Manual vs Hydrostatic

[FallbrookFarmer]

I am looking at a Kubota 2400 that has a Hydrostatic trans.
Looking for opinions for those who have had both manual and hydrostatic, Obviously it's a lot easier operating, but how about reliability? Have any of you, had Hydro and gone back to manual?

 

[art]

I've seen both overused and they both hold up well with proper fluid changes. The clutch often will be the cost part that a hydro doesn't have and some only get limited life do to there use. This is where hydro's will hold up well as a cost basis.

Hydro's are the efficient on PTO work vs the gear drive.

 

[niemeyjt]

My Kubota B1750 hydro is 22 years old and has done 5500 hours - so they last quite well. Previously I had a manual Ford 1210. I would NEVER go back.

Apart from heavy draught work like ploughing, hydros are best - esp for top work and loader work where immediately variable speed is desirable.

I wonder if you will find anyone who has reverted - except on ground of going to different model range?

J

 

[Reg]

It is almost a religious issue - see other threads, you can search for them faster than we can all rehash them.

ONE point that was a surprise to me was a recent claim that hydro tractors can overheat their trans oil if not run WOT (or WFO, as I think that poster put it).
This maybe only applies to some brands, some models, but it would be worth checking on for the specific make/model you have in mind before laying out MONEY.

 

[FallbrookFarmer]

It is almost a religious issue - see other threads, you can search for them faster than we can all rehash them.

ONE point that was a surprise to me was a recent claim that hydro tractors can overheat their trans oil if not run WOT (or WFO, as I think that poster put it).
This maybe only applies to some brands, some models, but it would be worth checking on for the specific make/model you have in mind before laying out MONEY.

Boy!, Here I try and post something non-controversial, and immediately get into religion
Sorry not familiar, with WOT-WFO, should I not ask?

 

[RobertN]

WTO=Wide Open Throttle

The HST is very reliable. My previous tractor was a Kubota B8200. It was made in 1985. I got it in '99 with 425 or so hours on it. I sold it a couple months ago with 1250 hours on it. Not a lot of hours, but 25 years old. Worked like a champ. Kept filters and fluids changed by the book.

Kubota only made the B2400 in HST, I think...

Both trannies work well(gear, HST). Both are well proven with decades of use.

Some people like HST, some gear. They both are good. Some folks like pickups with auto's, some with sticks. Both are good, but subjective based on preference and experience.

I like HST. But, I would still try both before you buy.

Just remember, most HST are operated similar, but there is a plethora of gear shift style; ie standard, shuttle, glide, ect.

Oh, just as a side note, all the CUTS I see at rental yards are HST... The L35 I used to rent on occasion was a GST(which I kinda liked too).

Boy!, Here I try and post something non-controversial, and immediately get into religion
Sorry not familiar, with WOT-WFO, should I not ask?

 

[Reg]

Boy!, Here I try and post something non-controversial, and immediately get into religion
Sorry not familiar, with WOT-WFO, should I not ask?

Wide Open Throttle.

Errr, a VP might express the other one as "Wide Friggin' Open"

There is also the same money vs same base tractor comparison basis.
Which did you have in mind ?

e.g. for same base tractor you pay more for hydro, perhaps as much as one implement.

For same money you might get the next size up in a gear tractor.

So yes, it might be like studying comparative religion (-:

 

[FallbrookFarmer]

He want's $6800 for it.
Might be willing to take some or all of my "fleet"
(Satoh Beaver w loader, Satoh Buck, White Field Boss w Loader) in trade.
I like the Kubota as it has 25hp and would be able to use more implements etc.
But then I think, by having 3 tractors and can set each up to do different jobs, and not have to worry about changing out imps all the time.

 

[niemeyjt]

I think that there is/are manufacturer(s) of another colour whose hydro units have a somewhat lower reputation for reliability (at least in UK - although my local dealer swears that was with the older 4000 series and not the current 20 series).

However as you mentioned Kubota in particular, I think you can ignore other manufacturers problems - and as I say my unit has 5500 hours - and I tend to run it at 2000 RPM, not WTO - but I do remember to clean out the oil cooler when I do radiators and I do use proper oil not universal.

