Comparison Shuttle shift or hydrostat?? Is the extra costs worth it in a 50hp-ish cab tractor for pto power (brush hogging)

[ericm979]

An HST has infinitely variable speeds (between the high and low for the range). You can get just the right mowing speed. Changing speed is simple.

With a power shuttle you can at least change gears without stopping unlike a non sychro gear tractor, but you are still stuck with the speed that the gear and engine speed give you. You can vary the engine speed some but that also varies the pto speed, and usually you want to keep that up for mowing. So you may end up mowing at a slightly slower or faster speed than you want.

If the land is flat and open then the speed is the only issue. If the slopes are variable you'll be changing gears a lot. If you're working around trees then you'll be backing up more. The HST would be more preferable for those situations.

 

[WM75Guy]

Go with the HST. If the few HP difference between HST and gears makes a difference, you need to reconsider tractor size. I wouldn't want to be on the top edge of the tractor's performance window. Step up a size to give yourself and your tractor some breathing room. As was said, HST gives you an infinite number of speeds. Gears ties you to a set speed which may not be ideal.

For example, I have had back surgery so I have to baby my back. I now mow with the WM75 with cab and 12 speed shuttle shift instead of the TC40DA open station with HST. With the TC40DA I could go up to as fast a speed that was comfortable and then set the cruise control, around 3 mph according to GPS. With the WM75 mowing at PTO rpms I mow in mid-range 2nd gear at 2.4 mph. The next higher combination of mid-range and 3rd gear ups the speed to 3.5 mph, which is too fast for me to tolerate and walk the next day. So I lose some productivity with gears.

 

[5030]

I lump Hydrostats and slush box PRNDL crowd in one group.

 

[Gee Ray]

I had an option of two tractors to square bale with. The New Holland TL 80 A with 12 gears or a Massey 1528 hydro. 75 hp vs 28 hp. The Massey was by far the most useful. I could bale at the right speed to keep the chamber full and not overload the hay baler. I rarely broke a shear pin. The new Holland was a cab tractor, but with the limited speed selection, I often had to ride the clutch to keep from overloading the baler.

The variable speed of the Hydro is so worth it. Bush hogging, loader work, box blading are all much easier with the hydro.

 

[big bubba]

hst makes perfect sense esp for a sub/compact forum where prob 90% of members have compacts.
having said that, there is a reason larger utility tractors in M series, etc are geared.
on my series, creep gear option is available for creeper ground speeds.

in terms of hyd vs shuttle shuft, hyd shuttle is clutchless directional change, shuttle shift generally requires clutch depression to engage shuttle for directional change.
big difference.
OP: if you are deciding between a shuttle shift (requiring clutch depression to engage) vs HST, go HST. if it's hyd shuttle vs HST, no question go geared hyd shuttle.
imho, assuming your knees are ok

 

[D&D]

The other issue is having to set the cruise control for long runs or develop a very strong right foot.

Hmmm, flip cruise control on, release pedal. I fail to see the issue there.

 

[kneedeep]

More tractor mfg are using hydro transmission in new machines. Probably the future for every tractor.
I’m old school and don’t mind clutching and shifting but a hydro would be nice to mow around the cabin!

 

[2manyrocks]

If someone is mowing terrain that requires quick speed changes, HST's are really nice to have.

I have no proof, but suspect that HSTs are also better suited to tractors with DPF systems because operating the engine at higher RPMs to supply full power to the pump may also avoid soot buildup that causes regen cycles.

 

[Bentrim]

A few more things to consider.
A hydro will use more fuel, and with the same size tractor have less power available. Might be noisier "whine" more than a gear transmission. More expensive if repair is needed. Takes more knowledge and special tools to repair. If properly maintained may have more resale/trade in value. If equiped with a clutch, the clutch will have less wear. Will require more filter and oil changes. May require frequent oil cooler cleaning. May require special oil as recommended by maufacturer. Less chance of wheel slippage.
A gear trans takes a thinking operator. Uses less fuel. May require more clutch service depending on operator. More forgiving for maintenance. better hold back when going down hill with a load. Proven with over 100 years use.

 

[MHarryE]

I needed more power so moved from a 60 HP CUT to a 105 HP shuttle. No comparison for what I used my rotary cutter for. Hydro so much easier to control speed and direction but my use is not cutting large acreage - I farm that and use the cutter to cut brush back around edges of my fields, cut marshy areas etc. But the 105 HP is sized for the round baler I added. However, I can't control speed as well and have problems baling so I mostly use my 170 HP with CVT. My nephew is used to baling with 40 year old Internationals and finds the 105 HP with shuttle an upgrade when he has had to borrow mine when he has had major baler breakdowns. So it all depends on what you are used to.