L5030 GST or HST

[dmltrac]

I was all set to go with the HST. Took the wife to drive it. She didn't like the jerkiness of the HST (a lot due to not being used to the pedal, I'm sure). Plus I am wondering about loss of power of HST. Not sure I like the whine of the HST hydraulics. Have not found a GST to test, but have heard good things about it.
Does anyone have the GST configuration, if so how do you like it? Do you wish you had gone with the HST?
OR
Has anyone bought the HST and wished they had gone with the GST?
Decisions, decisions. AT least, after looking at all the other tractors, I do believe the 5030 is one heck of a tractor and the one I want to get. The 50 HP engine has less noise/vibration that the competitions and I like the loader. Now GST or HST....
mike

 

[Dargo]

I've had GST in the past and really liked them. A few years ago I ran across a deal on an HST tractor and nearly didn't buy it because I didn't like the HST. After having it for a while I got used to it, and now like both versions. I bought a new 5030HSTC this last year and again couldn't decide whether to go with the GST or HST. I guess the only difference I could see was that when doing loader work, after I'd gotten used to it, the HST tractor was slightly more productive and easier to use.

I'd venture to say that it should be pure preference for you. The debate on gear vs hydro rages on, and I won't even venture there at all. I honestly had no problem with the GST at all and still don't. I only bought the HST because of the slight increase productivity and ease of use in loader work, and because of the much slower speed I was able to run when using a large tiller in my hard clay soil. I didn't want to make two passes with my tiller (takes twice as long), and I could not till to the depth I wanted with the gear tractor in a single pass. The HST has a definite advantage in that particular application. I don't think you'll regret either choice. I opted for the HST for the reasons I mentioned, but I wouldn't say that either the GST or the HST are better than the other; just different choices that excel in different areas. Good luck!

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention; I think you'll like the size/power of the 5030. I really wanted the power and strength of the "M" series tractor, but I didn't want the weight and extra size. The 5030 seems to hit a nice balance between having good power without having too much weight or size. Sometimes I still wish I had a larger and stronger tractor, but when I look behind me and see the tracks I'm leaving in my soft soil over the winter, I remind myself what a heavier tractor would be doing and I'm okay again. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[_RaT_]

They are both great ways to go. If your wife was getting "jerked" around, it is her technique more then anything. Keep the RPM's down around 2000 or less to start. Use medium or low and make sure she does not have her whole foot on the pedal, just her toe.

If the loss of power has you wondering, the slight whine etc., do try out a GST. It is a great and easy to use transmission. By the same token the standard shuttle is excellent too. I don't recall now if you can get the L5030 in a shuttle.

I had the same engine in my Kubota L48 and now in my L3830 only with one less cylinder. They are both excellent diesels.

 

[gordon]

It took me quite a few hours of operation to get the hang of the hst. One thing that is hard to overcome is when the engine starts to bog down you have to let up on the hst pedal not push down like you would with a foot throttle.

After getting the hang of the hst would I turn back---NOPE.

Bottom line get what your most comfortable with

Gordon

 

[Wall]

I was trying to make the same decision GST or HST last spring. What I did was think about some of the jobs I was going to use the tractor for. One job cleaning up a bank behind the house using the fel. With the GST it would be operate loader, throttle, clutch, brake, steer, shuttle shift most likely back all the way down the bank and start over. With the HST just steer and operate the fel I could move 1inch or 1 foot in either direction on the bank using my foot on the treadle pedal the control you have of the tractor in AMAZING.

L 4330 HST

 

[_RaT_]

<font color="blue">With the HST just steer and operate the fel I could move 1inch or 1 foot in either direction on the bank using my foot on the treadle pedal the control you have of the tractor in AMAZING. </font>

This is so true. In fact, it is perhaps the biggest advantage but one that is learned and not always understood. Folks with standard transmissions may not be able to fully understand this since you do need to get on a HST tractor and work it to fully appreciate that comment "the control you have of the tractor is AMAZING." I find this kind of control is handy in precarious situations just as you describe. Mine come's into play when using the loader on slopes and mowing over the bank down into my pond. It is very steep and the margin for error is very, very tiny. One other thing I have found in using HST is the precision I have as well as the ease of using my 3 pt auger. Positioning it before and during the drilling could not be any easier. That's not to say that there aren't times that a GST would be more advantageous or perhaps better suited then HST.

 

[DmansPadge]

I think most people who are used to gears would be happier in the long run with the hyrdostatic. I'm not knocking the gear tractors! They are great and last a lifetime. But with the HST you have more precise movement of the tractor. It might take a little getting used to if you have used gear type tractors in the past but in the end I think almost anyone would be satisfied with the benefits of a HST.

 

[_RaT_]

I have had two gear tractors, one shuttle, and one standard manual. I have had 1 HST and have an HST currently. As much as I realy enjoy HST, there are times a GST or shuttle shift would be more beneficial. Currently I am ripping and dragging a lot of dirt. I am using my box scrapper. I know my gear drives would be more advantageous in this situation. Even though in low range, my HST is doing the job while maintaining a very acceptable temperature, I'm pretty sure I could be doing it a bit faster with a gear, at least the forward pulling part. I must say that given the choice, I would probably go HST again. I now have 600 hours using HST. I have well over a thousand with gears. From my little bit experience, I would say that if you really like what GST offers, go that route, it is not a mistake. But let me also say that it will take as many as 50 hours to really get the full understanding of the who, how, what and where's of HST. As simple as this transmission is to operate, it isn't so simple to get a full understanding of all it offers. Rat...

 

[gordon]

It took me closer to 100hrs to get the hang of it real well. Old habits die hard. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif


Gordon

 

[DDT]

It might boil down to if you want a cab of not. I like my hrdo. At times when mine gets jerky I use the cruise, problem solved for me.