Buying Advice Gear shift vs. HST

[jmpbuffalo]

Ok, so far I'm just a wannabee tractor owner, but I notice most new tractors have hydrostatic transmissions. Kubota's 2320 is available with a gear shift transmission, however. Other than cost, is there any advantage to the gearshift? Is one or the other more durable/reliable? I've never owned an auto or truck with an automatic transmission, so manual shifting isn't a big deal to me.

Thanks,

Joe

 

[nybirdman]

On a tractor that size..I think you would like the HST more.Gear has a advantage for ground engagement(plows and disc's).All depends what you are going to do MOST OF THE TIME.If you are going to mow and do FEL work the HST would be better/safer.You lose a little horsepower with HST.My tractors have been HST and I do mostly ground engagement/snow removal.If new users are going to be on the tractor...HST is a lot easier.

 

[RoyJackson]

Being one of the resident gear enthusiasts, I'd say try both transmissions and see which you prefer.
Most gear work, you select your operating gear (you don't shift up through the gears like a car or truck), set the throttle and start working. Other then shifting into reverse (for loader work as an example), there's no need to shift gears.
I've been using gear transmissions long enough that I can shift as quick as most folks can move their foot on an HST (I'm comparing this to Deere HST which is two pedals...Kubota has one treadle pedal, I believe).

I will add one caveat: I buy my tractors used (on my third) and I look specifically for a gear transmission. I wouldn't necessarily turn down an HST if I really liked the tractor otherwise (which indicates I'm getting soft in my old age!)

 

[Will_C]

In theory,you lose some power with a hydro, but I can't imagine it would be enough to notice, especially on a compact like a 2320. Repairs would be cheaper on a gear transmission-if you ever need them. I have had two hydro tractors with over 1,000 hours on them without an issue-that isn't many hours for an ag tractor, but represents alot of use for the typical compact.

If your uses are like most of ours with a tractor of that size (lawn mowing, FEL work, assorted other implements around small acreage), I would definitly prefer a hydro. If I was planning field tillage work, mowing large fields, or working in the woods-I would have a geared tractor with a reverser-but it would also be 40-60 hp.

Will

 

[TripleR]

Ok, so far I'm just a wannabee tractor owner, but I notice most new tractors have hydrostatic transmissions. Kubota's 2320 is available with a gear shift transmission, however. Other than cost, is there any advantage to the gearshift? Is one or the other more durable/reliable? I've never owned an auto or truck with an automatic transmission, so manual shifting isn't a big deal to me.

Thanks,

Joe

In my opinion, in that size tractor, I can really see no advantage unless you are going to do primarily ground engagement work with little to no FEL work. I operate HST as well as gear and don't have trouble with either, but for a SCUT/CUT, my preference is HST.

JOHNTHOMAS just bought a new gear B2320, but did not get a FEL, he has a LOT of experience with the smaller Kubotas and hopefully will come along with some sage advice. BPfick has a B2320 also and has experience with the BX and B.

Do a Search and you will have literally hours of reading on this subject.

Good luck.

 

[k0ua]

Wow, there must be a hundred threads on here about gear Vs Hydro. And everyone has an opinion, and here is mine: If you are doing much loader work, or work very close to buildings or people, then I will let you in on a big secret, psst... hydro is best. if you dont want you left leg to fall off after 8 hours of loader work..... then hydro is best.. If you want to go slow one second, and fast the next... then hydro is best. And I am not kidding when I say, almost every time I use my tractor I think how glad I sold the gear tractor and got the hydro tractor. Did I mention hydro is best? If you are plowing a 40 acre field, then maybe gear is best.. I dunno. I never done that. but for me and what I do.. hydro is best.

James K0UA

 

[crbr]

Ok, so far I'm just a wannabee tractor owner, but I notice most new tractors have hydrostatic transmissions. Kubota's 2320 is available with a gear shift transmission, however. Other than cost, is there any advantage to the gearshift? Is one or the other more durable/reliable? I've never owned an auto or truck with an automatic transmission, so manual shifting isn't a big deal to me.

Thanks,

Joe

Work hard or work smart. I prefer the HST.

 

[RobertN]

I have been on here since around '98; the 2000 date in my sig is wrong. All the old timers defaulted to that date during one of the TBN upgrades.

This subject has come up sooooooooooo many times. Use the search function, and sit down for a few days of reading This has been discussed ad nauseum. It is a good thing to think about before spending the money on the wrong tractor for you.

For durability, after 13 years here, I have hardly heard of major issues with either style tranny. My local dealer sells MAssey and used, and spent years as a Kubota mechanic. He has not seen much in the way of HST issues.

There are a number of trannies out there. Even saying gear is misleading. There are various different "gear" transmissions.

The hard part is, it is partly a personal thing. I can drive either no problem. I tend towards HST though. My wife and son like it too; they help me with tractor work. My old "B" Kubota, and my current New Holland TC are both HST. For my five acres, and manuevering around trees, it works well.

I have driven shuttle shift and GST too; I like the GST on the L35's TLB's I have rented.

I have spent a little time on my neighbors Ford, a gear tractor. It worked well, but after 13 years on HST, I had a little time adjusting to working in a tight area and finessing it.

