Buying Advice which trans?

[dbaer78]

went to the dealer yesterday and drove the mx5100hst and it seems to be perfect for me. However along with alot of fel work the tractor will also see a lot of plowing and log skidding and i was wondering if the hst trans would be suitable for that. also it seems as tho the hst peddle would make it awkward to operate the steering brakes which i use frequently in the woods. Any feedback would be appreciated!

 

[PHILIP8N]

I am not going to answer your question, but another member just recently linked this video. I found it very interesting even after owning a HST+ for over 2 years. Good luck. Philip.

Kubota HST-Plus Transmission - YouTube!

 

[dbaer78]

Very imformative video! While it doesnt apply to the Mx5100 it did answer my question about the steering brakes. Thanks!

 

[MHarryE]

Not sure how you use the steer brakes in the woods - may be a major requirement - but I have found much less need for turning brakes on my CUTs probably because of the 4wd and short turn radii of the tractor. Driving my Nephews old 2wd Farmalls I am back to extensive steering brake use but on my cousin's MFWD farm tractors I only remember using turn brakes when I got the largest one stuck. I still get razzed - 5 years and I am the only one to stick it to the point it needed a tow. I plow some of our smaller fields with my CUT HST due to maneuverability but the hundreds of acre stuff gets done with the mechanical drive 150 HP tractor's.

 

[TripleR]

I am reluctant to get involved in these "discussions" any more, but there are some old threads on it; here are just a couple. I run gear and HST tractors:

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/owning-operating/222016-transmission-type-selection.html

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...-brakes-hydrostatic-transmission-tractor.html

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/owning-operating/180910-quick-question-about-turning-brakes.html

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/owning-operating/160338-hydros-brake-pedals.html

 

[Bluegill2]

I used to use the brakes to steer on 2wd tractors a lot, but now that I use 4wd, I no longer need to.

I skid logs, mow and do loader work and much prefer a gear drive. But most will prefer HST. :thumbsup:

 

[dbaer78]

Thanks tripler for the links! I work in excavating and all of our dozers are hydrostatic now and we love them. Ive never worked a 50 horse tractor with hst before and was jst curious if it would make a good log skiddin tractor. seems to me that for the most part the guys with gear drive dont like hst and the guys with hst dnt like gear drive. Guess they both must be good!

 

[crazyal]

I do some skidding with my tractor and the HST works fine. In some ways it's actually pretty easy to use. In tight spots the HST has an accuracy that's hard to match. If I try to pull too much I spin the tires, gear would do the same. My suggestion would be to buy which ever type that you like, both will get the job done just fine.

 

[dex3361]

I use my L4400HST (a bit smaller than a MX5100) in the woods and its a great log skidding tractor and I work in the hills. I am sure the MX5100 would be even better as its a little bigger and more powerful. I do not do a lot of ground engagement though.

 

[dbaer78]

Thanks crazyal and dex3361. I really like the hst and if it works for you it oughta work for me. Hopefully ill have one in the next couple weeks. Ill be sure to let you know how it works....with pictures:thumbsup: