l4600 hst vs gear

[DK35vince]

I would never buy a tractor and the deciding factor be which one can I do the "major" repair work on myself in my garage but that's just me.

I'm sure you don't.
But you replace tractors and vehicles more often than I change the oil.

 

[newbury]

<snip> I selected the geared MX5100 and my BIL selected his M5700 based on the years of reliable geared tractor use on our farm.

Could it also be that your BIL wanted MORE POWER? And it doesn't come in HST

It seems Kubota puts the dividing line between Geared only and HST or Geared just above 52HP.

 

[Ted Summey]

Could it also be that your BIL wanted MORE POWER? And it doesn't come in HST

It seems Kubota puts the dividing line between Geared only and HST or Geared just above 52HP.

Yes that's part of it. For his applications any of the larger HST tractors would have worked by pulling his baler which was HIS determining factor. However, he could buy more power for less money with the geared tractor. Plus he was able to get 4wd for less as well. Of course my MX5100 pulls the baler fine too at 50 ish PTO hp. Again, it is a matter of preference geared or HST.

I don't disagree that HST works well for many users especially for SCUT and CUT tractor users who make up the greater majority of members here. Properly operating hydraulics are a beautiful thing.

FWIW I do have a wonderful zero turn mower, a machine that benefits tremendously from hydraulics!

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

I had a hard time giving up that 3 speed shifter on the column. It had worked so well for my Granddad, Dad, Uncles, Cousins, Brothers, friends and me. I was so easy to work on and the idea of a 4 speed in the floor, who ever heard of anything like that?!
Actually my first car was a 1935 Dodge with a 3 speed in the floor and my next car was a 1958 Chevy 348 with a converted from automatic to a 3 speed in the floor by the former owner.:cool2:

 

[TexasBoy]

It is simply a matter of preference. What y'all prefer is just that, I'm glad you HST guys like them. That's a good thing! I selected the geared MX5100 and my BIL selected his M5700 based on the years of reliable geared tractor use on our farm. I like them! That's a good thing too!

Ditto what Ted said.