From geared stalwart to hmmm

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There are only a couple dedicated tasks where I'd ever prefer a geared tractor. HST is sooooo nice. Infinite ground speed choices while keeping the PTO at optimum RPMs. Give hydrostatic a try.... you'll like it.

I once had a Kubota dealer drop off a hydro here to try for the afternoon. Really didn't like it as couldn't get used to the peddle. You still need to pick a range correct? Just makes backing up easier.

 

[k0ua]

I once had a Kubota dealer drop off a hydro here to try for the afternoon. Really didn't like it as couldn't get used to the peddle. You still need to pick a range correct? Just makes backing up easier.

Ah.. you did not give it enough time..It takes a couple of days to get used to the single "treadle pedal". It grows on you (kinda like a fungus) Most people can get used to the two pedal side by side faster, I guess that is why they predominate in most other brands except Kubota. As for range, Unless your ground is very hilly you can just use MED for most everything.. HI is just for roading the tractor. Of course you get more torque or grunt in Lo, but you can do most things in MED. the Kubota HST+ has a hi/lo in each range, which can shift automatically like for pulling a hill then it will up shift for more speed..

James K0UA

 

[Redneck in training]

If you mow HST is hard to beat. PTO stays at constant speed regardless of the speed or direction. When mowing high thick grass when the bushhog starts bogging down just slow down to clear it. No stopping or shifting required. I like two side by side pedals. I also like three brake pedals. Two for left and right brake on the left side and third acting on both left and right brakes on the right side.

 

[TripleR]

What i really don't like on some of these tractors is how they have their joystick mounted. You have to be a ferret to get on from the right side as they have the stick protruding right in front of one's mounting path if mounted on the loader stanchion. If the joystick is fender mounted, they have the hydraulic lines hanging under the tractor or right in front of the rear tire so one trip in the woods would rip them apart. A woods tractor needs to be easily mounted from both sides especially in the dense woods I have.

We have no exposed hoses on our Kubota geared or HST and entry into the cab from the right, while not as easy as from the left, is not a problem unless you have mobility issues; my son gets in and out through the closest door. The joysticks are fender mounted.

Ah.. you did not give it enough time..It takes a couple of days to get used to the single "treadle pedal". It grows on you (kinda like a fungus) Most people can get used to the two pedal side by side faster, I guess that is why they predominate in most other brands except Kubota. As for range, Unless your ground is very hilly you can just use MED for most everything.. HI is just for roading the tractor. Of course you get more torque or grunt in Lo, but you can do most things in MED. the Kubota HST+ has a hi/lo in each range, which can shift automatically like for pulling a hill then it will up shift for more speed..

James K0UA

Both the single treadle and side by side need time to acclimate, I have often told the story of my father in law putting his John Deere in the pond. We have John Deere and Kubota and used the John Deere years before getting a Kubota, so while I have a slight preference for the Kubota, don't have a strong preference either way.

I do much less "shifting" with the HST+ than the standard HST even as a flip of the column mounted lever gives you "hi-med" or "low-med". As mentioned even on non HST+ "medium" will handle most things other than heavy digging or road travel.