L3130 GST or HST

[Anonymous Poster]

I'm just about ready to take the Bota plunge and sort-of decided on the 3130. Here is my problem: You know what they say about Greyhound drivers: "Leave the driving (shifting) to us." and I are one. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif I had bad experiences with a JD with HST which turned me against automatics, even in my cars/trucks. I like the GST system which gives me a little more control, like a stick shift on ice and snow.

I need some advise as to if my reasoning is correct. I just like clutch pedals and gearshift levers. Any help, pro or con, will be appreciated. I bought the book from TBN and the talk about blowing seals on an HST scares me. Thanks, Guys. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Some here have commented that HST might be better for FEL work, but you didn't say whether or not you were buying a loader. I opted for the HST because I would rather not shift gears (read too dumb to figure what gear in what range) if I don't have to and I have a loader too. Go to a dealer and drive both types. If you still don't like the HST then don't get it. I think one common thread you'll find here is that it's YOUR tractor and you should do what works for you.You can apply the price difference to the "attachment fund" if you go with GST.

 

[JATO_RaT]

I prefer the HST over GST or even the shuttle shift for the type of tractor useage I do. I have a manual shift transmission in addition to my just sold L48 which has HST. I am looking at a Kubota L3130 HST. The older JD HST from the 4X00 series did have hydrostatic issues according to my local JD/Kubota dealer. After not only having had a Kubota HST, but with reports from 2 local Kubota dealers and one not so local, I am convinced that the HST's on Kubota are bullet proof. The others may be as well, I'm not familar with their recent durability record.

The automatic transmission comparrison is completely inaccurate yet is continually used. The only thing similar is the use of fluid to couple the engine to the transmission, after that it bear's little resemblance. Check out this article in TractorSmarts technical info section. It does a great job of describing the transmissions. Tractor Smart Technical info Go to the far right and hit Technical Info and then go to the Tractor Transmission Types. Theres a bunch of great info here. Rat...

 

[Warwagon]

Go down to your Kubota dealer and test drive both of the systems and decide for yourself which you want. This discussion has been hashed out before, the gear boys like the gears and hydro boys like theirs and nobody will change.

Get what you want, be happy, and best of all get some time on your machine. By the way I got the GST and love it.

Kevin

 

[JATO_RaT]

The GST is a great and unique transmission. When going to the dealer, realize it will take more then a little driving around the dealers lot to get accustom to both, even more time to become proficient with them. I found using the HST very easy but did have to put some hours on it to really get it down perfectly. Check out the Tractorsmart website and read what they have to say about the trransmissions. Even though they sell Kubotas and Massey, the descriptions apply to most tractors except the unique GST transmission which I think is exclusive to Kubota. Your not going to be wrong which ever transmission you choose or for that matter, which brand you end up with. Rat

 

[5030]

The last 5 'Bota's I've had were all HST's. Kubota for some reason pushes the GST for loader work. The most recent one I have is a 5030 and the dealer wanted me to get the GST and even offered a small discount on the transmission. The HST is ideal for what we do with the tractor. With the HST, you can control your ground speed very precisely and when running hay equipment, ground speed is important as the ability to not plug the baler intake as the windrows change is density. The GST is a much more complicated transmission (mechanically) than the HST. The GST has hydraulic servo's that actually change gears for you along with the accompaning electrical/electronic switches, etc. One thing I noticed, that accompaning my owners manual with the 5030 was a whole page outlining the GST and probable malfunctions. For Kubota, the HST is proven and I've had them for at least 12 years with no problems. The only drawback that I can see is a slight loss of PTO power and they need a substantial oil cooler to get rid of the excess heat.

Daryl
Forage Services, L.P.

 

[BillyP]

<font color="blue"> I just like clutch pedals and gearshift levers. </font>

Sounds like you done answered your own question? If that's what you want, that's what you should get. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[JATO_RaT]

"I just like clutch pedals and gearshift levers."

Good point Billy P, if thats what one likes then you are quite correct, that is what he should get. I did not see that he mentioned that. Hans, get the FST or GST, you did answer your own question! Rat... /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Go drive one of each; with loaders attached if possible. I just did the same yesterday because I was undecided myself. I just did not care for the GST. I found it kind of cumbersome to try and control the shift lever, loader and steering wheel at the same time.

 

[CTyler]

I got the HST and love it but get what you want or are more confortable with. BTW...the HST has both a clutch pedal and gear shift selector. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[JATO_RaT]

"HST has both a clutch pedal and gear shift selector"

This is true. Of course the shift from L to M to H feels different and one thing for sure, I don't think you will ever wear the clutch and especially the brakes out on a HST tractor. If one truly loves the feel of a manual stick and using the clutch to shift I would suggest the FST transmission. This is the same way most shuttle transmissions work from other manufactuers and might be my choice over GST.

 

[cisco]

You want to shift? Consider a DT/FST. Anyhow, the GST offers more pto power, so what do you need to turn (pto)? The push/pull difference in power between GST and HST is irrelevant - most folks run out of traction long before they run out of power, and I'm talking R-1 or R-4 tires . BUT, pto can be a different matter - if you're going for a bit of a "reach" as far as brush cutter width or similar, get all the pto power you can. If you've got a bunch of forward/reverse tasks, like the dirt moving I recently endured, and you don't intend to push the limits of your pto, get HST. Otherwise, get whatever suits your style.

 

[JATO_RaT]

This is exactly my dilema. I am looking at a L3130 HST. The L3430 has a little more HP, but the torque is only 4 ft lbs more (75.9 vs 79.9). The difference in price is anywhere from $1600 to $2000 more. Stepping up to a L3830 you get 89 ft lbs of torque but at over $3000 plus a few extras on the L3830 like 3pt lift power, tire size, length etc. I am using a 84" finish mower. I am hoping the L3130 will run it in moderate growth, otherwise it will be the L3830 HST or more for me. I want the smaller size for manueverability and price. Rat...

 

[Mainah]

I bought a L3710 about a year ago, and opted for the GST. I test drove the HST and GST at two different dealers before deciding.
I'm a big/tall guy and found it very uncomfortable, to the point of leg-cramp, to have my right foot up at a different level than the left (on the GST pedal). I'm sure I would have gotten used to it...but this being my first tractor purchase I went with what was most comfortable.
I don't regret the GST choice at all...find it a joy to use. Only complaint/drawback I've found is the momentary hesitation (in neutral) when you shift the main transmission. This can be un-nerving when on a hill, especially with a load, as the tractor can actually slip downhill some until the hydrolics do their thing and engage the new gear. Obvious solution, don't shift on hills, which is probably good practice with any drive system that disengages the drivetrain to change gears...manual clutch or hydrolic.
I'm sure you will be happy with either choice.

 

[equipman]

Mainah
As a side note, the new 30 series GST's are now 12 X 8 and the added gears make for faster shifts and less hesitation between shifts.
Lewis