Non HST Grand L owners?

[rogdan]

It seems everyone on the list that has any of the larger Grand L (5030, 4630,4330) has HST over the other transmission choices. I know this has to be a gross over generalization so anyone with FST or GST care to offer opinions on these? also feel free to clarify the difference in these two transmission options. Why did you choose one manual type over the other and over HST?
I haven't been able to research on the Kubota site, seems to be some problem there.

 

[grandad]

Don't know if you want the opinion of an HST owner (hopefully, we're not disqualified or considered fanatics or something ! /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif), but here's my thought.

Seems to me it's mostly a matter of preference, and what kind of use the equipment will get. For true, agricutural crop-related activity, the gear tractor has some advantages including efficiency and precise ground-speed. For utility work and FEL operation, HST is probably more convenient.

I spent many hours on gear-drive IH, Case, Ford and Fergusons in my mis-spent youth, and have some antiques I am restoring, so a straight gear tractor is perfectly OK to me. But, when shopping more recently, I looked at and operated both GST and HST models. Liked 'em both, and went with HST as most suitable for my needs today. It probably says a lot about how these Kubota models are used that so many go with the HST.

For tractor gearheads, the choice of transmissions seems to be a topic that evokes a lot of emotion. I could only guess why this brings out so much controversy /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif... my guess being that these new-fangled transmissions cost more and it gets to be a budget vs. features thing. In the end it has to be a practical choice for each owner... since they are the ones who have to use their own equipment.

So, if you're trying to figure out what to buy, don't be swayed by the opinions of others or the relative popularity of an option; instead figure out what you will be doing with the equipment, and then choose the option that will work best most of the time and fits your budget.

 

[DUMBDOG]

I am in the minority here, having a GL4630GSTC. Some people on this board to not have a lot of use for the 4630. In addition to that it is not a hydro.

I chose the GL4630GSTC for a number of reasons. The number one reason is that the tractor was going to be used for a lot of ground engaging implements. I realize that the hydro will work for this, but I felt that the gear would be better. I also wanted as large of tractor is this size range that I could get with a cab.

The GST was chosen over the FST as that what came with the cab model. The big difference between the two is that with GST is electronic and with the FST you still have to use the clutch.

The 24/16 works great with the variety of uses that my tractor receives. Loader work is a very small part of these. Most of it is tilling, disking and cultivating. The real slow gears work well with the transplanter when you measure the speeds in tenths of miles per hour.

 

[rogdan]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Don't know if you want the opinion of an HST owner (hopefully, we're not disqualified or considered fanatics or something ! /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif), )</font>
Absolutely, I want opinion of any actual owners that went through this decision process. My long term uses uses and preference lead me from HST but I would like the benefit of a shuttle system over the collar shift and Kubota offers two other choices! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
Lets say for the 5030 for example, can anyone suggest what the $$ saving would be in choosing FST or GST?
Thanks.

 

[rogdan]

I identify with your uses, I believe HST is great if that's what you want but I was happy with the other SS tractor I tried. I don't want to start an argument about HST vs SS but am more so curious about the difference between FST and GST transmission choice (as well as $ difference).
I was on a Kubota lot and the salesman led me to believe that Grand L's were HST only and I ruled them out until I looked at the website. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

 

[froggy]

Here is an excellent overview of the various transmissions: TractorSmart

TractorSmart also has other valuable technical information on its web site under "info".

 

[froggy]

The 5030 only comes with GST or HST.

 

[_RaT_]

I second Froggys (Doyle) comment about checking out Tractorsmart. I think it is the best explanation going to get a good understanding of the various transmissions.

 

[JerryG]

rogdan,
Here is a thing that I wrote a while back for a thread to explain the differences between manual transmissions.

Let me give you a run down on all the Manual types of the transmissions. The hydro explanations are always beat to death and most don’t know the difference between all of the standards transmissions.

1. Manual Shift: plain old standard shift transmission. No synchronizers thus you have to stop and clutch for each gear change. You can’t shift on the go without grinding gears. Usually have 6-8 forward gears and 1-2 reverses.

2. Synchro-Shift: Basically the same as the manual shift except it has synchronizers and can be shifted on the go. The clutch should always be used for starts, stops as well as shifting. Usually have 6-8 forward gears and 1-2 reverses.

