robbyr
Elite Member
In my forty seven years all the tractors in my family have been geared. Recently I got on my soon to be son in laws kubota HST. Just to drive about fifty feet to the truck. Gotta admit pretty darned cool.
Remember your first time on a HST?
- Thread starter robbyr
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Thomas
Epic Contributor
- Joined
- Apr 6, 2000
- Messages
- 32,751
- Location
- Lebanon,NH.
- Tractor
- Kubota B2650HSD w/Frontloader & CC LTX1046 & Craftman T2200 lawn mower.
Sure do remember,grow up Farmall & Ford gear purchase Kubota HST 4WD FEL take about going to heaven,years later traded up w/more whistles and belsl even power steering,the old bones work lot less getting more done.
Like that old Virginia Slims cigarette saying...you come along way baby.
Like that old Virginia Slims cigarette saying...you come along way baby.
Frank Okee
New member
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2012
- Messages
- 11
- Location
- Owego, NY
- Tractor
- John Deere 3320, 6x4 Diesel Gator, Gt245,1964 110, peddle tractor
I went from a sixteen year old JD 870 to a JD 3320. Both have power steering, but the new one has HST. My wife calls mine "The old man tractor" because it has HST and a cup holder. Had it a year now and sometimes I'm still surprised when I step on the peddle and it moves. Or when I can't find the gear shift.
k0ua
Epic Contributor
They sure are a blessing when doing precision loader work.
James K0UA
James K0UA
flusher
Super Member
- Joined
- Jun 4, 2005
- Messages
- 7,572
- Location
- Sacramento
- Tractor
- Getting old. Sold the ranch. Sold the tractors. Moved back to the city.
Yeah, HSTs are cool. However I went the other way. My first tractor was a 2005 Kubota B7510HST. Now all my tractors are geared. Don't miss the HST one bit.
RobertN
Super Member
I do; it was my first tractor(older Kubota B8200HSTD). Before that, I had driven a Ford 8N up and down the driveway... Since, I have driven a bunch of skidsteers and track loaders, and various gear tractors.
LJH
Platinum Member
I got enough of shifting with my trucking career; 13 speeds/10 speeds/sticks. I'm now old and lazy and love my HST.
RoyJackson
Rest in Peace
- Joined
- Nov 17, 2001
- Messages
- 24,646
- Location
- Bethel, Vermont
- Tractor
- John Deere 4052R Cab,, Deere 855D UTV, Z920A Zero Turn Mower and assorted implements
The only hydrostatic tractor I've ever operated was an early 1990s Deere 855. I liked the tractor (belonged to a buddy on mine), but when I bought my first tractor, it was a gear machine. Admittedly, I went by price, not by the transmission type. Just stuck with gear tractors the last 14 years...
dave1949
Super Star Member
First time? HST tractor virgin here. 
Well, there was that one little time I took an unplanned trip down a short hill stomping on the pedal that was supposed to the the brake on my lawnmower. Does that count? Roy, this is your favorite field of research, so I look forward to your opinion on this question of purity.
Well, there was that one little time I took an unplanned trip down a short hill stomping on the pedal that was supposed to the the brake
on my lawnmower. Does that count? Roy, this is your favorite field of research, so I look forward to your opinion on this question of purity. 
MossRoad
Super Moderator
- Joined
- Aug 31, 2001
- Messages
- 67,354
- Location
- South Bend, Indiana (near)
- Tractor
- Power Trac PT425 2001 Model Year
I've been driving HST equipment for about 35 years. Given the choice of gear over HST, all other things being equal, I'd take HST for all of the chores that I do.
k0ua
Epic Contributor
First time? HST tractor virgin here.
Well, there was that one little time I took an unplanned trip down a short hill stomping on the pedal that was supposed to the the brake
OMG can you imagine the pure joy you will experience when you lose your hydro virginity . You really have something to look forward to. May you find a kind and understanding hydro tractor for your first experience.
James K0UA
dave1949
Super Star Member
OMG can you imagine the pure joy you will experience when you lose your hydro virginity . You really have something to look forward to. May you find a kind and understanding hydro tractor for your first experience.
James K0UA
:laughing:
It's all in the anticipation, they say.
Now, if I can find a hydro tractor with a heart of gold ...
k0ua
Epic Contributor
DK35vince
Super Member
Comparing your 8N to a modern shuttle shift or power shift for loader and utility work would be no comparison either.
RoyJackson
Rest in Peace
- Joined
- Nov 17, 2001
- Messages
- 24,646
- Location
- Bethel, Vermont
- Tractor
- John Deere 4052R Cab,, Deere 855D UTV, Z920A Zero Turn Mower and assorted implements
F
Well, there was that one little time I took an unplanned trip down a short hill stomping on the pedal that was supposed to the the brake
Personally, I don't count lawn tractors...of course, my only lawn tractor was an ancient Wheel Horse on which the gear was selected before movement. No clutch though (IIRC).
My favorite transmission is a reverser type...no HP loss...plenty of gear combinations (12F/12R) and very easy change from forward to reverse.
npalen
Elite Member
First experience back in the late sixties was with Grasshopper dual hydrostat zero turn mower. Never got on anything so squirrely. Wouldn't be without one now.
ovrszd
Epic Contributor
- Joined
- May 27, 2006
- Messages
- 33,727
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- Missouri
- Tractor
- Kubota M9540, Ford 3910FWD, Ford 555A, JD2210
I've had all three, HST, non-synchro gear and Hydraulic shuttle.
Each has it's place. And when in it's particular nitch, each excels. And,,,, put each in a position that it isn't designed for and they all suck. Just depends on useage. Guess that means I need to buy another tractor, already got HST and Hydra Shuttle.
Each has it's place. And when in it's particular nitch, each excels. And,,,, put each in a position that it isn't designed for and they all suck. Just depends on useage. Guess that means I need to buy another tractor, already got HST and Hydra Shuttle.
