LS s1030

[Gary Fowler]

That is why they make both types of transmissions. For me, buying a tractor with automatic would be akin to buying a sports car with automatic. While both perform excellently, some folks like the feeling of holding a stiff rod in their hand and controlling something powerful with it. I guess that is why guys like tractors so much, lots of rods to hold and play with:laughing:

 

[LittleBlueTractor]

For me, buying a tractor with automatic would be akin to buying a sports car with automatic.

I learned to drive in a '59 Chevy pick-up w/ 3 speed shifter on the column and have preferred standard transmissions ever since. I've owned a few automatics, but somehow always found my way back to a standard. I work in downtown Houston and drive a 5 speed 2002 Subaru the in traffic we have here -- now that's commitment. Another advantage of the standard is I just replaced my brake pads for the first time after more than 90K miles of mostly city driving. I know HSTs have many advantages but for what I do the geared tranny is fine. Figure I'll be stick to "the stick" on my vehicles and tractors until I'm forced to go with an automatic for some reason.

 

[shafshak]

As for buying between gear vs hst trans.i would think there would be less maintenance with a gear trans,repairs would be cheaper also.you have 8 speeds to choose from and you have the shuttle shift.All with live power for pto.

 

[LittleBlueTractor]

As for buying between gear vs hst trans.i would think there would be less maintenance with a gear trans,repairs would be cheaper also.you have 8 speeds to choose from and you have the shuttle shift.All with live power for pto.

True, but the HST has some big proponents on this forum. Even though I've never tried HST I can see where it would have it's advantages -- especially a if you do a lot of loader work. Plus, HST is probably better if you have less experienced users in the family. Geared works fine for the things I do. I say let the tasks to do dictate the tools you use.

 

[Gary Fowler]

Folks talk like hydro is only way to go with loader work. I cant see that at all. I can shift just as easily with my shuttle as they can with hst. I dont know of any loader work where you run forward and reverse without stopping to dump the load, while the FEL is cycling, I use my other hand to shift the shuttle lever and before the bucket is dumped I am ready to go again. Not having to have my foot on the hst lever all day long allows my legs to rest when not needed. I drove my BIL's NH 2030 for about half an hour and my leg and hip joint were so cramped up that I could hardly get out of the cab. I sat on every model on the lot for practically every make and model and none of them were really comfortable for the pedal and most didnt allow you to use the steering brakes and HST pedal at the same time. Actually I think I saw a few models didnt even have steering brakes. Tractors are made to operate in muddy and slick conditions and I would never even consider a tractor without steering brakes. That just my 4 cents worth.

 

[LittleBlueTractor]

Folks talk like hydro is only way to go with loader work. I cant see that at all. I can shift just as easily with my shuttle as they can with hst. I dont know of any loader work where you run forward and reverse without stopping to dump the load, while the FEL is cycling, I use my other hand to shift the shuttle lever and before the bucket is dumped I am ready to go again. Not having to have my foot on the hst lever all day long allows my legs to rest when not needed. I drove my BIL's NH 2030 for about half an hour and my leg and hip joint were so cramped up that I could hardly get out of the cab. I sat on every model on the lot for practically every make and model and none of them were really comfortable for the pedal and most didnt allow you to use the steering brakes and HST pedal at the same time. Actually I think I saw a few models didnt even have steering brakes. Tractors are made to operate in muddy and slick conditions and I would never even consider a tractor without steering brakes. That just my 4 cents worth.

When researching what tractor to get, the best argument I saw for HST was doing detailed loader work in tight spaces (in a structure, dumping the bucket into a vehicle, etc...). That made sense to me, but I felt loader stuff would compromise a small percentage of the things I do. Been right so far. I totally agree with you on the steering brakes though.

 

[Gary Fowler]

Yep, got to go with what you are comfortable operating with. My BIL loves his HST. I love my gear with shuttle. I actually like the Yanmar 4220 with the manual linkage powershift but alas the only folks that even offer a powershift that I have found was MF and it was electronic shifted which I suspected would be asking for a high maintenance bill to keep all the buttons and servos operational. The linkage shift on my P7010 is still a little stiff but it will only get better as it breaks in rather than breaking down (I hope) I am looking forward to some tractor time over the holidays. It has been a long tour this time and looking forward to getting on that west bound plane in 9 more days. Touch down in Little Rock Ark. scheduled for 0930 hours 24th Dec. Just in time to do all that last minute shopping. I think the wife may be getting her present early. She just phoned me and her CD player in her car went out. I told her to go to an audio place and see if it was something simple like a fuse or something, but if not replace it with a new BOSE system player upgrade (2003 model factory Bose sound system in it now -$4200 option with 3 separate sound systems including rear DVD player and separate rear radio) The Christmas present for sure wont be that much, and I guess the rest of the system is still working. WELL I digress from tractor talk.