Tractor upgrade? HP vs HST what do you think?

[Stonehaller]

I have both an HST and a GST or glide shift which is Kubota's power shift transmission The GST has a forward-neutral-reverse lever on the left side of the dash and lever on the right side of the seat for 12 forward and 8 reverse ranges. There is also a foot peddle dry clutch. The HST is definitely faster for close quarter loader work. On the other hand, I did a lot of loader work this last summer with the GST and it works just fine. You get used to the differences. I clear snow with both tractors using a blower in the location where I get more snow and back blade at the location that gets less. I really don't notice much difference using the blower with the HST verses the GST. It is almost as easy to knock the GST up or down a range to adjust ground speed as it to move the peddle on the HST. The GST is actually a little more comfortable with a rear mounted blower as you can angle your body more to see what you are doing without worrying about keeping your foot on the HST peddle.

For you, going from 29HP to 60HP is a big change in power and weight. That will take a little getting used to in addition to the differences in the transmission. Keep in mind the weight difference, especially if you are used to driving the smaller tractor across the lawn or other sensitive areas. You will leave deeper ruts with the larger tractor. Maneuverability will be different too as the larger tractor is probably longer, has a larger turning radius and wider bucket.

 

[grm61]

Personally, I wouldn't put any limit on how much HP would be appropriate on a tractor with HST. I'd be happy with a 100 HP HST machine, as long as the hydraulic pump is sized appropriately.

Yea, a tractor sized like yours or mine, with a 4 cyl 5 liter turbo diesel with 250 horse and 450 ft lbs would be just about righ:thumbsup:t.:laughing:

 

[a5t1]

Fair enough - the deal went through.

I'll post up a video on the differences between the T293 and the T603. I prefer the HST, however, the PST is still fine. I can't wait to tackle some projects and get a better idea of how much more I can get done with this tractor (in a shorter amount of time).

 

[MtnViewRanch]

No one mentioned the additional cost of implements. I sure hope that you don't plan on using the same implements. Implements for that 60hp machine will run 2-3 times at minimum then those for the 29hp machine which you already have.

Good luck and please keep us informed with how things go.

 

[a5t1]

I sold the smaller implements with the smaller tractor.

I've only put on 2-3 hours so far, but I love it. The powershift isn't a big deal and I get much more work done quicker with the bigger tractor. Yes, the 6' or 7' implements cost more but they save me HOURS on the tractor. For example, I just regraded the driveway. Last time I did this with the smaller tractor it would be 4 passes to cover the width of the driveway, I would do that twice.

This is just 2 passes, I can take more material out in those passes as well so I didn't have to repeat.

 

[Sysop]

I don't mind a PS in that HP range. Mostly to me the HST is nice in precision work where you need fine control. The PS is much, much better than a clutched shuttle or straight gear.

I think HST is nearly a requirement for many home operators. Most home operators don't get enough seat time to become excellent operators. As TomSeller states HST is nice for precision work where you need fine control. The average home operator can't move 1mm at a time to position things perfectly and easily with anything other than an HST. PS or HS or anything else takes more operator skill at that level of precision, and really even the best operator in the world would admit that it is less work to get an HST to move precisely than anything else.