Buying Advice HST or Gears?

[TripleR]

But isn't it mechanically adjustable?

There is a thread on here somewhere on adjusting it to suit your needs, I don't use mine, so I've not done it though.

 

[4570Man]

But isn't it mechanically adjustable?

I haven't ever looked at it. It probably is, but I think it would be above the average persons head. The HST pedal on my L Grand is completely electronic. The throttle bar works good enough for me. I don't like the auto throttle anyway.

 

[GManBart]

Did you get up on the wrong side of the bed this morning???

Your comparisons of your two 40 something hp tractors supports what I said.

Your reference to the nicer HSTs linking the HST pedal and throttle also confirms what I stated. If factory set they'll have the engine at PTO rpm or above by the time the HST is at half speed. Talk about a waste of fuel.

In your own comparison above you stated your gear tractor never goes over 2000 rpms unless it's on the road. I think you copied that out of my post???

So we both are suffering from "Gross Generalizations" and "Shocking Conclusions".

Not even close.

The point was that two machines with similar size engines were run in about the same RPM range, and the HST machine didn't have to be run at 2000 RPM+ to work properly. The contradicts your comment that HST machines need to run at 2000+ regularly.

Small HST tractors with HST might have to be run at high RPM to do much work, but small non-HST tractors are also going to have to run at high RPM to get much done.

You compared large and very large non-HST machines to a very small HST machine....completely different animals, making for a poor comparison that means almost nothing.

You also misread what I wrote about the linked pedal machines. HST linked machines SAVE fuel, not waste it. Why? Because people with non-linked pedals set the RPM, often higher than necessary, and leave it there constantly. Linked HST systems match the throttle to the load so when you're going 2mph it's not running 2000rpm+ because it doesn't need to.

HST tractors work just fine at engine speeds lower than 2000rpm, regardless of whether people use them that way or not.

I copied nothing from your post. My Massey rarely goes over 2000rpm....usually only if I'm on the road, or for a few seconds here and there if I'm pulling something heavy in a low gear. MY LS also rarely went over 2000rpm...usually only if I went on the road or I was trying to max out the loader with something really heavy. Sure, there were times when I had 50T of gravel to spread and I wanted to get done quicker, so I set the RPM near PTO speed and got faster cycle times, and faster ground speed, but that was a choice, not a necessity.

 

[ovrszd]

But isn't it mechanically adjustable?

My Brothers L3240 was mechanical. Had a small lever on dash that engaged/disengaged.

 

[DK35vince]

I've never ran shuttle shift I can't say anything bad they seem to have there place l like the the idea of being able to throttle up well running in a gear or when needed.

A shuttle shift or hydraulic shuttle is a HUGE difference in ease of use compared to a 8N.
Many more gears to chose from forward and reverse, flip a shuttle lever and your going the other way in the same gear. Foot throttle for precision work, loader work, Etc.

 

[dieselcrawler]

Greg, being the handyman you are I know you could figure it out. Might work better using a linkage setup rather than a cable setup. But I'm sure you could do it.

I know you'll get right on it since you don't have any other projects going on.......

Lol... I'll get right on that, Richard, just for you! *grin*

 

[k0ua]

My Brothers L3240 was mechanical. Had a small lever on dash that engaged/disengaged.

That is what I thought.

 

[ovrszd]

Not even close.

The point was that two machines with similar size engines were run in about the same RPM range, and the HST machine didn't have to be run at 2000 RPM+ to work properly. The contradicts your comment that HST machines need to run at 2000+ regularly.

Small HST tractors with HST might have to be run at high RPM to do much work, but small non-HST tractors are also going to have to run at high RPM to get much done.

You compared large and very large non-HST machines to a very small HST machine....completely different animals, making for a poor comparison that means almost nothing.

You also misread what I wrote about the linked pedal machines. HST linked machines SAVE fuel, not waste it. Why? Because people with non-linked pedals set the RPM, often higher than necessary, and leave it there constantly. Linked HST systems match the throttle to the load so when you're going 2mph it's not running 2000rpm+ because it doesn't need to.

HST tractors work just fine at engine speeds lower than 2000rpm, regardless of whether people use them that way or not.

I copied nothing from your post. My Massey rarely goes over 2000rpm....usually only if I'm on the road, or for a few seconds here and there if I'm pulling something heavy in a low gear. MY LS also rarely went over 2000rpm...usually only if I went on the road or I was trying to max out the loader with something really heavy. Sure, there were times when I had 50T of gravel to spread and I wanted to get done quicker, so I set the RPM near PTO speed and got faster cycle times, and faster ground speed, but that was a choice, not a necessity.

This is a great topic. It clarifies different operators different preferences. I value your opinion and accept it as a difference. I do that with no malice or degrading comments. It seems that's not within your capability. That's fine and I accept that about you. But that doesn't mean it's okay to call my comments Gross or shocking. They are simply my opinion. Just as your comments are simply your opinion.

