Max 28

[Pierrepont]

That pricing is in the ballpark.

A very good machine.

 

[Scrambler82]

Price sounds good.
I have only driven a hydrostatic drive so I can't say much on the shuttle drive, should have more HP to the ground.

Should should enjoy this tractor, very stable feel, runs well, knock on wood.

 

[SnPaC]

Can anyone comment on shuttle vs Hydro for the Max28?. Dealer asking for $1000 more for Hydro so ~$16,300. i like the fact that there is more PTO HP and I've read that the gear trans are more durable. The shuttle seems to make Loader work easier that a traditional gear, right but is Hydro still the better choice?

 

[Pierrepont]

Personal preference. One is NOT better than the other. Just two different ways to get the job done.

Go to the dealer and operate each for at least 20 minutes. That will give you some starting sense of what might work best for you.

 

[oldpilgrim]

once you have driven an HST you won't want the gear version.

 

[DavesTractor]

As oldpilgrim said above, after using an HST for a while, most folks prefer them. But some people will not take an HST tractor if you gave it to them. They just don't like them. Tractors were gears and clutches for 100 years and folks liked them just fine.

Having said that, an HST offers a lot of advantages for the typical homeowners/small estate type use. They are particularly good for PTO implements that require full power but that need the tractor to travel slowly, like a tiller, snow blower or trencher. And back and forth close quarters type of loader work makes the HST really shine as well. The downside is that you lose some power, they take more fuel, and you generally run them at a higher RPM, so more noise.

As for longevity, there is a reason that it is hard to rent a clutch tractor. A poor operator will toast a clutch. The HST is pretty bullet proof, even to multiple operators that haven't a clue. A good operator that is quick to let out the clutch and does not ride the pedal and does not heat the clutch will get decades out of a clutch, no doubt. But it is sure tempting to slip the clutch when loading a bucket of gravel as opposed to shifting down into a lower gear.

 

[mike69440]

As oldpilgrim said above, after using an HST for a while, most folks prefer them. But some people will not take an HST tractor if you gave it to them. They just don't like them. Tractors were gears and clutches for 100 years and folks liked them just fine.

Having said that, an HST offers a lot of advantages for the typical homeowners/small estate type use. They are particularly good for PTO implements that require full power but that need the tractor to travel slowly, like a tiller, snow blower or trencher. And back and forth close quarters type of loader work makes the HST really shine as well. The downside is that you lose some power, they take more fuel, and you generally run them at a higher RPM, so more noise.

As for longevity, there is a reason that it is hard to rent a clutch tractor. A poor operator will toast a clutch. The HST is pretty bullet proof, even to multiple operators that haven't a clue. A good operator that is quick to let out the clutch and does not ride the pedal and does not heat the clutch will get decades out of a clutch, no doubt. But it is sure tempting to slip the clutch when loading a bucket of gravel as opposed to shifting down into a lower gear.

"But some people will not take an HST tractor if you gave it to them. They just don't like them. Tractors were gears and clutches for 100 years and folks liked them just fine. "

I'm one of those just don't like them, but For good reasons.

5 diesels in the family, 3 are "gear" , 2 Hydro.

I'm glad the Excavator is not gear and the 3 Speed Hydrao in the RTV 900 is fine. The Old School 3 X 2 non syncro gear in the Little B7200 Tractor is a pain, as I'm not saying I like the 3 speed crash box. The Max. has a about the best Gear syncro in a small CUT. I would not want a 2 range HST. (I consider a 3 or more range HST or CVT. The L39 GST ( Glide Shift) is great for ground engagement and plowing, dragging and roading and ok for loader work. Kubota has the L45 with effectively 6 ranges on the HST, and that is slick , but I'm ok having a gear as I travel a lot of gound with the tractors.

An HST is fine for yard work or just a few acres and I realize that many people don't do manual transmissions., that's why both are usally offered.

 

[jhasafety1]

When I bought mine in 2012 I chose my shuttle based on one reason. When I asked about replacement of a hydro/hst verses clutch at the time I could replace 2-3 clutches for the cost of one hydro/hst. I have never regretted choosing the shuttle.

 

[drajj5]

I knew that I wanted a shuttle VS the hydro, so when I purchased mine- price was not a factor. If the shuttle was the higher price of the two tranny's I would have paid the extra $1000 to get what I wanted.

Personal preference should be the ruling factor when you buy yours. You are the one who will use it, and must choose between the variations.

I bought the shuttle because I can engage it in gear manually.... ( A lever thrown by hand ) I know it may seem corny but I "feel" better knowing that cogs are locked in place until I deem otherwise. Primitive I know, but is my preference. The shuttle is simplified because you can pick any gear and merely toggle one lever between fwd/reverse. It works good!!

Steering braking is a another benefit, if you use it to mow it will turn on a dime when you step on the independent brake ( first time I did it after purchase at the house and was shocked/amazed )

One of the guy's here said that hst seems to lug in high range up a hill, I have pulled some steep hills with the shuttle in high range and it will pull strong on the hills I have encountered.

Lastly.... I would think that you need to be more, 'aware' on a shuttle shift unit. when you step on the clutch it will roll- if on any inclination. I have loaded material into a truck w/camper shell attached and have to be very careful to finesse cargo inside. If you are doing precision work like this all day by far get a hst. If I get off my tractor I set the parking brake every time. My father-in-law has a Kubota hst and hops off, putting faith in that it will stay put - it always does too. Not me - I drop the bucket and set it always.

 

[s219]

All I can say is that I find loader work frustrating on my Uncle's Deere, because of the extra hand needed to switch between forward and reverse (whether shuttle or gear isn't so much different in that regard -- still takes an extra hand). Having that function move down to a pedal under my foot makes a huge difference on my Kubota. I typically have one hand on the steering wheel and one hand on the loader control at all times, and it's very productive. On the Deere, I am constantly having to take my hand off the loader lever to toggle the direction change.