Bucket work with clutch /shuttle Vs hydro.

[HawkinsHollow]

I have only sat on and used an HST for about 5 minutes while I was looking at used tractors 5 years ago when I was in the market, but I can see how HST would be better for loader work than my shuttle shift tractor. Shuttle shift is fine but I worry about my clutch some times I am working slow and having to feather the clutch to ease into or out of a situation. I will have to live with it though.

 

[bdhsfz6]

Any clutch guys doing bucket work wish they had a hydro instead?

I've owned 6 hydro tractors and one clutch gear machine. I do a lot of loader work and quickly discovered the time savings gained by the hydro.

My only complaint was, until the last decade or so, hydro tractors were limited in HP. Now, there are many 60+ HP hydro machines available.

I think what's best depends on what you do with the tractor and your personal preference. Both have their strengths & weaknesses but each has their place in the industry.

Clutch / gear tractors are unlikely to disappear any time soon like stick shift transmissions in the auto industry.

 

[Too many Kubotas]

Shuttle shift is fine but I worry about my clutch some times I am working slow and having to feather the clutch to ease into or out of a situation. I will have to live with it though.

I absolutely hate having to slip a clutch. That's why I put a creeper kit in the M6040.
Not that it's used often, but it sure comes in handy at times.

 

[Zork]

I like my shuttle shift and I use the fuel pedal 90% of the time. Much quieter, no regrets.

 

[Little Red Tractor]

The power shuttles used in true construction equipment, like a front-end loader is really the best of both worlds...

I did a lot of work with an old 510 JD and found the shuttle, with a foot throttle a virtually unbeatable combination for steady loader work.

 

[paulsharvey]

I did a lot of work with an old 510 JD and found the shuttle, with a foot throttle a virtually unbeatable combination for steady loader work.

It just feels natural. Zero training, and someone can figure it out. Now, I have been on equipment, specifically a Lull 8000 lbs reach fork, that was very jerky. Made fine movements, loading, unloading trucks, where you are trying to hit the pallet just right, kinda difficult. Someone on YouTube mentioned similar with a power shuttle TYM, but also mentioned it 'wears in', and gets much smoother over time.

 

[MHarryE]

I collect round bales from my fields with the loader on my tractor, shuttle shift, should be fast. However, quickly learned I can load a truck in half the time with my hydro CTL. I know I couldn't load as fast with the hydro Kubota L6060 I used to have but even I'm amazed how fast I can load with the hydro on the CTL. Of course hand control for loader and propel which is faster than moving your foot but...

 

[bill9068]

I own both, either one works for me. I tend to be more deliberate and careful with my shuttle shift Kioti DK5510. Maybe because I have the grapple on more than a bucket.

 

[C79]

Had a 30 hp Kubota hydro years ago that was great for mowing with the 3pt finish mower or moving snow with the back blade, but I felt like I could never get any power out of it using the loader. Driving up to dirt or gravel with the correct angle on the bucket it would either die under load or just spin out. The next tractor was a 30 hp Mahindra shuttle and, what a difference. To me if I can select the range and gear for the conditions it beats a hydro trying to adjust in the moment. Now have a Mahindra 5155 shuttle and I built a pond with the loader on it in about 60 hours including the finish grading on the dam. I would not get anything but a shuttle shift from here on out.

 

[OzarkChris]

I have had both, my current Mahindra 2555 is gear and I find no real difference, we'll to be truthful, it may actually take me a few seconds longer but to me it isn't noticeable. When it comes to doing field work, gear is hands down so much better.

I probably do 60/40 field/bucket, grapple, etc work and in my opinion, I'd not want to go back to an automatic tyranny (as you say hydro). Get a gear and spend the savings on a good root bucket, stump digger or ?? I do have to add that I grew up with a gear tractor, still have a gear truck, etc - your mileage may vary