3320 vs 3520 & hydro vs reverser

[WH401]

Based on your what you've said, I think you really want the ehydro machine, but you don't want to wait for it. If that is what you really want then I would wait for it as this is a pretty expensive investment. If truthfully you can't decide between the two then I would try to test drive both and see what your immediately drawn too. Personally for me I chose the PR because I like shifting gears, I grew up shifting gears, I like be able to putt around at about 1500 rpm and still get adequate performance from the drive train, I've used hydro's before and do not like them because of the higher operating temperatures, the lack of a complete power transfer from the engine, and having to constantly press a pedal down to move forward, (as opposed to just flipping a lever or letting a clutch out and not having to do anything after that, nor does that comment have anything to do with the ability to use cruise control).

About every 10 days I mow my 7 acres of grass, which takes about 2.5 hrs total to cut. In that time, yes, there's alot of shifting, (only between gears for slowing down or speeding up and it's a breeze with the PR since the trans is synchronized and you can shift on the fly), but I enjoy it. It gives you something to do while driving.

 

[area123]

So 21750 for an ehydro 3520, with a 300x, or cx? What area of the country are you in?

Yup, w/ the 300x. In NE Oklahoma. two dealers are within $250 of each other at that price.. 3320 is 20375.

 

[foggy1111]

I almost bought a PR tranny in a 3320 model. I think I could be pretty happy with the PR, and it was less money. But I do like the precise nature of a HST tranny....especially for my new root grapple and loader positioning, etc.

BUT.....the biggest reason of all for staying the course on a Hydro tranny is that I have a couple of grandsons that have a big interest in food plotting and are almost ready to operate the tractor.....as well as my wife. IMO Operating a Hydro comes more naturally to most new operators. Plus they have gotten used to a hydro on lawn tractors. I like seeing those kids get involved. :thumbsup:

 

[foggy1111]

Yup, w/ the 300x. In NE Oklahoma. two dealers are within $250 of each other at that price.. 3320 is 20375.

For a few dollars more.....you SHOULD buy the CX loader over the former. Much better capacities.

 

[area123]

Based on your what you've said, I think you really want the ehydro machine, but you don't want to wait for it. If that is what you really want then I would wait for it as this is a pretty expensive investment. If truthfully you can't decide between the two then I would try to test drive both and see what your immediately drawn too. Personally for me I chose the PR because I like shifting gears, I grew up shifting gears, I like be able to putt around at about 1500 rpm and still get adequate performance from the drive train, I've used hydro's before and do not like them because of the higher operating temperatures, the lack of a complete power transfer from the engine, and having to constantly press a pedal down to move forward, (as opposed to just flipping a lever or letting a clutch out and not having to do anything after that, nor does that comment have anything to do with the ability to use cruise control).

About every 10 days I mow my 7 acres of grass, which takes about 2.5 hrs total to cut. In that time, yes, there's alot of shifting, (only between gears for slowing down or speeding up and it's a breeze with the PR since the trans is synchronized and you can shift on the fly), but I enjoy it. It gives you something to do while driving.

I guess I think I want the hydro because I like my dads x500 mower. But I was fine with my 790 non-synchronized tractor, and I used the loader quite a bit. I think either option would be a huge upgrade from that. I've never had my own hydro either on a mower or a tractor. I've only owned older tractors w/ collar shift, non synchro..I also think I want the hydro due to ease of driving and maybe my wife could operate it sometime, although that is doubtful. And maybe resale is better..

But I might trade all that because I can't wait a month, I need to spray my weeds now, landscape my yard, clean up construction debris, etc.. We've waited all summer w/o a tractor because I sold mine and we wanted to finish building the house before purchasing. I might be checking with another dealer to see if they can match the 3320 hydro price and if they have one closer.

 

[beppington]

... having to constantly press a pedal down to move forward, (as opposed to just flipping a lever or letting a clutch out and not having to do anything after that, nor does that comment have anything to do with the ability to use cruise control).

I understand your feelings after experiencing an HST machine. I'll just add that with my HST machine I do not have to constantly hold the HST pedal down. In fact, I don't even have to touch it to go forward; I can simply move the cruise lever forward, & off I go.

As far as giving me something to do while driving ... Watch where I'm going; Steer; Watch deer; Drink my giant cold sweet tea; Watch snakes, Chat on cell phone, etc. ... I'm never bored or lacking for something to do while mowing!

 

[beppington]

I guess I think I want the hydro because I like my dads x500 mower.

Exactly why I got an HST. I wanted my tractor to operate just like a bigger version of my little 42" Sears hydro riding lawn mower. And it does!

 

[RoyJackson]

Are you sure about that Roy? When I was growing up everyone had gear tractors, myself included. When you were growing up gear tractors were popular and ehydro was nonexistent. I suspect this drives your resistance to the ehydro because it's not that you have used one for five years and after this amount of time still don't like it.

Actually, it's just I prefer gear transmissions..not just in tractors. My pick up is a manual. I prefer doing things for myself.
However, hydros aren't better for some types of work...not if you need to keep your foot on the pedal (note my original post did mention "unless you have cruise control" or words to that effect). You will get more slippage in hydros since is a fluid transmitting the power.
I reckon some hydro guys think you have to shift gears in a tractor...well, that's not too common except from the forward gear to reverse. It's not at all like shifting through the gears when accelerating in a car or truck (as you know, since you've operated gear trannys). Speed to do tasks is definitely not the "night and day" difference like some folks post (good possibility they've never used a gear machine...that's my guess).
As far as eHydro in particular....I don't have a lot of faith in electronics over the long term. I am a firm believer in the KISS principle. Heck, I'd have been quite happy with a sync-shift transmission...main reason I traded for the 4400 Sync-Reverser is to get more ranges for reverse gear.
What folks spend their dollars on is really up to them. I present a very viable alternative to guys who are enamored by hydro trannys.

 

[Green is Keen]

Hey there Area123,

I purchased a 3320 thirty-seven months ago and totally love it...

The dealer had a 3203 which has the Hydro, on the lot, but I ordered the 3320 after much research. I've got five acres here and after mowing the two acres around the house with my SST18, there is no way I was go'na get another machine that required constant pressure on a pedal to operate. I get enough pressure on my butt after spending all day in the seat and at least with the 'Shuttle Shift' I can move my feet & legs around as the 'Buns Get Numb'....! Using the loader is a dream & the clutch is used only when I head to the barn and park. The CX loader does offer a little more lift capacity, but I can get my machine to stand on it head without it. The additional plumbing on the CX for a Grapple Bucket would be nice, but I use my bucket to mix concrete for those little projects, so the water tightness is appreciated. Either way, you'll love your JD. I never get tired hearing people say, "****, that little tractor is quite the Workhorse, we are impressed"....!

 

[arrabil]

I've driven Roy's PR tranny and its definitely the way to go for gears. Pick a gear/speed, let out the clutch, go. If you like gears and shifting you will love the PR.