3. Shuttle-Shift or Synchro-Shuttle: This is a standard transmission that may have as many gears in reverse as forward. There is lever on the left of the steering that performs the forward to reverse gear change. Most Shuttle Shifts are some synchronized gears or they may be fully synchronized. The clutch must be used to start, stop and change directions. Usually has 9, 12 or 16 gears in each direction. May have a gear as low as ¼ MPH on the 16 speed models.

4. Power-Shuttle: With this Standard transmission, you can change forward to reverse directions and also start and stop without using the clutching. Most if not all Power Shuttle transmissions have fully synchronized gears. Usually has 9, 12 or 16 gears in each direction. May have a gear as low as ¼ MPH on the 16 speed models. (JD calls this a Power Reverser)

5. Power-Shift: This standard transmission has all of the benefits of the power shuttle as well as being able to shift between gears without the clutch. It can be started, stopped, changed from forward to reverse and the gears shifted without the clutch. Usually has 9, 12 or 16 gears in each direction. May have a gear as low as ¼ MPH on the 16 speed models. (Massey Fergusons DynaQPS is a powershift and Kubotas GST is essentially a powershift.)

If I have accidentally made a mistake on any of these let me know. I caught a place or two where I swapped items and had to change them.

 

[BillG_in_TX]

Here's a dealer website that lists the MSRP's on the various configurations. As you can see, the MSRP difference going from DT (where available) to GST is $1150. The jump from GST to HST is only $500. Actual dealer $$ differences between transmissions should be less.

 

[_RaT_]

Nice job Jerry!

 

[JerryG]

Rat,
Thanks. I know that when new prospective owners go to buy a tractor that there is nothing more confusing than the different transmissions. I tried to simplify it as much as possible. I hope that it helps someone. I wish that it could be a sticky somewhere.

 

[rogdan]

Thanks that fulfilled my transmission questions, I appreciate the time you took to put that together!
Bill; that a neat website that I will save. Looks like I could get into a 5030 with loader under $30,000 which better than I assumed from my initial dealer contact. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[FamilyFarm]

I am planning to upgrade to a larger tractor soon. I have more acreage to maintiain, plans for new tractoring adventures, and more rugged terrain than before.
I was quoted around 27,800 for the 5030 HST with 853 loader, quick attach heavy duty bucket. This dealer is not known for the best prices around, so I should be able to beat that - hopefully down to 26k or so.
Terry

 

[grandad]

Great explanation! Thanks!

 

[npaden]

I got quotes for a L5030 GST with 853 loader with quick dettach bucket from 2 dealers - 1 was $26,700 and 1 was $24,950 so there is some decent fluctuation on prices.

I ended up getting a used L4200 GST. I preferred the GST transmission for the work I will be using it for. If you were doing a lot of loader work or needed to be able to really fine tune your speed with the engine at a high rpm then the HST transmission would be the choice. That's one thing that does get a lot of mention but the HST does use more fuel than the GST.

The GST seems to be a nice middle ground to me. I can go right from forward to reverse without the clutch when using the loader and in the lower gears it is relatively smooth. I still haven't weaned myself off of the clutch and like to use it in the higher gears to make everything smoother. At least on my tractor and on the ones I test drove in the higher gears when you switch between gears it can be a pretty good jolt. I spun out on pavement on a brand new machine switching from 10th to 12th gear even letting off the throttle while switching.

It is going to take a little getting used to going back and forth from forward to reverse with my left hand while operating the loader joystick with my right hand and steering with no hands but it really is a quick move to get from forward to reverse so I've just been letting go of the wheel for the couple seconds it takes to switch between forward and reverse. In the lower gears that I've been using while loading up buckets of dirt the shift is very smooth and quick.

The GST also gives you a little more PTO hp which is important to me with a roatary mower. I also am used to gears so I like being able to just stick it in a gear and go for grading my road and things like that. I'm sure I would have been happy with the HST though after getting used to it.

That's my take on it so far.

FWIW, Nathan

 

[rogdan]

Good to know, I looked at another Kubota dealer this week but they are waiting on some models to come in.