Trying to decide between S3010 or G3033

[Solinski]

Hi Gary,Dodger,Lil blue Thanks for input on HST or Gear. My primary use for the LS 3033 is cutting 9 acres of weeds(arid land with most weeds less than 18 inches tall). Yet to decide flail or rotary? I'm even considering the LS 2020 since I really don't need a tractor as big as LS3033. I could haul the LS 2020 on a trailer with my 1998 Toyota Tacoma V6 but not the LS3033. Keep them opinions coming!
Solinski

 

[joemd11]

I never gave HST a thought,the dealer didn't have any in S or G series in HST and my old Allis and International BH were gear,guess that's what I'm used to.Plus the price difference allowed me to buy a snowplow for it. BTW I take full responsibility for little to no snow in Western Pa this year:laughing: If I wouldn't have bought the plow,we'd still be digging out.:thumbsup:

No snow but lots of mud. Sure hope this Spring is a little dryer or I'll be offering a tractor and flail mower for sale - cheap!

 

[Solinski]

Hi joemd11, It seems the experienced tractor owners lean towards gear trans. Unless I hear some incredible glowing reports on how much better HST is than gear, I'm definitely leaning towards gear trans. The price difference on the LS3033 between HST and gear is enough to buy a rotary cutter or a good portion of a flail mower. Its been so dry here in Northern Ca. we would be glad to have some mud. What brand flail (& type cutters) do you have and how do you like it? Thanks for your input!
Solinski

 

[vwnotrunning]

I grew up on gear and thought that was all there was. Went with intentions of getting a gear / shuttle. Tried the HST. Loader work, matching a specific speed at full power, close quarters all seem alot better with the HST. I am very glad the local dealer did not have the shuttle in stock when I decided to pull the trigger. I got the I3040H and it has the cruise control, makes it nice to set ground speed and not have to keep a foot on the pedal.

 

[Solinski]

Hi vwnotrunning, Thanks for input! From gear to HST! What is the primary work you do with your LS I3040H? How many hours per year do you put on your tractors? What implements do you have? Good luck with LS I3040H!
Solinski (hobby rancher)

 

[LittleBlueTractor]

I got the I3040H and it has the cruise control, makes it nice to set ground speed and not have to keep a foot on the pedal.

So how does the cruise control thing work? I do something like cc by setting my throttle lever to turn the PTO at 540 rpms when using the cutter, but I have to change gears to vary my ground speed. Can you change your ground speed on the fly with the cc on your I3040H? Is the cc a lever, knob, dial, or something else entirely?