 

[Oldpath05]

According to my dash board, tractor is idling 8-900, going from point A too point B, 12-1500, my average work is 15-1800, for listening to the joyful sound of my diesel engine, I touch the fuel petal to get 2000, if I'm hooked on to China, 2500 RPMs.

 

[Sprinklerman]

My backhoe , a Deere 301 B is shuttle shift , my NH 1925 is HST , I like them both , they are both easy to work . BUT my movements are less on the HST new holland .Its just my right foot and the wheel , plus the loader . Doing landscaping , plowing and residentila work , the hst is the easiest . Power loss ? I cant compare , each machine is itself , I run them to what they can do . Now a straight gear shift , clutch each change of dirrection , no way , I am moving back and forth every 2 to 10 minutes sometimes .

 

[Fawken]

Gears.

 

[Citydude]

Gears

 

[GManBart]

This is a great topic. It clarifies different operators different preferences. I value your opinion and accept it as a difference. I do that with no malice or degrading comments. It seems that's not within your capability. That's fine and I accept that about you. But that doesn't mean it's okay to call my comments Gross or shocking. They are simply my opinion. Just as your comments are simply your opinion.

I said nothing that was degrading, and there was nothing malicious about it....simply factual. I didn't call your comments "gross" and I didn't call them "shocking" either. Rather than have you attribute things to me that are incorrect, what I said:

"All completely different animals that you're combining to make a gross generalization.

Comparing a 22hp SCUT to a 47hp Utility machine, much less a 95hp machine isn't going to make for a useful comparison. So a much larger machine spends the bulk of its time at a lower RPM....not exactly a shocking conclusion."

A gross generalization means lumping things together and making a generalization....gross = large in this instance, not distasteful.

I said it wasn't a shocking conclusion.

 

[wcampbell47]

Looking at a few different units. Particularly a NH TC30 with loader & backhoe. Its a "gear" model. Being unfamiliar with these small tractors, I don't know what real difference tjat represents. Clutch as in clutch pedal, or auto/centrifugal clutch? Stop to change gears like on a lawn tractor? Price is good @ $12500 asking...

Since you are considering a tractor with a loader and a backhoe let us assume you will be doing at least some loader work. With a "gear" model using the loader to actually load material will be like flying a helicopter in the sense that you will need to use both hands and both feet. Right foot works the brake or accelerator, left foot works the clutch, right hand works the loader joy stick and left hand steers. One of those hands then has to shift gears. There is a lot of hand, eye, and foot coordination going on there. With HST not so much. You still have to steer and use the joy stick. Right foot determines direction of control and speed with the same pedal. My own tractor is HST. I used an older tractor with shuttle shift to load my dump trailer at the mulch yard. That was an eye opener as to how much faster and easier my HST is to load my trailer.

 

[npalen]

I'm in the club that uses the lowest possible engine rpm to do the job. Just don't like the unnecessary noise, wear and tear of high engine rpm.

 

[redman135]

Hello auotmobilist, if you have no or limited tractor experience go hst , it is easier to learn and more forgiving of mistakes.As you get more skilled you will be amazed what you can do. A 2nd major advantage is you can let other inexperienced operators on the tractor, where as you would not on a straight gear tractor. I infer you have little or no experience as you have asked for advice.

 

[chuck172]

I'm in the club that uses the lowest possible engine rpm to do the job. Just don't like the unnecessary noise, wear and tear of high engine rpm.

My feelings exactly, that's why I'd really like to have a hst throttle link kit available.

 

[vsteel]

I always broke it down to gears if you are going to be doing a lot of ground engaging chores for a long time. IE you are going to plow or disk and just put the tractor in gear and not touch the clutch for hours at a time. HST for loader, mowing or wheeled loads.

You could also break it down to if most of your engine power is going to the wheels for a long period of time without speed changes get a gear setup. If you are going to be putting most of your engine power out through the PTO or hydraulics, then go HST. I have used both but I think they are for different applications, though they do overlap.

 

[Automobilist]

Thanks for the advice, opinions, etc...
To me, the best analogy was the comment about flying a helicopter, in essence needing three hands. I can easily land a 767 in a 30 knot crosswind in the rain, at night, but helos scare the crap outta me.

My usage will be homeowner on five acres. Clearing small trees, brush, building paths, driveways, etc.

HST it is...

 

[brasco426]

Thanks for the advice, opinions, etc...
To me, the best analogy was the comment about flying a helicopter, in essence needing three hands. I can easily land a 767 in a 30 knot crosswind in the rain, at night, but helos scare the crap outta me.

My usage will be homeowner on five acres. Clearing small trees, brush, building paths, driveways, etc.

HST it is...

HST it is... You sure about that....... JK kidding Happy Tractor Hunting keep us posted!