HST Survey

[TPS]

Hello Fellas,
I have done some reading at another site and saw some complaints about the Kubota HST's not holding up. They are about 5 to 1 claiming problems with the HST system. I did a lot of research about the BX before I bought one and never encountered anyone including my dealer that ever had a major problem with them. The problems noted were showing up at around 2-300 hrs sometimes less and were major for the most part. Most of the folks at stated they thought it was because of the heat the HST generates. I have 145 hrs on mine no problems, use SUDT and have changed and will change SUDT and filter before the hrs in the manual. My question is how are your HST's holding up? Any problems and what should we all do to insure we don't have problems?Thanks,
TPS

 

[Egon]

The HST on my Kubota B7100 has been going for 3000 hours with no problems other than a branch wedging itself in and bending some of the linkage system.

 

[lp333]

I have owned 4 Kubota tractors with HST, and have never experienced a problem with that feature.

 

[LBrown59]

My question is how are your HST's holding up?
TPS

Thre are are tens of thousands of KUBOTA HST Tractors on here.
So my question is
How many complaints like that have you read here?

 

[Happyman]

150+ hours in high heat pasture mowing as well as other high heat situations and not even a squeak.

 

[texasjohn]

630+ hours, no problems. I love it... makes the tractor safer, IMHO. I've been watching TBN for several years, can't recall ever a thread about a true HST problem. There have been several about how it works, what range to use, typical noise, what kind of fluid to use and how often to change, relief valve pressure.

I believe if there were an HST problem, it would have been candidly reported and discussed here. I haven't seen it. I would much rather have HST than any other I've ever had on a tractor.

 

[TPS]

Thanks for the posts guys. Brown, I have not read any, but also have not seen the question asked specific to this either. Anyway do you have any feed back on your three machines as to problems fluids etc.? The site with the problems was a Kubota tractor discussion board. I will try to get a link and let you read them yourself and see what you think. Glad to hear you guys have had no problems either.
TPS
PS Here is the link. I asked the question because of some complaints I had read there and see the answers under HST problems and see what you think.
http://www.ssbtractor.com/wwwboard/Kubota_tractors1.html

 

[wushaw]

My first Kubota had 400hrs before I traded for the on I have now, it has 250hrs now, no problems with the HST out of either of em.

 

[lp333]

Although I have never experienced problems with the HST system itself, the HST feature does require a bit of attention from time to time. In addition to the scheduled oil and filter changes here are two examples. The HST pedal may fail to move properly because the owner has forgotten to grease the fitting. Another example, is the fact that the tractor may continue to move on a level surface when the HST pedal has returned to the neutral position; that is the result of normal wear, and can be easily remedied by following the a simple adjustment procedure called "Adjusting Neutral" in the WSM.

 

[john_bud]

Lots of hours, no hst issues.

5:1 hst issues reported? Total hog wash.

jb

 

[twodogs]

I have a 7800 with 350+ hours on it. No problems, and I have worked it hard in all sorts of weather. Like most equipment, maintain it & I think that it will be fine. I would like to know if those that had problems did the proper maintainence. Not that there couldn't be a problem if they did, but the Kubota reputation speaks for itself.

 

[Bob_Young]

No problems here either, but the B7610 only has around 210 hours.

I've noticed that the HST fluid stays much cooler if I mow in low range with the pedal to the metal than if I use high range and little pedal depression to get the same speed. If there were an issue, this might be a way to extend life/reduce component stress.

 

[LBrown59]

Lots of hours, no hst issues.

5:1 hst issues reported? Total hog wash.

jb

You got that rite.
Pure Bull.
It's not hard to spot bunk like that.

 

[LBrown59]

Thanks for the posts guys. Brown, I have not read any, but also have not seen the question asked specific to this either. Anyway do you have any feed back on your three machines as to problems fluids etc.? The site with the problems was a Kubota tractor discussion board. I will try to get a link and let you read them yourself and see what you think. Glad to hear you guys have had no problems either.
TPS
PS Here is the link. I asked the question because of some complaints I had read there and see the answers under HST problems and see what you think.
Kubota Tractors Discussion Forum

No problems with any of them HST or otherwise.
Haven't checked out the link yet.

 

[LBrown59]

630+ hours, no problems. I love it... makes the tractor safer, IMHO. I've been watching TBN for several years, can't recall ever a thread about a true HST problem.

I believe if there were an HST problem, it would have been candidly reported and discussed here. I haven't seen it. I would much rather have HST than any other I've ever had on a tractor.

Does seem odd that the folks on that board are the only ones having that problem don't it?
I don't think I will join that board = no sense inviting problems with my HST Trannys.

 

[TPS]

Guys Thanks for all the responses. As I stated I have never had any problems either and checked with my dealer and the only problem they ever had was with a machine that the user would hit reverse while the machine was still going forward at a pretty good pace. Other than that none.
While we have this discussion for you guys with all the hours on your HST's how often are you servicing your tranny's. Thanks

Brown, I thought the same thing as you did about those guys with all the problems. I wonder how they maintain them or use them or both. I even wondered if they were being truthful or not.

Agree with you about HST Texasjohn I would certainly not want anything else on this hill I have to mow and work on.

John_bud I thought the same about that ratio that is why I brought the question to this board as I pretty much trust what I read here and wanted to get a true sample!

Again Thanks for the replies.
TPS

 

[savageactor7]

B1750 with many hours and no HST problems and move enough clay with the FEL to fill the great pyramid since '92.

 

[texasjohn]

I read all but one of the posts on the other site.."HST Kubota problems"... numerous were comments re no problems

One had to do with foot rocker sticking

main one with complaints was regarding a STREET SWEEPERS which had HST which was reportedly made by Kubota and required numerous rebuilds of the HST/pump.

I didn't see anywhere a long list of problems...however, the title is repeated on every reply, which implies a problem with every thread post.

 

[bandit67]

The common thread with the posts on that site seemed to be regarding the UDT fluid. It seemed that those HST failures were due to overheating and subsequent breakdown of the fluid.

I've logged 235 hours on an HST subcompact from CNH, and OFTEN could smell that hot, hot HST fluid when working it hard, but never any problems, and never any burnt fluid (Case IH fluid).

I've only got 140 hours on my B3030, and have heated the fluid up good on a number of occasions, but even the factory fluid was perfect looking when I did the 50 hour change. I've kept an eye on the new fluid (Schaeffer's Simplex Supreme Synthetic Blend), and it is still nice and clear.

I have a buddy that has 400-450 hours on his BX22, and the tranny on that is excellent.

I'm not too worried about my HST.

 

[brandoro]

My B7610 has 250 hours on it now so 50 hours from the next recommended change. I still have trouble to see the fluid on the stick when I check it because it is still so clear. No sign of contamination or burning.
The day I received my flail mower was one of the hottest of the summer but I took it out and waded therough the toughest stuff I could find. After a couple of hours of mowing stuff I couldn't walk through I checked the transmission for heat, put my hand on the filter and the trans. housing, hot but not nearly enough to burn me. No issues with the HST. I grease the pedal pivot when I grease the FEL, about every 10 hours.
For my use the HST is the best, no question for me that if I buy another tractor I will get an HST.