hst vs dt

[_RaT_]

The PTO on my L4400 is completely separate from the 'running' clutch. I think they call it 'live independant'. Basically you engage it with a lever. It is an internal clutch that is engaged hydraulically by the lever. I love it.

I hear a lot of people talk about HST and loader work. When they say it is easier I am sure they are absolutely right. However, don't get the impression that loader work is somehow impossible or less effective with a gear model. It takes more leg work and shifting but once you get used to it, it is second nature. 'Low' and 'Reverse' are directly opposite on the range shift lever and I can gon from forward to reverse very quickly. I imagine that with two identical tractors with experienced operators, one with HST and one with gear, the HST model would have moved more loads by the end of the day. But unless your business is going to be affected by that type of margin, then don't let loader operations swing your decision.

Now, make that same comparison with a gear tractor with more HP and the outcome might be different. Depending on what you are loading, there is a good chance the machine with more hp will be able to push farther into the pile/ground for bigger bites than the lower hp HST machine.

You could be right George. I had a L3830 HST and still use a L4850 shuttle tractor. The L3830 HST is a 3 cylinder IDI 38 HP tractor and the L4840 is a 5 cylinder DI, 48 HP tractor. I will still take the L3830 HST for loader work, hands down. For box scraper work especially with the rippers down, the L4850 for sure. Mark

 

[LWICK]

Thanks for all the replies (and I welcome more). I started reading the L2800 and L3400 pto thread, but since it is thirteen pages long, I still have a lot of reading to go. I have gotten a few opinions from guys I know, but most are not tractor owners. I am planning on getting to the dealer soon and signing on the dotted line.

 

[N80]

You could be right George. I had a L3830 HST and still use a L4850 shuttle tractor. The L3830 HST is a 3 cylinder IDI 38 HP tractor and the L4840 is a 5 cylinder DI, 48 HP tractor. I will still take the L3830 HST for loader work, hands down. For box scraper work especially with the rippers down, the L4850 for sure. Mark

Well, THAT's the obvious solution: Two tractors! One gear, one HST.