standard vs hydrostatic..

[platinumaa]

ok.. just got my r4041.. im liking it.. got the bigger tires, FEL, comfy bouncy seat.. and a bushhog.. now i am a newbie to tractors.. having a friend teach me the basics.. darn thing has like 4 gears, and 4 gears per gear.. im learning em slowly though...

couple of questions..

- should i have gotten the hydrostatic?

- is there really a difference between the 2 when it comes to machine capability?

- what is the biggest difference that someone would want to purchase a hydrostatic over standard (not sure if standard is the correct term)

appreciate the responses fellas

 

[whistlepig]

ok.. just got my r4041.. im liking it.. got the bigger tires, FEL, comfy bouncy seat.. and a bushhog.. now i am a newbie to tractors.. having a friend teach me the basics.. darn thing has like 4 gears, and 4 gears per gear.. im learning em slowly though...

couple of questions..

- should i have gotten the hydrostatic?

- is there really a difference between the 2 when it comes to machine capability?

- what is the biggest difference that someone would want to purchase a hydrostatic over standard (not sure if standard is the correct term)

appreciate the responses fellas

As far as machine capability I wouldn't consider either more capable than the other. I think for ground engagement work a gear tractor will last longer than a hydro. Hydrostatic is a convenience and not a necessity. Hydro is nicer if you do a lot of loader work and front and back maneuvering. I had gear tractors for 35 years and bought my first hydro 4 years ago. I much prefer hydro but a gear tractor is every bit as capable if not more.

 

[k0ua]

ok.. just got my r4041.. im liking it.. got the bigger tires, FEL, comfy bouncy seat.. and a bushhog.. now i am a newbie to tractors.. having a friend teach me the basics.. darn thing has like 4 gears, and 4 gears per gear.. im learning em slowly though...

couple of questions..

- should i have gotten the hydrostatic?

- is there really a difference between the 2 when it comes to machine capability?

- what is the biggest difference that someone would want to purchase a hydrostatic over standard (not sure if standard is the correct term)

appreciate the responses fellas

Well lets see:
Ease of operation, no learning curve, anyone can operate it immediately.
Ability to select any ground independent of a powered implement speed
Ability to change directions Forward/Reverse almost instantly.
No wear and tear on your left knee. (only applies if you are old like me)
ability to go extremely slow, when working around buildings, people etc.
No expensive clutch to rebuild when you abuse the clutch by "slipping" it to try to achieve that slow ground speed/control you need.
Proven 50+year technology, with a good track record.
Just to name a few.

Downsides:
A few percent, maybe 5%-8% loss of power in the transmission. (makes a little heat). Has some "whiney" sounds when operated, and has an additional filter to service when changing fluids. There is a limit in horsepower that these types of transmissons can be used. due to the extreme pressures that would be necessary in very large tractors for them to operate.

Bottom line:
Will you get along with your gear machine,? Yes you will learn how to operate it better soon. Will it serve you well? Yes. Will you ever experience the absolute joy of operating a Hydro with a Front End loader working in concert with you as if it was a part of you?. No. Sorry

James K0UA

 

[amaxwell]

Gear tractors are probably best suited for ground use equipment.I have never owned a hydro so I can't give you a comparison,but I just like the old fashion gear drives. The most problems I have had with gear drives is front end loader work . Lots of shifting. My new gear drive has shuttle shift which is a big help with loader work.Enjoy your new ride, learn to be careful,and have lots of seat time(fun time).

 

[whistlepig]

Hydro's are expensive. I think its about a $1,200 option on my size tractor. Hydro's are also more expensive to service. Hydro service on my B7800 is about $120.00 just for the oil and filters with me doing the labor. Hydro is nice. I think where hydro shines best is when moving snow with a loader.

 

[platinumaa]

in addition to my first couple of questions in initial post.. what is the purpose of the EZ lever/shift? i thought that was the model that didnt need the clutch and was the next model above H or hydrostatic... theres 3 models.. 4041, 4041H, 4041EZ.. 4041 is the only one that needs a clutch?

thanks

 

[k0ua]

The EZ is a type of synchro shuttle. A gear transmission with a hydraulic clutch pack. I think you don't need to clutch when going from forward to reverse. and should have a shuttle lever on the left steering column for selecting FWD/REV. I believe you will still need to clutch to change gear ranges.It relieves you of clutching when doing loader work, and has less loss in the transmission than the Hydrostat. So a "middle ground" between Gear and Hydro.

Synchro shuttle,ez-Shift (Automated Mechanical Transmission) per the LS website.


James K0UA

 

[5030]

Posts 2 and 4 cover it besides a hydrostat is much more complex to work on and thus more expensive if it breaks.

I've had 'em both and I prefer a hydraulic shuttle on a syncromesh gear drive.

Both my tractors have hydraulically actuated main clutches so partial clutching isn't an option, hence no burned clutch plate from slipping.

Hydrostat's have no learning curve hence almost all CUTs are hydrostat.

 

[Short Game]

I really like my basic shuttle. I might be feeble, but not so feeble yet that I can't run this. I've not had a foot shift on anything bigger than a rider mower (or a motorcycle, though without a reverse). On those, it makes sense. I see that most brands of riders don't have it anymore. Probably a production expense to put in the extra linkage, so they all are putting the shift on the fender these days. I don't think I've ever owned a car with an automatic trans. I'm on my second gear tractor. I only wanted a gear tractor. I do the clutch.

 

[5030]

Well, I am feeble or so my wife says......

For me, an automatic belongs in the family buggy.