The HST or the Direct Trans - mainly mowing, but...?

[jyoutz]

I have and use a gear drive tractor and an HST tractor, and the ability to vary engine speed relative to PTO speed is really the only difference that is of any consequence to me. There's much to like about a geared tractor with hydraulic shuttle, and even more to like about a tractor with Kubota's KVT.

@jyoutz, it's probably not an apples to apples comparison, but on paper the M6060 and MX6000 have the same or very similar hp, but in actual use they feel completely different. The M is way heavier but also feels like it has way more power than the MX, even when both were stock. Working on a hot day the difference is even more evident.

I like the MX and would buy it again (or maybe an L6060 instead) and it's hard to argue against that generalization that most people find HST tractors easier to live with day in and day out. They are easier to operate, but that doesn't mean that geared tractors are hard to operate. The both have their place.

I had a geared tractor for over 20 years before buying my MX HST. I would never buy another compact tractor with a gear transmission. A hydraulic shuttle gear transmission is a whole different thing, but they are only available on utility size tractors, not a compact tractor like the OP is considering.

 

[PaulL]

I think the whole loader work comparison is overstated when comparing HSTs to gear drive tractors, particularly if the gear drive tractor has an hydraulic shuttle. I've done tons of loader work with the M6060 and it's just not an issue. I had a job recently loading a horse manure pile into a dump truck and it was no big deal using the M6060. When there's dirt to move, the difference in transmission isn't part of my decision matrix when I chose the M or the MX for the job.

As I mentioned, the PTO speed vs. engine speed is the big one when it comes to actually using these tractors.

This is true as compared to a shuttle, although I don't love shuttles either.

But in a 25 - 39hp Kubota, there aren't any shuttles to be had. It's HST or old school gear drive so far as I can tell.

 

[PoTreeBoy]

This is true as compared to a shuttle, although I don't love shuttles either.

But in a 25 - 39hp Kubota, there aren't any shuttles to be had. It's HST or old school gear drive so far as I can tell.

I agree with your point. Technically, there is still GlideShift available on a couple of models in this range, I think. Not that I'm recommending it for OP.