Largest HST Tractor in Aus?

[strev]

I'm looking to purchase a tractor and would prefer hydrostatic transmission. However, the biggest HST tractors that I know of available in Australia are all about 1700kg in weight and around 50-60hp. For example, the TYM T503 and T613 (main difference being the engine), the JD 4049M or 6069M (which reaches 66hp, but same weight range), Kubota MX5200 or L5740, CaseIH 50B, etc.

Is there anything a step up in size (and loader lifting capacity) that comes in HST (eg. over 2000kg total weight)?

If not I'll need to look at the next best thing for lots of loader work, which I imagine would be power shuttle (eg. Kubota M series).

 

[Agvg]

Fendt maybe a quite expensive alternative, but has a fantastic stepless dual drivetrain.

 

[hks003]

I'm not sure about Australia availability, but the LS XU6168 seems to fit the bill.

 

[rademamj1]

Almost all tractor manufacturers move their tractors from HST to sychronized shuttle transmissions at models over 60Hp, due to increasing inefficiency with HST designs. Largest Kubota HST is the Kubota Grand L6060 series, and largest Kioti HST is the NX6010 HST model.

You can get bigger tractors than 60HP with loaders, but must be the shuttle transmission. For example Kioti sells the PX9530PC model tractors with a Loader capability upto 2100kgs (4195lbs), using the KL1153 loader. Total tractor weight + loader is 3250kgs. You will need additional weight at the rear to counter balance your front loads for safety.

 

[Wagtail]

G'day Mate and welcome to TBN from Tassie.

This site may be of assistance during your search: TractorData.com - information on all makes and models of tractors

Enjoy the site... from wherever you are in Aus.

 

[strev]

Thanks for the comments/suggestions. LS don't appear to be over here. I'll look into the Fendt and other suggestions :thumbsup:

 

[redman135]

Be aware that there are power shuttles and manual shuttles. I prefer power shuttle.
2 other options are John Deere "quad shift" note: there are several versions, ie, auto quad , power quad ,power reveser etc. Also there is the JD IVT which is similar to the Fendt gearbox.
Massey Ferguson has a similar gearbox to JD's quad shift and also a stepless high spec "vario" gearbox made by Fendt.
If you can go for the auto quad versions in both makes. When you are stacking several hundred bales per customer a manual power shift gets old fast.
the JD air seat (cab) is really comfortable.
There are both after-market and factory loader controls so test each for ergonomic fit. ie in JD 6920 an after market loader joystick will, in certain positions interfear with the gearstick in park position.
Definately try the tractor for ergonomic fit, there are small differences that add up. ie MF parks the back window wiper exactly in my eye line(i am tall) and the "T" bar shift is just a little bit to far away to be comfortable.
I mentioned JD and MF as I have operated these. The other brands in the size range you are looking at will have a power shutttle in the size you are looking at.
Can you be more specific as to the type of loader work you will be doing? ie stacking big bales out of the paddock then look at loader suspension OR front axle suspension .
Will you do much high level loader work? Some cab models have skylights standard. 3rd service fitted? Hydraulic output, primium models will have the larger pump(faster response).
Road work? 40 or 50 km gearbox.
Used or new?
Good Luck.

 

[Mat4644]

Heavy frame, higher HP, higher loader lift capacity and hydrostatic maybe a wheeled loader is appropriate. That is if it's to be used for loader work only.

 

[strev]

Needs to be a tractor, and needs to do a range of things (which I realise will be a compromise for many tasks). Just bought 350 acres for beef cattle, and to put it simply the place is a mess. There is a whole heap (maybe 20 acres, but spread out) of lantana to clear on undulating ground. The previous owner had a dozer with a stick rake in there (did the flat bits), leaving large piles of soil, rock and lantana in many places which I'll want to gradually sort out (seems there was a lot of 'blade' in the stick rake, judging by the amount of soil collected). There are fixes to eroded tracks needed, and filling in or smoothing out of eroded gullies. Large heavy logs and rocks around the place to move.

There is also the usual farm things such as slashing (or bush hogging as you seem to call it on here), but the cattle will do most of it. Might pull a no-till drill at some point in time. Perhaps some small contour line building, but not the ideal machine for it. Don't plan to get into haying commercially, but not sure if I might end up doing something for myself.

Have looked at the tractors in the size of the TYM T503 and Kubota MX5200, but are a little concerned they might be undersized - like digging a hole in the ground with a tooth pick... Some of the property is steep. I see HST as safer on the hills, and for my son to drive, and easier when operating the loader. But may need to go to wet clutch shuttle type gear transmission. As my 16 yr old said to me Sunday when I showed him over the place for the first time (and being surprised by the amount of work it needs) "Dad, you are going to want to get a nice big tractor, because you are going to have to spend a lot of time on it...!".

 

[rScotty]

I wonder if you can accomplish all that with one tractor. Some of the work you describe is far easier to do with a medium size, more agile tractor, and of course with that much land and projects you are also going to need a large one as well.

No tractor does well on steep areas. It is 4WD - not the type of transmission - that couples the brakeless front wheels without the rear wheels with which do have brakes. So having the tractor in 4wd when going downhill is the key regardless of the type of transmission - particularly with a front end loader.

I've heard that some of the European made tractors have brakes on all four wheels. You might want to take a look at them.

I do similar work as you describe - but on far less land - using as our medium size tractor Kubota's largest TLB (Tractor/Loader/Backhoe). It is about as big as HST goes, and has a six range HST. Also way more heavily built than most 60 hp tractors - weighing in at 8000 lbs. The weight and stance makes it stable. It has an optional 3pt as well as a rigidly mounted backhoe with a thumb which will lift close to a ton (Imperial) and a front loader which will lift two tons. Some use a backhoe for digging, but we use this machine more as a crane to pick up and move logs and rocks.

It sounds to me like you may well end up with a couple of tractors.
Good Luck
rScotty