Shuttle versus HST

[Wolfy]

I do believe in the near future, compact tractors will only offer HST transmissions. Most pickups are there now.

 

[ovrszd]

I'd say you are correct. I think that cutoff will be below 40HP. Seems the smaller the CUT the larger percentage of it's time is spent doing light work which suits the HST very well.

 

[Agvg]

A HST is about 15% less efficient than gears. When you remove your foot from the go pedal, the drag from the HST will act like brakes. Really I use an emergency brake & turning brakes on my Kubota L3200 HST but vary rarely actual stopping brakes. I like that auto stop function, some don't.

A HST means you can push your tractor to the max easily under varying conditions. Hit thick brush when mowing? Ease up a bit if it starts lugging. Big drift when snow blowing? Ease off & keep the RPMs up. Hard ground when tilling, no problem.

The utility factor makes it a superior transmission for a utility tractor. The 15% performance penalty makes it not ideal for big ag tractors that spend weeks plowing or what not at the same speed.

I won't ever replace my HST with anything else. It was way worth the extra $1000.

From what I hear the HST is as reliable as an old manual gear & probably better than some of the power shifts.

Fendt makes very efficient hst transmissions and in europe its considered to be one of the most fuel efficient tractors.

Technology | Fendt 500 Vario | Tractors - AGCO GmbH

 

[DDT414]

Fendt makes very efficient hst transmissions and in europe its considered to be one of the most fuel efficient tractors. Technology | Fendt 500 Vario | Tractors - AGCO GmbH

The Fendt is a cvt transmission, not a hst. It has some hydraulic input but not correct to call it a hst.

 

[ovrszd]

The Fendt is a cvt transmission, not a hst. It has some hydraulic input but not correct to call it a hst.

That's my understanding as well.

 

[murphy1244]

I'm very surprised they even have those two still in stock. My dealer has been out of the DK series for months so you better make up your mind fast.

 

[phiferpharm]

As a previous owner of a geared tractor and a present owner of an HST, I have to agree with some of the other posters that I would never return to the geared tractor. With that said, I did have to run my Kioti down the highway for 5 miles yesterday in tandem with a older Massey Ferguson geared tractor. The other driver had to continuously pull off and wait for me to catch up as he was a good 4-5 mph faster than I was.

Since I have had my tractors for about 6 years or so and this was the first time I had to go on an actual road with either tractor, it was a minor inconvenience at worst.

 

[ovrszd]

Some of those older Masseys would run in the mid 20s down the road. My Kubota will run 22mph which makes it comfortable to road.

 

[TSO]

I think $25k is high for a DK45 HST. I would try taking him down to $23k.

 

[murphy1244]

I wouldn't waste my money on a DK45, its a whole 4 hp more than the DK40 at 3k more. Might as well go with the DK50.