Gear-vs-HST again.....change my mind folks

[Oldtimermich]

Let me just say that I am not an owner yet, have to wait until November sometime. But my only concern of not wanting the CK20 HST model is the very cold weather we get in Northern Michigan at times. It seems that most of the Kioti owners live in warmer areas. Is there any thoughts, comments, opinions, of wether a Gear model would be better served in the colder
areas. I don't plan on having a heated barn, and understand about the warm up thingie, and don't mind shifting gears as I wouldn't want to speed up my fun. I suppose what I am wondering is, if a Gear would last longer than a HST for the long running years??? Maybe once things are warmed up properly it would not make any difference huh? I thought there was a guy in the Harbor Springs area not far from me who is an owner?

 

[Morgan1952]

Medic, I don't think that the weather is going to be a major factor in this. I have seen members of TBN using Kioti's from Canada, Idaho, Wisconsin, and even Alaska. I don't see any problems with either tractor. Just try them out and pick the one you like.
Bob

 

[GerardC]

I'll have to agree with Morgan1952. You'll be fine with either one. I happen to like gears.

 

[KiotiJohn]

Here's the case. With any hydraulic pump, one must warm the oil before beinning to operate the hydro systems. This would be true of the hydraulic pump in the gear model as well as the HST model.
In cold weather, you would simply start the engine, maybe using glow plugs 2-3 times if very cold, and let it warm up for between 5 and 10 minutes before beginning to use the tractor. I put the HST range selector in low, and engage the clutch after it's warmed up a little and let the oil flow a bit before I start using the loader or PTO.
There shouldn't be any problem between the two as long as you warm up well first.
John

 

[AutoUnionTypeC]

Gear for me as well, it's the only choice for me. I enjoy the interaction with my vehicle be it car or tractor. Unless the majority of your work is going to be back and forth loader work it's hard to justify the loss of ponies. IMHO.
Regards, J

 

[Bob_Skurka]

John is correct about letting the oil warm up a bit. I'm not a Kioti owner, but I live in a climate that gets to -10 on a regular basis and -20 every now and again. The hydraulic oil has to warm up a bit or it is like trying to ask your pump to push jell-o through the tubes and hoses. When the weather drops down, you need to let the tractor run for a couple minutes or you will create a tremendous amount of pressure in the hydraulic system, very likely you will see leaks at some of the hose fittings if you don't. The thing is, that hydraulic oil is going to be in either a GEAR or a HST tractor because it is used to power your steering, your FEL and your 3pt hitch.

 

[KiotiJohn]

I must add to what Bob and I have said: The hydraulic pumps can be damaged if you don't warm up sufficiently before using.
John

 

[GerardC]

See attachment.

 

[Oldtimermich]

thanks for your thoughts and opinions......makes sense to me

 

[VictorW]

I also agree with everyone else. Either gear or HST require a warm up period. GerardC's attachment is a page right out of the book no matter gear or HST. You should get what you like unless PTO hp is a factor. You lose one more hp at the PTO with the HST. My old tractor was a gear and my new one is a HST. Both have advantages and disadvantages. I probably would have bought a gear, that's what I'm use to, but to get my wife to use it, I bought a HST. The HST in nice though. Pick a gear range and then adjust your speed with the foot pedal. I still like the solid feel of a gear but if I can get my wife to do some of the work, the HST was worth it.