Should I go from 3830 DT to 3830 GST????

PapaPerk · Nov 27, 2004

Howdy all. Well here is my question. I have a 3830 with 4wd and the DT (shuttle shift) transmission. This transmission is great but I am getting tired of having to clutch it all the time for direction change. The DT is geared (no pun intended /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif) more towards true farm tractor use of constant speeds and forward direction of travel. I have been using mine alot for loader and grader blade work where I have to speed up slow down and change direction all the time. So I am wondering when the dealer gets in his new shippment of 2005 Kubotas if I should trade for the 3830 GST. What is bothering me is losing alot of money on the trade. I have no idea how much I would lose. Also I am a little unsure about the GST durablity. It is my understanding it has a servo accutated clutch. This sounds a bit sketchy. I know alot of bigger tractors use the same setup. Does anyone have any experiance with GST. I will not being getting a hydro though. Too much power lose and too much potential for problems. That is my opinion anyway. I just like gears alot more! So what would you guys do. By the way by the time I could make the trade my tractor will have around 150 hours on it. It was purchased in June of this year.
Thanks for the help! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

KennyV · Nov 28, 2004

Hello …
I just noticed today I am at 920 hours on my GST L4200… I love it. Takes a little getting use to not using the clutch. I have not used it at all for quite a while. Now it is a matter of remembering to use it once a month or so… /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

The GST is hydraulic actuated clutch packs, independent of the main clutch. My tractor is a factory cab, so the only thing the clutch pedal seems to do is get in the way /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif getting in or going out of the cab.

I have had no problems using this system (hard at times), I have the creep option, which has proven very handy at times, and it gives you some VERY low gears. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

I don’t think I could sell a tractor with only 150 hours on it… that should still have the ‘new smell’ on it….. BUT if you think you can … you should not regret getting a GST… (I have to admit I am hearing some amazing things about the hydros.)
I don’t know that a trade in would beat an outright sale. KennyV.

SPaulsen · Nov 29, 2004

I have the HST on my 3430. When I originally purchased the tractor, I was trying to decide the same issue you are. My dealer assured me that I will appreciate having the HST even over the GST. I took his advise as well as other members in this forum and have not regretted it one bit. Although the GST is nice, the HST is even better. I would spend a few bucks more and do that. You will be happy. If I were to do it all over again, I would get the 3830 or even bigger.

SkyPup · Nov 29, 2004

We've got 550 hrs on our L-3130 GST without a lick of hassle, we really like it alot. Having HST on our other tractor is nice for what it does but the GST on the L-3130 is great for loader work. Would not change a thing.