Cocre]

Never used a PR, but the eHydro on my 3320 is a dream to use.

 

[ejb17]

I wrestled with the same choice on my 4520. But when thinking about using the rear snowblower and finish mowing 7-8 acres the e-hydro won and I am glad. Cruise is great when mowing and variable speed for the snow controlled by my foot wins hands down.

 

[Nuru]

e-hydro regardless of which size you choose. Also the widest setting you can get is good for the 3x20 series. I use Turf specials on mine and my stance is approximately 66" - 68" wide. If you want to go wider, then some have used Unverferth hub spacers to gain 6" on each side at the hubs.