New L2800DT or HST......

[Frankdozer]

OK, Now that I have decided that a new L2800 is the tractor I can't live without, I need help in deciding wether to get the DT or the HST. Can I have a few opinions please.

 

[Thomas]

I went /w L2800HST mostly for fel work..mostly dirt/snow jobs..no complete stops to shift or playing clutch etc...one less thing to do,also easy on right knee cap area,plus better chance not hitting shifter getting on/off.

 

[teg]

HST, hands down... I can get more work done without having to use the clutch and shifting gears... but the HST takes a few HP away from the PTO HP and the available HP to can put down to the ground... I can turn around in tight spaces faster then when I drove a gear tractor and I can feather my speed better when mowing... another "pitfall" of HST, is they are louder.

What is your main use going to be???

 

[westbrooklawn]

LISTEN!!! GET HST!!! I bought an L3400DT in 2005... loader work was slow and tedious... grinding gears... forcing wider turns to avoid backing up. After pushing some snow this past winter I decided I needed to make the change to HST... traded my L3400DT on a new L3400HST, and the difference is unbelievable. I grew up with gear tractors and thought it would be fine, but now I know HST is the way to go! Don't give it a second thought....

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

All of the above for the HST. Also one other consideration is resale value. Even though the HST is a bit more at purchase it brings more than the difference at resale. As in cars and trucks, most people want an automatic.

 

[KU Gator]

When we bought some extra property, the previous owner used a JD790 to remove some junk that had been left there. As I watched him I thought how great it would be to have a tractor with a FEL. But now I think back about him trying to get the stuff on a trailer which required the tractor to be moved in slowly and repositioned using the DT vs how it is with the HST in night and day.

For mowing in an open area, probably not much difference. Otherwise, the HST is much easier and faster. As you see almost no one complaining of problems with the HST, I would assume the reliability is pretty high. The PTO HP trasfer is so minimal, that if that is the difference, you probably should look at a 3400 anyway. I'm sure there is a cost difference, so only you can decide on that.

 

[TripleR]

I have both types and I can see no real advantage of anything over HST in this size tractor unless you are doing a lot of ground engagement work.

 

[LD1]

It is a matter of your personal preference. Have you ever driven a gear before??? How about a HST??? If you havent had a chance to do both, I'd reccomend test driving both units.

I have driven both types. But growing up around older tractors, The shuttle shift of the gear tractor was way better than the gear tractors of the old. I decided on the gear and to save ~1500 over the HST.

Just remember, you are going to be the one operating. Get what YOU want. If you change your mind later, it will be costly.

Also, If you havent yet, get a quote for the L3700SU. It is the same tractor with almost 10HP more. And shouldn't cost much more at all. If you do a lot of tasks that require the PTO (mowing, bush hogging, etc) you will like the extra HP.

 

[Thomas]

Westbrooklawn.
"I grew up with gear tractors and thought it would be fine"

Same here,still like yesterday iron but today's comforts hard to beat.
..................................................................................................
"forcing wider turns to avoid backing up."
Narrow front ends/trike at times were handy..except w/fel tho.

 

[bullbreaker]

I have both types and I can see no real advantage of anything over HST in this size tractor unless you are doing a lot of ground engagement work.

Agree with comment on hydro vs. gear,on that size tractor,and I own a L3400DT(no regrets).

Boone

 

[dex3361]

I have owned both and I am a fan of HST. I do not do a lot of ground engagement work. I do a lot of rotary cutting FEL work with the bucket and grapple. I work a lot on the hills and I use it to clear snow. I am a fan of HST. Best thing to do is go drive a few gear and HST. Make your decision based on what works for you.

 

[johnrex62]

In case you need further motivation to spring for the HST, there are a few threads about mowing patterns and cutting square corners in fields. They go into great detail about learning teardrop turns and 270 degree turns, and all other techniques to avoid having to backup or lift the mower.

With an HST it is easier to backup and make a 3 point turn than it is to navigate a teardrop or take the time for the 270 degree turn. No more need to plan a pattern to get a small corner with only 4 turns around the pasture, just back up and whack it when you get close.

 

[jbford]

i could not believe how much easier it is to bushhog with my new L2800 HST.

You never have to touch the throttle or use the left foot. Backing up to get in tight spots with the 'hog is now fun. Our place is looking a lot better because of our new HST tractor!