MX5100 Gear or Hydro

[babalugats]

I have decided on MX5100 4WD w/ 844 FEL since it appears to be most powerful CUT and best buy in the Kubota economy line. I will be using for various FEL work, brush hog hilly terrain, light clearing, grading driveway and possibly handling round bales (not a lot).
It is my understanding on the current MX5100 geared tranny, clutching is required for the shuttle shift but you don't have to come to a complete stop.
One downside I thought of on the hydro is not being able to apply light left / right brake for tighter turn - but probably not necessary with 4WD engaged.

Thanks

 

[helomech]

I have decided on MX5100 4WD w/ 844 FEL since it appears to be most powerful CUT and best buy in the Kubota economy line. I will be using for various FEL work, brush hog hilly terrain, light clearing, grading driveway and possibly handling round bales (not a lot).
It is my understanding on the current MX5100 geared tranny, clutching is required for the shuttle shift but you don't have to come to a complete stop.
One downside I thought of on the hydro is not being able to apply light left / right brake for tighter turn - but probably not necessary with 4WD engaged.

Thanks

Hydro, I love my mx5100 4wd hydro. You can still use the brakes in a turn just like you can with a geared tractor. Just set the cruise to the speed you want and hit the brake you need. If you hit both it will kick the cruise lever off, but not if you hit one. Other than the cost difference I can't see any reason not to pick the hydro.

 

[TripleR]

Right, on the synchronized shuttle you don't have to come to a full stop though you will want to be moving pretty slow or it's pretty unpleasant.

The gear vs HST will never be settled so I won't even try, I run both.

As to the turning/steering brakes, as mentioned you can use them going forward by use of the cruise control. I have owned an L5030 and now own an L5740 and found steering/turning brakes to be pretty much a non issue for me. We do use them on our M8540.

The MX5100 is a really capable machine at a very reasonable price.

 

[Bluegill]

Gear vs HST is personal preference. I much prefer Gear!

Try both and buy the one you like best...

 

[hodge]

It should handle round bales fine. I have been moving 1200 pound bales with my Bobcat 743 (800 lb lift limit)- I started out tentatively, knowing that I was pushing past the envelop, but it handles them with ease. I know that a skidsteer is different, where the load is closer to the center of gravity, but unless you are moving some massive, wet bales, the 5100 should be more than enough tractor. My dad moves them with his NH 3930, which is about the same size. It has no problems at all, and he doesn't need any ballast (other than the tires being loaded).

I agree with what TripleR and blugill said, respectively. You will NEVER get a consensus about gear versus hydro, so drive both and see what you prefer. My humble opinion is that very few are objective when they give their opinion on one or the other- the topic seems to evoke emotions and insecurities. It is a preference, not a right or wrong.

 

[Express]

Hodge that was well said and the best I've heard