New Hollnad or Case IH CVT Questions

Dillier23 · Sep 6, 2014

I'm looking for some long term user info on the CVT transmission offered in the CNH compact tractor line. Reliability, power transfer and would you go back to a HST given you could trade the tractor for no loss? I'm looking at a very low hours Boomer 8N with the CVT, but would like to hear some wisdom from owners or operators.

This will primarily be used to mow brush, clear brush, make a driveway and general loader and 3pt work.

ShowroomShine · Sep 6, 2014

We've sold a few of the CVT compacts here at work, and I'd rather have an HST personally. Its not that I didnt like the CVT, but it just didnt seem as responsive or powerful as a normal HST.

lt190b · Sep 6, 2014

Dillier23 said:
I'm looking for some long term user info on the CVT transmission offered in the CNH compact tractor line. Reliability, power transfer and would you go back to a HST given you could trade the tractor for no loss? I'm looking at a very low hours Boomer 8N with the CVT, but would like to hear some wisdom from owners or operators.

This will primarily be used to mow brush, clear brush, make a driveway and general loader and 3pt work.

Diller23, do a search on this subject. There are some very interesting threads on the problems some have had with these transmissions. In 2010 I was shopping to replace a tc35d with a new New Holland 40 to 50 hp cab tractor. I found none with the HST, only the CVT. A local Case dealer located a leftover 2009 Farmall 40 and the rest is history. The moral of the story, I didn't want the CVT. Now 1000 hrs later, what to buy? lt190b

Dillier23 · Sep 6, 2014

I've done a search, but the posts I've read are really about setup and some minor software issues it seems.

WM75Guy · Sep 7, 2014

I have both a Boomer 8N CVT and a TC40DA HST. I prefer the CVT, no HST whine and it's easier to select a speed range. I find CVT more responsive than HST. I mostly run in High range, 0-100% power, as both cruise controls only work in High range. I do use Low range (0-30%) occasionally as the first 25% of pedal is an inching function, especially when bushhogging in reverse. I do not have a loader on the Boomer 8N so the shuttle shift is fine. The TC40DA has the loader and the HST is better for loader work, no having to take a hand off the wheel or joystick to change directions. No problems with my Boomer 8N except for a cracked fender where the step bolts to it, it was replaced under warranty. The one thing I do not like is the headlights, not enough light output.

Dillier23 · Sep 8, 2014

Repowell, have you had yours show a "N" on the screen for some reason? The one I test drove today had this show up twice, didn't know if it was something I was doing wrong.

How are the electronics holding up? Seems like sitting out over night on occasion may expose them to rain or snow, eventually corroding the connections.

WM75Guy · Sep 9, 2014

Mine has sat outside uncovered since I bought it 4 years ago, no problems. The N means it wants you to shift to Neutral because the engine speed was below 800 rpms or there was excessive torque load sensed and the transmission shifted to Neutral. I bet it was the first condition. To avoid that I always run the hand throttle up to 1500-2000 rpms. It drives a lot smoother that way instead of using the foot speed control pedal alone to increase engine rpms.

The other indicator is RP. That means Return Pedal, you had your foot on the foot speed control pedal and tried to shift into Forward or Reverse. Putting your foot on the brake when you shift will eliminate that condition.

Dillier23 · Sep 9, 2014

That makes sense, I had the anti stall feature on and was pushing with the tractor at idle. There seems to be a bit of a learning curve to the CVT, but so far I have really liked the operation of the ones I've driven.

Thanks for the info about the machine sitting outside, makes me feel a lot better.

Dillier23 · Sep 21, 2014

Well I purchased a tractor, it is a DX40 HST. I have to admit the CVT was a much nicer driving unit, it was smoother and more responsive than the HST could ever be. But, cash rules, the HST was $4000 less than the CVT.