GST vs HST?

[TORQUIN]

First of all, I don't own a Kubota yet. I am trying to decide between trannies right now. I am planning on an L3830 with 4 in 1 FEL and BH. I currently own a 1964 Ford 4000 diesel that has 52 or 55 hp, no FEL, BH or PS.
At the dealer, I test drove a 4330 with HST and no FEL, and a 3830 with FST. The dealer does not have a GST in stock right now, but will call me when he does so I can test drive it.
The HST on the 4330, even with 43 hp, seemed weak in high range. It felt weaker than the FST on the 3830, even though the 3830 has less HP.
My aunt just purchased a 3130 with FEL, which I also test drove. My test consisted of what could the tractor do all out in high range. The HST seems to be robbing RPM from the engine like crazy, where the FST does not. I pushed the pedal all the way down (and nearly stalled it) and got up to whatever speed, increased the throttle to full, but it seemed like it was underpowered. When I let off the Go pedal, the RPM jumped WAY up.
Maybe this is just me, and being used to the higher HP of my Ford 4000. I know that I'm not going to be racing the tractor, but when I want to get from point A to point B, such as getting to the actual "job site", I expect the tractor to be able to get up and go. The HST doesn't seem to have the go needed.
I'd like to hear other's impressions of this.
I'm not looking for a tranny war, just opinions so I can figure out if I am overestimating what I expect from these tractors, or too "HP spoiled" by my truck.

Thanks,
Chris
--------------
99 Dodge Ram 2500, QC, Cummins with twin turbos. Best ET 14.50.

 

[Chechnya]

I highly suggest GST. The best part is the clutchless shifts while moving. I have a speed for everything like number 1-2 for scooping dirt and 7-8 for driving. With HST you have 2-3 speeds only but GST gives you more control over what you are doing.

 

[TORQUIN]

While I have not driven the GST yet, I am leaning that way since the dealer tells me the GST is just like the FST, except you can shift gears without the clutch. This sounds good to me, especially since the GST does not have different ranges, just 12 speeds, period, and all accessible with the same lever. I also like the froward and reverse, same speed, on the steering column.
Other things I didn't like about the HST is having to use the "cruise control" in order to do a zero-radius turn by using the brakes independently, and not having a foot control for the throttle.
My aunt loves the HST, but I think part of that is she doesn't know any better, and doesn't miss the power, plus she doesn't mind going slow so doesn't see the power loss in high range. The area she is using it in is not as large as mine so she doesn't have as far to go, which may also contribute to her satisfaction.

Thanks,
Chris

 

[txdon]

TORQUIN, today while mowing for the first time with HST, reconfirmed my opinion that HST - IS FOR ME. Everyone has different priority task for their tractor. Since I do a lot of work that requires reverse-forward-reverse-forward such as mowing - backing under trees, backing into large brush, backing up the dam and front end loader work with lots of backing, My body is twisted back wards a lot and with one hand on the ROPS (as I'm turned around) and one on the steering wheel is it so nice to be able to do all the shifting with one foot. As far as speed, heck I can't even get up to the 3rd range because my land is so rough so that is the least of my priorities. 1st range for loader work, 2nd range for mowing works so good for me. Get the tractor that fits the jobs you do the most. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

 

[Steve_Miller]

I don't own a HST yet but am going this way soon. I currently own a Kubota B7200DT. As far as I understand your explaination, don't get me wrong (I'm not trying to put you down or anything like that) , but you have to understand the difference between a Glide shift and an HST tranny, maybe you do, but from your explanation you don't completely understand how to utilize an HST. I've only test driven an HST so far, but I've put all my fears behind me after driving a NH TC24DA. I asked questions here before I test drove and read previous posts on HST tractors. You have to get used to the power curves which are quite a bit different than a geared tranny.
Did you put the glide shift in high gear and put the accelerator the mat like you explained you did on the HST? If so, did the tractor spin the wheels and take off, or did it bog down until the tractor picked up speed and took off once it got into its power curve? On an HST the rpm's have to be fairly high and you have to ease the hydro pedal down slowly until the tractor gains speed in order to get the torque required from the hydro pump. Similarly on a geared tranny you start in low gear and work your way up as speed builds up. I may have some of my explainations screwed up but I'm sure someone will correct me sooner or later as there is more than enough intelligent people on this forum.
Again I'm not trying to start anything or by no means do I think I'm a tractor expert but I don't think you gave the HST the credit it deserves compared to an HST.

Thanks Steve

 

[JerryG]

Chris,
I noticed the way, that you said you pushed the peddle all the way down. With a hydro, you have to gradually press the pedal down. The farther the pedal is down, the higher gear it equates to. If you have been used to your Ford, then you will really happy with a GST. Good Luck getting a new tractor and welcome to TBN.

 

[grandad]

Ditto the comment JerryG made about using a hydro tranny.

Most of the "experts" say there is only a 1-2% efficiency loss in the hydro vs. a gear drive. For most typical uses of a compact tractor, that's not very significant and is outweighed by the advantages offered.

Think of the thing as a continuously variable transmission. The harder you push the pedal, the less gear reduction you are using, with less torque and higher rpm going to the drive train. To get maximum torque you do just the opposite... you feather the pedal so there is just a little forward speed. That is counter-intuitive if you are thinking of it as the accelerator pedal.

If you expect to do lots of FEL work, take a second look at HST. Once you get the hang of it, it's hard to beat with the FEL.

Having said all that, the GST is also a good choice, although it probably won't get you from A to B any faster than the hydro. It's your tractor... get the one you like the best and enjoy!

 

[TORQUIN]

No offense taken from anyone. That's why I posted, so if I am wrong, someone can set me straight. I really don't want to regret the decision I finally make, which is why I am posting here before I buy the thing and have to post on here "What's wrong with my tranny?", or "Wish I had gotten an HST".
I have not driven a GST yet, The dealer did not have one is stock. I have driven a 4330 HST with no FEL, a 3830 FST with FEL, and a 3130 HST with FEL. I liked the power of the FST best.
I am readin your responses and I will test drive the HST again when the dealer calls me (he is supposed to when he gets a GST available for me to test drive).

Thanks for all of your insights. This might just end of being a preference thing for me, but I am trying to keep an open mind here.
/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Thanks,
Chris

 

[Shy_guy0324]

I looked at this thread ( GST vs HST ) and I thought this was going to be a discussion on the Goods and Services Tax vs the Harmonized Sales Tax!!!

With all the acronyms these days, its hard shifting gears between every meaning for the same acronym!!

HAHAHA

/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

BTW: in Canada GST is a Federal sales tax, while the HST is a combined GST with the PST (Provincial Sales Tax) /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

 

[FlynG]

I have an L3710 GST, love it. For my usage, the GST was the best compromise. I like having a clutch for some work in the barn. I find that most of the time though I hardly ever touch the clutch. Especially mowing with the BH. I just bump up and back mostly in 3rd and 4th gear. I have never owned an HST but have used a couple at work. I just never liked them, but then all of my highway vehicles are manual transmissions too.