MX5100 HST.. Is it right for me??

[Martian]

Well, the OP stated, "just purchased a small farm and need a tractor to maintain the property, plant food plots for hunting, and handle round bales on the loader as well as the 3 pt hitch." That sounds like a pretty good application for an HST machine, wouldn't you think? If the primary job were tillage or other production ag work, sure, the gear machine is much preferred, but this sounds more like general chore work where HST is pretty darn good. You'd have to have one he__ of a lot of food plots before it would make any kind of difference what sort of drivetrain you had.

Regarding the "real work is always done" comment, that's a bit over the top. Just to illustrate, the entire Cat track loader line is HST, and we've probably all seen them do some pretty serious work at one time or another: Large Track Loaders from Caterpillar It's interesting to me that the track loaders are HST setups (lot's of back and forth) while the big dozers, etc., have direct drive power shifter drivetrains (absolute maximum efficiency and power). Not trying to start another endless HST vs. gear debate, but I think it's really misleading to leave the impression HST equipment can't do serious work, particularly in situations like the OP describes. Cheers.

Yes, a HST transmission is excellent. The newer ones are even better than the older ones but they do eat slightly more power. Both are excellent for the situations. I read that you were going to be starting more of a small farm, which gear is much better for, general purpose work though I'd prefer HST for all the back and forth. The giant 500HP farm tractors that are all gear is that way because the continue moving in an endless circular pattern at the same rate. Loader work is different:thumbsup:

 

[Pattece]

Thanks for all the info guys. I plan on pulling the trigger in the next month or so. I will definately check into the hd bucket and I will probably go ahead and get a rear remote installed. If you all think of anything else I may want to consider please let me know. I will post on here when I finally get my first tractor!!

Thanks again,
Chad

 

[Code54]

Remember when you buy a machine to tell the dealer how you want your wheels set - they can do them wider or narrow and it is nice to have them do it before delivery so you don't have to mess with it.

 

[Pattece]

That is something I would not have thought about. Thanks Code54!!!!

 

[dlmpsy]

Whatever you buy, you definitely want the quick attach, and the HD bucket is the way to go. BTW, the bucket obscures the headlights on the MX5100 so think about lights (I recommend LED) for your ROPS...a rear work light comes in very handy as well.