Stick-shift vs. Automatic - Which is better for mowing?

[ArtVandelay]

For mowing approximately 9 acres of pasture with a rotary cutter, which is better, a stick-shift or automatic tractor?

Thanks.

 

[DK35vince]

For 9 acres of pasture on a gear machine, you would pick the gear you want to mow in, set the hand throttle and mow.
On a hydrostatic machine, you would set the speed you want to mow in, set the cruise and mow.
So in my opinion there is little to no differance for mowing 9 acres.

 

[Z-Michigan]

I assume by automatic you mean hydrostatic transmission (HST) common on CUTs.

Either one will work just fine. Gear will be slightly better in efficiency and not building up heat in the transmission, but really either one is just fine.

 

[hz293]

If you are also going to use it for moving dirt, gravel or anything else that will require digging in and backing out multiple times, then hydrostatic is the way to go. Many people say " I only want it for mowing then find out all the other things they want to do and are happy they don't have to keep shifting.

Harris

 

[JerryG]

For mowing approximately 9 acres of pasture with a rotary cutter, which is better, a stick-shift or automatic tractor?

Thanks.

A Manual with PowerShuttle.

 

[JoeinTX]

Agree, if that is your premier or only task, you can get a gear-drive with PS and save some money. As described above, in each case you'll largely set your speed and go.....and either can do that.


If you suspect any potential for tillage or field work, go with regular gear drive. If you think there's a good chance for utility/dirt work where direction changes are key, go with the Hydro.

 

[jbrumberg]

ArtVandelay:

I have had both a geared and HST tractor and for mowing it really does not matter. I agree with the previous posts. I would recommend HST for FEL work. Jay

 

[art]

Can't deny that the gear will get the job done but one of the biggest pluses with a hydro is speed flexibility or ability to fit the conditions. There are times a field is rough or has objects that you need to mow around and the hydro with it's infinite speeds makes it tough to beat for speed when trying to get a job done. The ability to quickly and effortlessly adjust the ground speed to the conditions of the ground or even a light spot where you might enjoy a little faster ground speed is a big plus for the hydro's. Like mentioned before if a loader might be used the the hydro will also be a plus.

The hydro is also a very easy tractor to teach a new operator how to operate compared to a gear drive. It even makes a difference in the primary operator as we've seen clutches out at 500 hours before just from the way the tractors are used which quickly levels the price difference of the hydro. What you might loose in efficency in fuel with a hydro you might gain in time if that is a concern. Depending on the size of the tractor and mower would also make a difference as to the initial cost which is important to many.

 

[Bird]

For mowing approximately 9 acres of pasture with a rotary cutter, which is better, a stick-shift or automatic tractor?

Thanks.

I don't think one is actually any "better" than the other, as far as getting the job done, but the HST is just much more convenient. I think Art answered with the most complete answer. I used to mow my approx. 7 acre pasture with a 5' rotary cutter, and I also occasionally mowed a neighbor's 30 acre pasture with the same rig. Of course I cut a lot of hay with a geared tractor so either will work.

 

[BillyP]

Can't deny that the gear will get the job done but one of the biggest pluses with a hydro is speed flexibility or ability to fit the conditions. There are times a field is rough or has objects that you need to mow around and the hydro with it's infinite speeds makes it tough to beat for speed when trying to get a job done. The ability to quickly and effortlessly adjust the ground speed to the conditions of the ground or even a light spot where you might enjoy a little faster ground speed is a big plus for the hydro's. Like mentioned before if a loader might be used the the hydro will also be a plus.

The hydro is also a very easy tractor to teach a new operator how to operate compared to a gear drive. It even makes a difference in the primary operator as we've seen clutches out at 500 hours before just from the way the tractors are used which quickly levels the price difference of the hydro. What you might loose in efficency in fuel with a hydro you might gain in time if that is a concern. Depending on the size of the tractor and mower would also make a difference as to the initial cost which is important to many.

Art, you said it well! HST is more of a convenience for me rather than anything else. I bush hog around my poultry houses, till the houses and mow my lawn. There's times I need to slow down to be on the safe side. Like when tilling the poultry houses. I have to go real slow beside the walls and slow elsewhere. I can raise the tiller and back up at the same time and still have one hand on the wheel. It's much easier and faster to use my foot for reverse than my hand. I've used two almost identical tractors doing this same job (JD 4600 gear vs 4610 HST) and the HST saves me a lot of time.

For wide open spaces, I'd go gear cause it's cheaper and just as fast.