As far as I know:the HST on the MX is a three range not six like the Grand L's.Considering a MX but don't know if I want to give up all the features of my Grand L.
Kubota calls their six speed HST the HST Plus, or sometimes HST+. It comes with lots of features to customize the way the HST works. I like ours. It matches the 60 hp Kubota nicely. I'm sure the 3 speed works fine, but I just like more gears when i can get them.It would definitely be difficult to give up that 6 range transmission! That's my favorite feature on my L4060.
I feel the same way about my MX. I don’t know what I would use the extra ranges for if my tractor had them. And like you, I mostly use L and M range, rarely H because I rarely drive the tractor on the highway.The 3 ranges on my MX5200 meet all of my uses. I've used low to pull a buried disc set with 500 pounds added weight on it in clay soil. I've used high to run down the road. 95% of my grading and mowing is done in medium. The MX is a HD utility model tractor without all the bells and whistles of the L model. It suits my needs well. If I want bells and whistles I get in the car...![]()
I feel the same way about my MX. I don’t know what I would use the extra ranges for if my tractor had them. And like you, I mostly use L and M range, rarely H because I rarely drive the tractor on the highway.
I guess I don’t miss what I’ve never had.Regarding the HST+ . . . . The additional Rabbit and Turtle selection within each of the 3 ranges is operated by a lever next to the steering wheel. Looks like an old-style turn-signal lever. You bump it and it switches to the other range. Very handy for loader work, rough terrain, precise control, whenever a load changes suddenly, etc. You don't need to slow down, stop, or clutch. Just bump it "on the fly". It gets used a lot.
Aye laddie, you nailed it. Each of the five tractors I've owned was "enough" until the next one came along. When the 38" box store rider was replaced by a Cub 154 LoBoy it was Heaven (manual 3 speed, manual steering and around 16HP).I guess I don’t miss what I’ve never had.
That's interesting info on the HST+ ATA.Aye laddie, you nailed it. Each of the five tractors I've owned was "enough" until the next one came along. When the 38" box store rider was replaced by a Cub 154 LoBoy it was Heaven (manual 3 speed, manual steering and around 16HP).
Then as time went on there were increases in size, features, horses and comfort. After a couple years of a manual 3-speed there were hydro with two speed ranges, then three, then HST+. The HST+ is handy for mowing with the Auto Throttle Advance off and toggling between the H&L lever on the steering column. It's also nice to be able to drop it down a partial range when encountering a hill, or when pulling out from a stop with the trans in HI and the lever in LO. After it starts rolling the lever can be bumped into HI.
The escalation in tractors was born of the desire to do more and/or do it more comfortably. I have said before that any previous tractor could still be the only tractor. Some features are very useful - telescoping lift arms, loader, hydro trans, power steering, HST+, and at 76 I really appreciate a cab with heat and A/C.
Just a note for anyone interested, below is a speed chart that compares the speed in MPH at a given RPM (I believe it was around 2,000RPM). It is NOT TOP SPEED for the tractor. Hi-Rabbit at full throttle is around 17-18MPH.
View attachment 4643949
I think it’s only a feature on the grand L machines.That's interesting info on the HST+ ATA.
The HST+ is an amazing transmission, but not much has been written about it.
It's not offered on all Kubota models, and I don't think any other manufacturers have a similar tranny.
Does anyone have a list of which Kubota models came with the HST+tranny? or optional?
It seems like I saw where New Holland made a similar transmission maybe 20 years ago. Maybe a Messicks video?That's interesting info on the HST+ ATA.
The HST+ is an amazing transmission, but not much has been written about it.
It's not offered on all Kubota models, and I don't think any other manufacturers have a similar tranny.
Does anyone have a list of which Kubota models came with the HST+tranny? or optional?