Buster57
Platinum Member
Does the L-35 have optional HST transmission? (I better be careful of the answer because I want one of those bad boys...)
L35, L48 or something smaller?
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JATO_RaT
Veteran Member
ScottAR
Veteran Member
And now for another one of Scott's famous (!?!) asides...
I really don't like the B word as it is a non word... it doesn't describe anything, doesn't compare anything, doesn't explain the context of the comparison... The B word is bad... avoid it...
On with your regular programing.../w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif
I really don't like the B word as it is a non word... it doesn't describe anything, doesn't compare anything, doesn't explain the context of the comparison... The B word is bad... avoid it...
On with your regular programing.../w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif
Buster57
Platinum Member
1957
Anonymous Poster
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I'm with buster57. Sure wish the L35 had a hydro. Kubota, are you listening??????????
karmakanic
Silver Member
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- Jun 25, 2002
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- 232
- Location
- NE Texas
- Tractor
- Kubota L35 TLB, John Deere 550 dozer, Cat D-2 dozer, Allis Chalmers HD-11 dozer
No, the L-35 doesn't come with a HST.
And just my personal opinion, being respectful of those who think differently:
The L-35 is a better machine with the GST then it would be with the HST.
Being a karmakanic, my view (thru grease smeared glasses) is this: The L-35 is kinda like the Porsche 911 of the compact tractor market. It's a high performance package. It uses a relatively small engine for it's weight, contained in a very balanced, rock solid chassis. And like the 911, it's a better machine with a gear transmission then with a viscous (fluid coupling) type transmission. For two main reasons. The direct coupling of a gear transmission minimizes driveline loss and the numerous gear ranges allow you to keep the engine in it's most efficient rpm range. Both are very usefull in allowing the engine to apply the power to the final drive that the chassis is capable of handling. In other words, like a true high performance machine, you are able to use all the power and versitility the machine is capable of producing. There is no "fat"
After using a L-48 on an admittly short test drive at the dealer, I came away with the belief the L-35 is capable of putting much more of it's power to the task at hand, chiefly because of it's GST.
The L-48 reminds me of the Porsche 928. Big and powerfull, but a little heavy and clumsy out of the corner (or the dirt pile, as the case may be)
Don't get me wrong. I'd love to have a L-48. The increased loader and hoe capacity would be welcome. But I don't think it's as efficient a machine as the L-35. And the difference in transmissions is the reason.
IMHO,
Dave
And just my personal opinion, being respectful of those who think differently:
The L-35 is a better machine with the GST then it would be with the HST.
Being a karmakanic, my view (thru grease smeared glasses) is this: The L-35 is kinda like the Porsche 911 of the compact tractor market. It's a high performance package. It uses a relatively small engine for it's weight, contained in a very balanced, rock solid chassis. And like the 911, it's a better machine with a gear transmission then with a viscous (fluid coupling) type transmission. For two main reasons. The direct coupling of a gear transmission minimizes driveline loss and the numerous gear ranges allow you to keep the engine in it's most efficient rpm range. Both are very usefull in allowing the engine to apply the power to the final drive that the chassis is capable of handling. In other words, like a true high performance machine, you are able to use all the power and versitility the machine is capable of producing. There is no "fat"
After using a L-48 on an admittly short test drive at the dealer, I came away with the belief the L-35 is capable of putting much more of it's power to the task at hand, chiefly because of it's GST.
The L-48 reminds me of the Porsche 928. Big and powerfull, but a little heavy and clumsy out of the corner (or the dirt pile, as the case may be)
Don't get me wrong. I'd love to have a L-48. The increased loader and hoe capacity would be welcome. But I don't think it's as efficient a machine as the L-35. And the difference in transmissions is the reason.
IMHO,
Dave
Anonymous Poster
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karmakanic, very nice answer. Personally I wish the L35 had the hydro. I understand what you are saying and respect your opinion. But maybe I'm just lazy or something but it sure would be nice if the L35 came with either hydro or gear,(GST), so people would have a choice. A little dreaming here.... Since I already own a hydro (Kubota 1550) I've learned to really appreciate the hydro. I believe the L35 came first, then (at the time), the B20, and now the L48. I wonder why Kubota didn't make the L48 a gear tractor. For me a hydro L35 would be the perfect size tractor, not as small as the B21, and certainly not as large as the L48.
JATO_RaT
Veteran Member
Hey Dave, your comments about GST vs HST are certainly valid, especially when comparing the energy it takes to run the two transmissions. While a HST may be less effective with how it utilizes the power its given it makes up for it in a variety of ways. My L48 has a very smooth, counterbalanced and strong diesel. The advantage it has in my opinion is exactly the opposite to yours as far as efficiency of use is concerned, namely as a TLB doing TLB things like moving dirt, cutting dirt, etc. Most all of my experience is with a manual transmission, probably 15 to 1 over HST. After I got my L48 and familiarized myself with the HST, really familiar as in feathering, feeling the power level, learning when to back down and using instant directional changes, I was hooked and feel confident that with all my experience with a manual be it GST, shuttle or standard, none are more effective or efficient then my HST for TLB use, in fact, I would say not even close. After discussing this topic with others like Tags on this forum who recently sold a Kubota L35 for a JD 110 with HST only, he too is a believer in HST and its similar advantages over other transmission types for the type of work we are doing. As much as I like the L35, its going to be tough to compare to the L48. Both are built like tanks, both do a great deal of work given their size. I just happen to think the HST is exactly what makes the L48 a more efficient machine, especially with loader operations. Its also super valuable for use with my Harley power rake. Until I hooked it up to my L48, I did not know just how much value the HST added to this incredible tool.