The best thing, is to read read read, then go try both. And as much as I like Kubota's, try the others too. I was really looking for an L3410 when I got a deal on my used NH TC40D. I'd own another Kubota; I got the NH partly because of what was available on the used market. Sure do like it though

 

[fenix]

It would a shame to be stuck with a tractor you don't like.
Hst are nice for most jobs, and they are much more simple
to operate but for real farm work, go with a gear.
If you go talk to a dealer they would be more than happy
to let you drive both. If that is not enough, rent one for a
day to be sure. Will cost some money but you will know.
Good luck.

 

[art]

I see you have less then an acre! I would think that a BX would almost be to big but it is the smallest tractor for multi attachments.

For what everyone has told you the hydro would be best for you!

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

I have bought several Kubota tractors. BX's, B's and one L. Some have had FEL's and some not. Just bought my 13th Kubota from Barlows. This latest purchase is a B2320 geared for just tiller, plow, boxblade and Rolling Overseeder work, no FEL. I now have 3 hours on my B2320 and that has been plowing with a single bottom plow, hitting a mobile home and riding my Grands around the rental property.
I used to say I would never have a geared tractor and I still say that if it has a FEL that I'd use.
I now can say I can't see where a Geared tractor would ever be preferred over an HST. I'm OK/fine with my geared B2320 for the very limited duties I'll be using it for but if it were the same money I'd say HST all the way, no decision or choice but it's not the same money and for a reason, a very good reason. HST is better.
When I start down the row to plow I set the Range to low and the gear to 2 and use the foot throttle to run it up to operating speed and all is well. When I get to the end of the row I clutch, stop and shift operating range to M with gear still in 2 and take off back to the beginning of the next row then clutch stop shift range back down to low and go. In my mind that's the simpliest operation of a tractor. HST would still be easier/faster than geared, no stopping and if any need for reverse comes in then HST is best.
Sorry geared guys. I'd never(other than this one time due to cost) pick a geared over an HST. My geared is OK but it's not HST. I can't think of a single use where a geared would be preferred to HST. I got the geared this time for two reasons. First is it was least expensive and I needed/wanted the least expensive for this tractor that will have very little use. Second I got it so I could do comparisons for TBN users of geared vs HST and I'd had all HST's and no geared. Now I've had/got both. This is just my opinion from my personal use and experience. I try to stay objective/unbiased with my evaluations.
Also, I've never owned any thing bigger than an L and nothing but Kubotas. I don't give experienced opinions/opinions on other than Kubotas or bigger than an L3240HST.

 

[jmpbuffalo]

Thanks for all the replies, folks. I'm planning on buying a larger property within a year or two at most. The FEL is the main reason i want a tractor (vs. a riding mower/snowblower) so it looks like HST is the way to go for me.

Joe

 

[fisherridge]

Once you've laid out $1250 for a hydrostat, $950 for a drive motor, $100 for fluid and $100 for filters (plus labor if you don't do the work yourself) you will wish you had gone gear.

 

[crazyal]

Once you've laid out $1250 for a hydrostat, $950 for a drive motor, $100 for fluid and $100 for filters (plus labor if you don't do the work yourself) you will wish you had gone gear.

VS a clutch/ pressure plate/ throw bearing and have to split your tractor in half to get to the clutch? With HST being around for decades with no signs of weakness I'll take my chances with HST not breaking down over a clutch with will need to be replaced.

 

[TripleR]

If an HST is as fragile as some will try to make you believe, no one would buy them, I sure wouldn't. I have gear and HST and like them both and have had no problems with either type.

 

[Branchchipper]

I replaced a MF135D (traditional geared) with an L-5030Hst (hydro) as my main machine a few years ago . I was VERY hesitant about the complexity of the hydro trans at first, having never had one, and being very accustomed to the Massey and others...

However, I spoke to some well respected Kubota ag service guys before buying- they stated that they hardly EVER had to tear open HST transmissions (as opposed to GST and standard gear). Very encouraging...

My experience in hundreds of operating hours since is all positive. Some highlights: increased degree of control; safety on steep hills; simplicity for less experienced operators; GREATLY decreased workload during loader ops, etc, etc.

Kubotas of all sizes are used extensively in vineyards, orchards and other specialty ag applications here in WA and OR- many of those are hydro. They are definitely not just hobby farm machines.

I am a convert- hydro for anything under 60hp!

 

[EThogfarmer]

I have both a gear drive and a HST tractor. As others have stated, the smaller HST is better in confined areas and for loader work, the larger gear drive is better out in the pasture for mowing, disking, etc.

This was brought home to me recently; I had to bury livestock and started out with the gear drive (JD 1250). After I got down a couple of feet my left leg felt like it was going to fall off. I went back and fired up my Kubota 3700 and finished the job (letting my leg rest).

 

[texasjohn]

In the world of mathematics, there is a shorthand.

QED

Which means, very loosely translated, "And that, my friend, is complete proof, nothing more can be said. "

 

[flusher]

Ok, so far I'm just a wannabee tractor owner, but I notice most new tractors have hydrostatic transmissions. Kubota's 2320 is available with a gear shift transmission, however. Other than cost, is there any advantage to the gearshift? Is one or the other more durable/reliable? I've never owned an auto or truck with an automatic transmission, so manual shifting isn't a big deal to me.

Thanks,

Joe

With only one acre, it's a no-brainer---get the hydrostatic.
My first tractor was a 2005 Kubota B7510HST with the LA302 FEL. Fun to operate. No problems in 3 years of ownership (~180 hours on the meter when I traded it for a 2008 Mahindra 5525, which is a 54 hp tractor with a really simple, basic gear tranny.