Noobie Question on HST

[traderrik]

Howdy all - I'm seriously considering a Grand L, either 4240 or 4740. My left leg is pretty much useless, and there's no way I can operate a manual trans clutch, so naturally hydrostatic seems to be what I would need, as well as independent PTO (which, if I understand correctly, is clutchless).

I went to a local dealer today, and apparently they were very busy as no rep came out on the lot during the or 20 minutes I was looking around so I was unable to ask any questions (too far for me to walk to find someone.)

They had a L3940 with what appeared to be HST, and to my surprise (and disappointment) there was a left foot pedal! Nowhere on the Kubota website do I see mention of that pedal, so can someone please tell me what I'm looking at?

Thanks!

 

[MDM]

My guess would be the clutch. Even though you have HST, you still need a clutch for starting purposes. I'm not familiar with that particular tractor, but my HST is the same way.

 

[Soundguy]

I've also seen some hst treadles ont he left side too.

One other thing.. just because a pto is independent.. does not mean it is clutchless. There has to be some sort of clutchpack between the pto shaft and the engine. in most cases it is hydraulic, or electric over hydraulic, and simply lever or push button operated.. etc.

soundguy

 

[Sully2]

My guess would be the clutch. Even though you have HST, you still need a clutch for starting purposes. I'm not familiar with that particular tractor, but my HST is the same way.

My B3030 has no left pedal and is HST ...yet my friend has a Grand L5030 and its HST and HAS a left pedal he has to shove in to start...???

 

[kiotikid]

Hey Trader,just to let you know kioti offers a dk35.40, and 45 hydro without a clutch.The pedals are side by side and the range selector just has to be in neutral to start.Hope this helps.

 

[Floydian]

Yep-thats the clutch. The only times you need the clutch are: start up (as previously stated), engaging/disengaging the Front Wheel Drive Lever and for the Range Gear Shift Lever. You don't need the pedal for the PTO as the tractor has a PTO Clutch Control Lever. I have the 4240 HST. I would think there is enough room to reach your right foot to the clutch pedal as the tractor is stopped for all the above applications-but I have never tried it. Good Luck.

 

[Floydian]

Oh yeah-the differential lock is behind your left heal and it requires more effort (pushing straight down with your left heal) than the clutch and you have to hold it down while operating the speed control pedal at the same time. This might be a bigger issue for you than clutching. Hope this helps.

 

[traderrik]

Great info - thanks all!

Floydian, do you find it necessary to engage the differential lock very often? Or can you usually get by with just adding the FWD? I realize this will vary with one's terrain, and mine in south central Texas is flat and seldom very muddy. (We'd *like* to see some mud about right now, as it's really dry!)

Also, is the diff. lock only for the rear wheels?

And since you have the 4240, maybe you know if it will handle a 6-ft. medium duty cutter, like the Bush Hog 296? After reading another post here, I'm getting the feeling that I may need to go with the extra PTO h.p. of the 4740 to handle it as I will be in very thick brush at times (2"-3" saplings). Either way, I'll have a loaded FEL for knockdown and ballast, as well as filled ag tires.

Thanks again.

 

[Floydian]

The differential lock is only for the rear wheels. When you need more traction it can make a big difference. I'm in the mountains with loamy soil and I have used it a bit to help push brush straight uphill(post logging). Depending on your use you might want Ag tires for more traction if you're unable to use the diff lock.
I use a Bush Hog SQ 172. I have 35 PTO HP. I would not run a 296 as it wants 45 PTO HP. It might be fine in thin stuff but I think it's asking a lot. The SQ 172 has done well in some thick weedy pasture that has not been cut in five years.
The 4240 handles that well. I'm fairly new to tractors but this site has been a great resource. Floydian

 

[traderrik]

Thanks, that makes sense. And I totally agree about how informative this site is! Kubota (and others) should be compensating you guys for all the great info!

Thanks again!