One feature that has been an absolute standout on my L48 is the power steering, never have I had a more consistent, strong power steering then with the L48. I literally cannot tell when the bucket is loaded to the gills, heaped to 21 cu ft. or empty in terms of steering and its feel. Its been a very pleasant surprise for me.
Now, where would GST be superior for me? On the long straight grass stretches I mow on my hillside. With my L48, medium is to slow and high is too weak. Top speed for medium is about 6 mph and with high its about 17 mph. While the GST won't come close to mowing at 17 mph either, it will mow at 9 or 10 mph and thats a big difference over 6 or 7 mph. Currently I still use my International for mowing and the L48 for everything else. Rat...
One feature that has been an absolute standout on my L48 is the power steering, never have I had a more consistent, strong power steering then with the L48. I literally cannot tell when the bucket is loaded to the gills, heaped to 21 cu ft. or empty in terms of steering and its feel. Its been a very pleasant surprise for me.
Now, where would GST be superior for me? On the long straight grass stretches I mow on my hillside. With my L48, medium is to slow and high is too weak. Top speed for medium is about 6 mph and with high its about 17 mph. While the GST won't come close to mowing at 17 mph either, it will mow at 9 or 10 mph and thats a big difference over 6 or 7 mph. Currently I still use my International for mowing and the L48 for everything else. Rat...
littlediesel
Silver Member
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- Baldwinsville, New York
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- L45 TLB, U35, KX71, U17 Excavators, B3030HSDC, F3680, ASV PT40
I've listened to this debate for some time and here are my comments from a user of both HST & GST.
I currently own a BX2200, B2910, and L35. I previously owned a B21 for 2 years. Therefore, I have hundreds of hours of use as a user of both the HST and GST.
Here are my opinions.
The HST is much more efficient at changing directions. You can quickly change directions very fast and be very productive especially in confined or tight places. The HST has less power relevant to its horsepower and weight class.
You loose the efficiency of the HST when changing gear ranges. You sometimes need to come to a complete stop when changing gears with the HST. This is not the case with the GST. The GST allows to to change gear ranges very quickly and efficiently. I was many times frustrated when changing gear ranges with the B21. It was vey slow and many times did grind the gears when shifting. This does not happen with the GST. Many times when moving and leveling dirt you want a wide speed range. The GST is much more efficient as this.
Also, the GST allows you to have a floor pedal to throttle the speed of the engine, this is not the case for any HST tractor. With the HST you can not use your foot for the HST pedal and the engine throttle. It is nice to control the engine speed as needed instead of leaving the throttle wide open all the time when doing loader work.
Sometimes it can be difficult jumping between tractors, many times I have confused the controls of the HST and GST, especially when I have been in a hurry. Also, I many times work in tight spots and have almost caused some damage by confusing the controls.
Whats better? I see pros and cons to both. If you need to shift between the low and high gear speed ranges for your application, I think the GST is better. If you can work within a limited gear range the HST is better.
Relevant to my useage, I would summarize as follows. Directional changes are much more efficent with HST. Useage between the gear ranges is more efficient with the GST.
I currently own a BX2200, B2910, and L35. I previously owned a B21 for 2 years. Therefore, I have hundreds of hours of use as a user of both the HST and GST.
Here are my opinions.
The HST is much more efficient at changing directions. You can quickly change directions very fast and be very productive especially in confined or tight places. The HST has less power relevant to its horsepower and weight class.
You loose the efficiency of the HST when changing gear ranges. You sometimes need to come to a complete stop when changing gears with the HST. This is not the case with the GST. The GST allows to to change gear ranges very quickly and efficiently. I was many times frustrated when changing gear ranges with the B21. It was vey slow and many times did grind the gears when shifting. This does not happen with the GST. Many times when moving and leveling dirt you want a wide speed range. The GST is much more efficient as this.
Also, the GST allows you to have a floor pedal to throttle the speed of the engine, this is not the case for any HST tractor. With the HST you can not use your foot for the HST pedal and the engine throttle. It is nice to control the engine speed as needed instead of leaving the throttle wide open all the time when doing loader work.
Sometimes it can be difficult jumping between tractors, many times I have confused the controls of the HST and GST, especially when I have been in a hurry. Also, I many times work in tight spots and have almost caused some damage by confusing the controls.
Whats better? I see pros and cons to both. If you need to shift between the low and high gear speed ranges for your application, I think the GST is better. If you can work within a limited gear range the HST is better.
Relevant to my useage, I would summarize as follows. Directional changes are much more efficent with HST. Useage between the gear ranges is more efficient with the GST.
Buster57
Platinum Member
The reason I would like to have an L35 with HST tranny is because my orchard is on an incredible hill and it is just easier to manage with an automatic transmission.
Additionally, I like the L35 because it is less expensive. Don't get me wrong, I could not justify the L3010 either, however, the L35 is closer to “unreasonable” then the more expensive L48.
I'm sure this makes sense!(LOL!!!)
Additionally, I like the L35 because it is less expensive. Don't get me wrong, I could not justify the L3010 either, however, the L35 is closer to “unreasonable” then the more expensive L48.
I'm sure this makes sense!(LOL!!!)