However, as others say, why not try to try both?

J

 

[FallbrookFarmer]

I think that there is/are manufacturer(s) of another colour whose hydro units have a somewhat lower reputation for reliability (at least in UK - although my local dealer swears that was with the older 4000 series and not the current 20 series).

However as you mentioned Kubota in particular, I think you can ignore other manufacturers problems - and as I say my unit has 5500 hours - and I tend to run it at 2000 RPM, not WTO - but I do remember to clean out the oil cooler when I do radiators and I do use proper oil not universal.

However, as others say, why not try to try both?

J

Am looking at a used tractor from a small scale seller
When I look at the price of new tractors, I get vertigo
BTW On a totally different subject, If you don't mind me asking, Do you have BUPA or straight NHS?

 

[Thomas]

Had both over the years,second HST in 15 years..would be very hard to go back to gear.

Easier on old knee caps,fel work,Mrs. like HST alot better.

 

[crusty 1]

fallbrook,I also am cursed with an honest view that getts me in hot water,what,s a guy to do?We had an old hydro that held up well and I now have the bobcat hydro and no issues,but I can,t go back not a possibility for me.From some of your past posts you,re old as dirt now so just how long are you thinkin your going to still be able to use a tractor anyway?:laughing:

 

[FallbrookFarmer]

Thanks for the encouragement?
My goal in life is to be shot by a jealous husband at 99

 

[TripleR]

I have geared and HST. My preference is for HST, but lots of people like geared. I like the positive engagement of a geared unit and for heavy pulling, but I don't do much heavy stuff anymore so I use my HST units mostly as I now just mow, maintain roads and do FEL work with a little tree pushing/dragging.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Am looking at a used tractor from a small scale seller
When I look at the price of new tractors, I get vertigo
?

Have you looked at used tractors at Pauly Equipment? I have seen one and two year old machines in the past for very reasonable money. Tell them what your interested in and they will keep your name handy so if one comes up.

Just a thought

 

[FallbrookFarmer]

I'll have to mosey over and take a look. Thanks.

 

[Builder]

I went from gear to HST back to gear (well, Hydraulic shuttle) I prefer the hyd shuttle over the HST. The HST's loud whining noise got tiresome and gave me a headache (I use my tractor a lot) and I never felt like I was putting enough of the engine's power to the wheels. It always felt "softer" to me than a gear tractor. The ease of use & convenience of the HST was nice, but Kubota's hydraulic shuttle is real easy to use, too.

I'm doing a job with my backhoe and a buddy's L3130 HST and his feels weaker & noisy, too.

 

[RadarTech]

Guys,
I am a relative newby here...
but I do have 250 hours on my HST...

about 30 on a gear 2500....
and maybe 15 on an old ford gear..

on hilly terrain, HST-- no doubt.
FEL HST---
bad knee--- HST

need to pull the barn down -- gear..

for the common homeowner-- HST..


on several other threads I have posted the story about a neighbors geared tractor..
we did know removal in his drive last winter.. and I ran circles around him.
I think I moved 3 buckets of snow to his one.


but YMMV...

J

 

[dex3361]

For the work that I do(Brush Hogging, FEL work, Box Blade work and using Grapple) and the area I work in(hills that are very steep) a HST takes my operating to a new level of safety. I rarely touch the brake except when using the cutting brakes. I have used geared tractors for about 30 years and HST (if you count my 1972 Cub Cadet HST) for about 12 years. Using the old Cub cadet sold me on the Larger HSTs because they respond about the same.

 

[Builder]

Guys,
I am a relative newby here...
but I do have 250 hours on my HST...

about 30 on a gear 2500....
and maybe 15 on an old ford gear..

on hilly terrain, HST-- no doubt.
FEL HST---
bad knee--- HST

need to pull the barn down -- gear..

for the common homeowner-- HST..


on several other threads I have posted the story about a neighbors geared tractor..
we did know removal in his drive last winter.. and I ran circles around him.
I think I moved 3 buckets of snow to his one.


but YMMV...

J

95% of the populus here fits in that category, but like you so aptly said, YMMV