Comparison JD 4044 VS. Kubota L4701

[TSO]

What is confusing? We were all new operators at one time and we did just fine with gears.

Doesn't change the fact that in this application, HST would be the better choice.

You could "get by" with a shovel, right?

 

[motownbrowne]

What is confusing? We were all new operators at one time and we did just fine with gears.

Well, not all of us... Not to say that hydrostatic tractors haven't been involved in accidents, but geared machines are far and away more dangerous. Think about it: when in gear, a gear tractor goes until you tell it to stop by hitting the clutch (brakes might not do it alone). A hydro machine stops until you tell it to go. This is obviously inherently safer. Just this year a member here jumped his starter accidentally while his tractor was in gear and was driven over. He nearly lost his life. Would his tractor have immediately started moving if it was hydrostatic? Gear tractors are also more likely to drive over operators who fall off their machines. And, they're easier to flip over backwards. Again, if the front end comes up, you have to remember what to do instead of just lifting your foot off the go pedal.

If you're a new operator, a hydro machine is obviously the safer choice.

 

[paulfun9]

Doesn't change the fact that in this application, HST would be the better choice.

You could "get by" with a shovel, right?

That is up for debate but the only way for one of us to win would be to bring your HST and My gear side by side doing similar work and see which of us can do more work on the hills. I must say that in the past when this has been the case with other owners my work has always been completed faster with no incidents What is the best icing on the cake is they all preached to me about HST and most never understood that I have both but prefer the gear/shuttle.

SO if I say I don't want a computer on my tractor will you also say that I should consider using a candle and mirror to light my way at night?

 

[jenkinsph]

That is up for debate but the only way for one of us to win would be to bring your HST and My gear side by side doing similar work and see which of us can do more work on the hills. I must say that in the past when this has been the case with other owners my work has always been completed faster with no incidents What is the best icing on the cake is they all preached to me about HST and most never understood that I have both but prefer the gear/shuttle.

SO if I say I don't want a computer on my tractor will you also say that I should consider using a candle and mirror to light my way at night?

Paul,
Curious what model hydrostatic you have?

 

[TSO]

That is up for debate but the only way for one of us to win would be to bring your HST and My gear side by side doing similar work and see which of us can do more work on the hills. I must say that in the past when this has been the case with other owners my work has always been completed faster with no incidents What is the best icing on the cake is they all preached to me about HST and most never understood that I have both but prefer the gear/shuttle.

SO if I say I don't want a computer on my tractor will you also say that I should consider using a candle and mirror to light my way at night?

No I wouldn't say that in this situation. If you were voting for an old tech lighting solution and said you can get by just fine with an incandescent flashlight, even though high powered, lower consumption LED lights are available.... Then I would say to break out your gas lantern.

Look I'm very fair and will point out when gears are better. There are certainly situations when I'd choose a shuttle over a hydrostat... But for a compact machine, based on his usage plans, based on his experience, based on the terrain... HST is obviously the better, and safer, choice.

 

[TripleR]

That is up for debate but the only way for one of us to win would be to bring your HST and My gear side by side doing similar work and see which of us can do more work on the hills. I must say that in the past when this has been the case with other owners my work has always been completed faster with no incidents What is the best icing on the cake is they all preached to me about HST and most never understood that I have both but prefer the gear/shuttle.

SO if I say I don't want a computer on my tractor will you also say that I should consider using a candle and mirror to light my way at night?

I believe what many of us have been referring to novice operators and accept an experienced operator may well have good reason to prefer geared over HST. My sons and I often work side by side with shuttle shift and HST with the better operator (my sons) doing more work no matter the machine. We do find the geared unit more tiring on a long day, but no difference in productivity.

 

[Steppenwolfe]

I have a question for you guys that are recommending a shuttle. While it may be great for you, and me for that matter, and I have them all, do you really think that a shuttle shift is the way to go for a novice? :confused3:

Yes, I do. Put it in gear and go. There is no learning curve on the feel of an hst. I can buy any tractor I want, and I chose the gear drive each time. NOW, that being said, don't discount what the hst guys say. There is a reason every tractor manufacturer out there makes one. They are just not for me.

 

[Steppenwolfe]

Well, not all of us... Not to say that hydrostatic tractors haven't been involved in accidents, but geared machines are far and away more dangerous. Think about it: when in gear, a gear tractor goes until you tell it to stop by hitting the clutch (brakes might not do it alone). A hydro machine stops until you tell it to go. This is obviously inherently safer. Just this year a member here jumped his starter accidentally while his tractor was in gear and was driven over. He nearly lost his life. Would his tractor have immediately started moving if it was hydrostatic? Gear tractors are also more likely to drive over operators who fall off their machines. And, they're easier to flip over backwards. Again, if the front end comes up, you have to remember what to do instead of just lifting your foot off the go pedal.

If you're a new operator, a hydro machine is obviously the safer choice.

You definitely do make a valid point, gear drive requires your full attention. But, hst is not necessarily a better choice for getting work done.

 

[big bubba]

"If you're a new operator, a hydro machine is obviously the safer choice" motownbrowne

yup. also...... for those CUT owners who are long of tooth or w/handicaps doing repetitive back & forth tasks, HST seems to be the top choice. glad consumers have so much to choose from. personally, i'm grateful that my gear train fits me & my needs like a glove both on the highway w/vehicles, & in the field w/tractor. glad both systems fit a niche for each person... it's not my place to say which is "better" since the OP can review the forum responses & make his own educated choice. best regards

 

[motownbrowne]

"If you're a new operator, a hydro machine is obviously the safer choice" motownbrowne

yup. also...... for those CUT owners who are long of tooth or w/handicaps doing repetitive back & forth tasks, HST seems to be the top choice. glad consumers have so much to choose from. personally, i'm grateful that my gear train fits me & my needs like a glove both on the highway w/vehicles, & in the field w/tractor. glad both systems fit a niche for each person... it's not my place to say which is "better" since the OP can review the forum responses & make his own educated choice. best regards

Absolutely. Very well said. If I had any field work to do on a scale of more than 10-12 acres, I'd be looking for a gear machine for sure. Don't get me wrong, I don't think I'd ever want to be without the hst tractors I have now, but I certainly wouldn't be against adding a heavier longer tractor with twice or three times the horsepower for bigger tasks