How does GST work

[BeezFun]

I'm thinking of buying a larger Kubota, the ones I've looked at have GST, don't know how GST works. Do you move shift lever while in motion, do you need to use clutch or slow down? Do you still have a hydro pedal, or do you move the throttle to change speed? Is it still a hydrostatic transmission underneath the different style shifter, or is it a geared transmission?
tnx

 

[avc8130]

I owned an L39 for 2 years that had the GST.

In those 2 years I RARELY used the clutch. The GST has a separate clutch that is immersed in hydraulic fluid and controlled by the machine. To change directions you simply move the lever back and forth. To shift up and down you simply slide the range selector. I only used the clutch when precision work was needed. There is a foot throttle that can be used, or you can set the hand throttle and use the gears to adjust speed. I generally used the foot throttle, unless I was running my brush hog and then I would set the RPM for PTO output and then use the gears/direction selector at full pto rpm. It is a geared trans.

By the time I was proficient, I was very fast with it. It takes some practice, but it can be a very efficient transmission for any type of use. I really enjoyed it while I owned it.

If you have any other questions, let me know.

ac

 

[rbargeron]

...... Is it still a hydrostatic transmission underneath the different style shifter, or is it a geared transmission?.....

It has a hydraulic main clutch, but the trans has separate gears for each speed. It does not have continuously variable hydraulic drive like HST. When you select a speed by moving the lever, it activates a system that automatically clutches and shifts gears. Other TBN posters have pointed out that GST shifting is convenient and positive, but not instant. The clutch disengages for a second during the shift so speed changes on sloped ground take a little getting used to.

 

[avc8130]

It has a hydraulic main clutch, but the trans has separate gears for each speed. It does not have continuously variable hydraulic drive like HST. When you select a speed by moving the lever, it activates a system that automatically clutches and shifts gears. Other TBN posters have pointed out that GST shifting is convenient and positive, but not instant. The clutch disengages for a second during the shift so speed changes on sloped ground take a little getting used to.

Gear changes should NEVER be made on sloped ground while moving. Choose the right gear before you embark up or down.

ac

 

[BeezFun]

So if I'm using the FEL and want to go back and forth a lot, that means I'm moving the lever back and forth to change directions. I normally am using one hand to operate the loader and the other to steer. Unless I can grow a third hand it sounds like using the FEL will be a bit slower if I understand correctly.

 

[David_Kb7uns]

The GST is a computer controlled synchronized gear transmission. The ECU modulates the solenoids that regulate the clutch packs and also the solenoid valves for the hydraulics for moving the shifter forks. It takes into account the engine speed, traveling speed and oil temp sensor when modulating the clutch packs.

The shuttle shifter in on the column and their are 12 forward and 8 reverse speeds and they are grouped fairly good for loader work so no shifting of the gear selector is usually required.

When using the upper gears for transport, I do shift on the fly and use the momentum of the moving machine to make it easier on the clutches.

The GST gives you the function of a gear transmission with the ease of something close to an automatic for shifting.

David Kb7uns

 

[avc8130]

So if I'm using the FEL and want to go back and forth a lot, that means I'm moving the lever back and forth to change directions. I normally am using one hand to operate the loader and the other to steer. Unless I can grow a third hand it sounds like using the FEL will be a bit slower if I understand correctly.

It sounds like that, but really it isn't once you get the hang of it. The direction lever is very convenient and the action is very natural. I never felt it slowed me down running the loader to move snow or load salt/mulch.

I have an HST + now, and unless I am working in an intricate area I don't really see much advantage to the HST.

ac

 

[avc8130]

The shuttle shifter in on the column and their are 12 forward and 8 reverse speeds and they are grouped fairly good for loader work so no shifting of the gear selector is usually required.
David Kb7uns

This is a great point. Forward and reverse gears are matched in sets. It works great for loader work. It takes a bit of a "dance" with the hands, but you can be rapid fast:

1. Drive towards pile in a higher moving gear.
2. Slide gear lever just before engaging pile.
3. Drive into pile.
4. Just as you would normally stop, pull direction lever back into Reverse.
5. Drive out of pile.
6. Slide lever forward and increase gear to transport.

I got REALLY good at it after just a bit of running it. You can be SUPER fast.

ac

 

[BeezFun]

1. Drive towards pile in a higher moving gear.
2. Slide gear lever just before engaging pile.
3. Drive into pile.
4. Just as you would normally stop, pull direction lever back into Reverse.
5. Drive out of pile.
6. Slide lever forward and increase gear to transport.

thanks, that explains it very well.

 

[avc8130]

thanks, that explains it very well.

What are you planning on doing with the machine mostly?

What machines are you looking at?

ac

 

[BeezFun]

What are you planning on doing with the machine mostly?
What machines are you looking at?

Primary tasks are loading manure in spreader and spreading on field, moving and grading limestone and gravel for paddocks and buildings, and I'm building another barn next year, need something bigger to handle that much excavating. We're also going to start buying hay in either large squares or round bales, so I need something that can move bales up to 1500# since that's what's available around here for good prices. I also pull a bush hog but would be completely happy with what I have for that. When I bought my B2710 I really underestimated how often I'd need to use FEL. Our problem is we're land locked for access by semis except when there's no crops in the adjacent field, so when I have something delivered I have to dump it on one side of the property, then load it in my dump trailer and move to the other, then spread it. My tractor just takes forever.

