L5030 HSTC vs L4630 GSTC

[Kennebago]

I am trying to make a final decision about one or the other of these used tractors - both with about 150 hours - both in excellent condition as far as I can tell. They are also similar in equipment FEL, rear hyd etc. I do a mix of bush hogging, loader work, snow blowing (rear) general farm work 10 acres. I am in my late 60's and haven't used HST type tractor - always been gear and shuttle for me. I am hoping someone out there can help me with their preferences, opinions and advice. Thanks - this is a great board - you guys set the standard for good friendly communications !!

 

[thunderworks]

I have a L5030, HST. I think the only functional difference between the L5030 and the L4630 is the transmission. I doubt the difference in HP will matter in your application. IMO, the hydrostat is a fantastic transmission for loader work. It's incredibly easy and responsive. I have not heard of many mechanical problems with the hydro either, so I think it's quite durable and trouble free. My L5030 has just shy of 1000 hours on it and has never been a problem of any kind.

 

[RFB]

I own a 5030HSTC. Unless I had a requirement that absolutely demanded a geared transmission, I would never switch from the hydro. The ease of use, the reduction of cockpit workload during FEL and snowplowing activities, the ability to easily maneuver in very tight spaces, the ability to keep pto rpm constant regardless of very slow travel or zero travel speed.

I have used it for ground engagement duties in 100 degree F (offset disk plowing, 9 foot Triple k Spring harrow, etc) with zero heat problems. The tractor is great, and the hst has zero negatives for my applications.

I wish Kubota made one in 100hp.

 

[john_bud]

If your left knee is acting up at all, your knee will like the hydro. Only clutch to start.

YOU, however, may not like the hydro. I have buddies that bought straight gear tractors after demo-ing hydro's. "just ain't natural" was the reason.

Just remember with a hydro, pressing the peddle farther down is like increaseing gear ratios. If the engine is starting to bog, you let UP. Our training is to press down, thinking it's like a gas peddle. It ain't.

Both are excellent machines. If you like the gears better, get the glide shift. It's a very good trans. If you want to enter the modern era, try the HST.

The HST is MORE reliable than the GST. Not that either is likely to fail.

jb

 

[toy1]

Go with The GST I have two L4630 and love them you can shift on the fly up down with no loss of rpm at the pto when you are mowing it is great sit back and let the machine do it's thing. even doing loader work it is fine. However a hydro has an advantage if you are loading trucks etc you can control the start and stop with a foot pedal, GST you need to be using the clutch or shifting to neutral. I mow about 15 acres and I used a hydo and the GST the GST won out. If you buy GST it is nice if the machine has creep options I have used it many times when I was doing weeding on my Blueberries bushes needed slow speed and I needed full attention to the weeding operation.

 

[dutchman56]

I have the L4630GSTC and love it. Have only 70 hours on it but learned off fatherinlaw on 40s and 50s tractors so it is a dream not having to stop to shift. I got the GST because main use will be road work and I can pick gear, set engine speed and just steer.

 

[KennyV]

Im with toy1 all the way on this only exception is with the clutch. I have not used my foot clutch in years. You can do everything you need with a GST.
BTW Kennebago, where are you located? KennyV.

 

[Kennebago]

Thanks guys - Wow, sure is nice to have such a responsive community. I haven't fully decided yet but will by tomorrow 3:00PM. My self-imposed deadline !! I have several hydraulic powered things around here - including a mid 80's Hydro 84 tractor - but I doubt that "ole red" is much like the newer HSTC Kubota. It sounds like either tractor is a good choice, and there seems to be well thought out support for both. For those interested I live in Central MA, but am planning on moving to PA within the year. I grew up in the country (in PA) and would like to get back there, probably in the State College area. I sold a farm there a few years ago (big mistake), and am trying to locate another. I am retirement age, but want to be able to dub around in the tractor seat and the trout stream. I have the little lady convinced that 10 hours on the tractor is the equivalent of 100 hours in therapy.
Thanks again to all of you - I will let you know the final outcome !!

 

[RFB]

Here's one more thought from another thread: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...27-big-small-what-does-all-3.html#post1312562

IIRC, Dave is an engineer.

 

[4630 GSTC]

Well you can probably tell by my title which tractor will get my vote. I tried both and found that the HST pedal on the 5030 was awkward for me. My primary use was snowblowing and bush hogging in steep fields, for this, I like the control of the GST. Several times I have used the creeper gear when blowing heavy drifted snow (to keep appropriate RPM's). I use the creeper gear often when loading and unloading heavy items, it gives you unbelievable control in tight situations. I can see an advantage to the HST if doing alot of forward and back movement (loader work) I would also enjoy HST for getting around the property, to and from the work. I don't know how the HST would do for the heavy blowing and in real tight quarters.