I've borrowed my neighbors JD which is 30HP, can't remember model number, that's still clearly too small. My last neighbor had a JD that I used, that was about 40 HP and in retrospect that was about right, but I was too worried about tearing up grass and leaving ruts. Now that I've graded things and put down gravel where I need it, that's not an issue. I also realize I can just wait for the ground to dry out and it won't leave ruts (duh). So I'm looking at L series and M series that are about 40-45 HP. I have to cruise over to the dealer where I bought mine, I don't understand difference between L and M with comparable engine size. Kubota web site sure isn't very good comparing tractors from different families. It seems like M series are cheaper than L series for comparable sized engine, but it's hard to compare used equipment. I also want a cab, tired of freezing my tail feathers in winter.

 

[bironacad]

I'm thinking of buying a larger Kubota, the ones I've looked at have GST, don't know how GST works. Do you move shift lever while in motion, do you need to use clutch or slow down? Do you still have a hydro pedal, or do you move the throttle to change speed? Is it still a hydrostatic transmission underneath the different style shifter, or is it a geared transmission?
tnx

GST goods and services Tax. We now have HST where they combined provincial tax with the services tax to prevent anything slipping the noose, lol.

Canadian Sales Tax Calculator (GST - HST - PST) | HelpSME.com

Just having some fun here

 

[avc8130]

Primary tasks are loading manure in spreader and spreading on field, moving and grading limestone and gravel for paddocks and buildings, and I'm building another barn next year, need something bigger to handle that much excavating. We're also going to start buying hay in either large squares or round bales, so I need something that can move bales up to 1500# since that's what's available around here for good prices. I also pull a bush hog but would be completely happy with what I have for that. When I bought my B2710 I really underestimated how often I'd need to use FEL. Our problem is we're land locked for access by semis except when there's no crops in the adjacent field, so when I have something delivered I have to dump it on one side of the property, then load it in my dump trailer and move to the other, then spread it. My tractor just takes forever.

I've borrowed my neighbors JD which is 30HP, can't remember model number, that's still clearly too small. My last neighbor had a JD that I used, that was about 40 HP and in retrospect that was about right, but I was too worried about tearing up grass and leaving ruts. Now that I've graded things and put down gravel where I need it, that's not an issue. I also realize I can just wait for the ground to dry out and it won't leave ruts (duh). So I'm looking at L series and M series that are about 40-45 HP. I have to cruise over to the dealer where I bought mine, I don't understand difference between L and M with comparable engine size. Kubota web site sure isn't very good comparing tractors from different families. It seems like M series are cheaper than L series for comparable sized engine, but it's hard to compare used equipment. I also want a cab, tired of freezing my tail feathers in winter.

It sounds like you plan to travel some distances and do some constant speed work. I found my GST great for that. I could use the hand throttle as a "cruise control". My new HST doesn't have cruise control and I already find myself missing that feature.

ac

 

[BeezFun]

GST goods and services Tax. We now have HST where they combined provincial tax with the services tax to prevent anything slipping the noose, lol.

Canadian Sales Tax Calculator (GST - HST - PST) | HelpSME.com

Just having some fun here

At first I thought you were saying the Canadians charged a special tax on transmissions. Tell the government to get their own acronyms, these are reserved for tractors.

 

[johnk]

I have a GST and really like it. I would buy another one over a HST but that is another story and will start a war............

 

[avc8130]

I have a GST and really like it. I would buy another one over a HST but that is another story and will start a war............

I am really starting to learn to like my HST+, but I still reminisce about my GST every now and then...

 

[BeezFun]

It sounds like you plan to travel some distances and do some constant speed work. I found my GST great for that. I could use the hand throttle as a "cruise control". My new HST doesn't have cruise control and I already find myself missing that feature.
ac

I actually use two tractors when I haul with the dump trailer. I borrow my neighbors tractor and leave it hooked to the dump trailer, then I use mine to load it and spread at the other end. Otherwise it takes forever taking the ballast off the back and hooking up to the trailer each load.

 

[avc8130]

I actually use two tractors when I haul with the dump trailer. I borrow my neighbors tractor and leave it hooked to the dump trailer, then I use mine to load it and spread at the other end. Otherwise it takes forever taking the ballast off the back and hooking up to the trailer each load.

Would it be quicker to just shuttle with the tractor, or is the distance too great?
ac

 

[BeezFun]

Would it be quicker to just shuttle with the tractor, or is the distance too great?
ac

It's usually about 300 yards so a little too far. Also when I drive with that much weight in bucket I really sink into the ground with front wheels. The dump trailer distributes the load over 4 large tires and probably throws 500-1000# on the tongue that gets carried by the rear wheels on the tractor.

 

[avc8130]

It's usually about 300 yards so a little too far. Also when I drive with that much weight in bucket I really sink into the ground with front wheels. The dump trailer distributes the load over 4 large tires and probably throws 500-1000# on the tongue that gets carried by the rear wheels on the tractor.

With the exception of ground damage, that distance is probably right around the break even point I would bet.

Either way, once you get the hang of it I think a GST tractor is pretty neat. I see you are used to an HST, coming from that you may or may not prefer the HST.

I used my L45 w/ the HST+ all day today doing a lot of snow moving and other chores around the property. All FEL based tasks since I didn't dig a hole with the hoe. It is definitely easier to use the HST. That doesn't make it FASTER.