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HELP - - Standard or Hydro Static Transmission

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Tracy, Marion,

03-29-2004 14:27:25

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I'm considering buying a new JD 990 with a 430 front-end loader, and I can't decide to go with a standard transmission or hydrostatic transmission. I like the forward and reverse control of the hydro static, but I'm more concerned with reliability. How reliable are hydrostatic transmissions vs. standard transmissions? I'm going to be doing the normal chores with 6 acres -- fence work, digging, mowing, and roadwork. Any advice would be appreciated!

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chris mf135

03-30-2004 17:24:55

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Re: HELP - - Standard or Hydro Static Transmission in reply to Tracy, Marion, TX, 03-29-2004 14:27:25

i bought a kubota l3830 4 weeks ago. i test drove a glideshift (same as jd power reverser) and thought it was the cats meow untill i drove the hydro i bought the hydro. i mow about 6 acres and the hydro has cut that time down 30% over my mf135. the l3830 is the same size as my 135 and is much more comfy and easy to drive, my 12 year old daughter even has no problem.i looked at jd,new holland and kubota and found k to be the best value imho. price was 16250 with r4 tires and folding rops, was priced a 3130 for 13600 with r4s r4s are 800 extra. my opion is go hydro regaurdless of brand. also do a search of hydro on ih board, i found a lot of info there as ih put hydros in tractors up to 100hp as far back as the 60s. good luck and test drive them all
chris mf135

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Robert in W. Mi

03-30-2004 14:56:23

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Re: HELP - - Standard or Hydro Static Transmission in reply to Tracy, Marion, TX, 03-29-2004 14:27:25

Two things i HATE about hydro's.

First, i just hate that "hydro wine" that every hydro i've ever driven has. It just drives ya nuts after a while!

Second, with a gear trans, you can shift up a couple gears and throttle back for a quiet ride down the lane to the back field, (or where ever) but with a hydro, you have to keep the rev's up and put up with the extra engine noise too!!

I guess i don't like the lack of the solid feel when pulling a load or going up hill with a hydro either, so make it "three things"!!

The latest hydro's are reliable, if you over load it, the over load valve will open and let the pressure pass.

Oh yea, that hydro takes more hp too, and you have to warm the tractor up a LOT more in cold weather before useing it, and.....

Robert

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Tracy, Marion, TX

03-30-2004 07:59:15

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Re: HELP - - Standard or Hydro Static Transmission in reply to Tracy, Marion, TX, 03-29-2004 14:27:25

JerryG is correct! The 990 doesn't come with a hydro static tranmission, but comes with a standard 9/3 transmission with partial on-the-go shifting. I had read so many different tractor specs I just assumed the 990 allowed for the option JD "ehydro" static transmission, but I really like the compact size of the 790/990 series. The 4000 series offer the standard transmission or optional hydro transmission. Thank you for the feedback, and I'm sure I'll have more questions!

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buickanddeere

03-30-2004 07:47:46

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Re: HELP - - Standard or Hydro Static Transmission in reply to Tracy, Marion, TX, 03-29-2004 14:27:25

Unless you are ploughing or doing heavy field work go with the hydrostatic. As for durability? What do all the hydrosatic critics think is used in industrial scrapers, loaders,dozers,backhoes.rollers,pavers etc? Beats having some tool on the operators seat burning clutches, jumpy clutch engagement and grinding gears. Military went to all automatics in verhicles and equipment too. Far less maintenance. GM even recomends heavy trailering with pickups be done with automatics rather than standards too.

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KeithF

03-30-2004 05:33:10

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Re: HELP - - Standard or Hydro Static Transmission in reply to Tracy, Marion, TX, 03-29-2004 14:27:25

I currently operate a John Deere 4100 and previously a Ford 12 horspower garden tractor. Both have hydrostatic transmissions. What they are good for is creeping around objects when mowing, tilling (very nice), loader work when it is in a confined space, and for operators not familiar to a standard transmission. Like anything else they are very reliable when maintained and operated with respect. If the fluid and filters are maintained it will not give you any problems. However, one should operate it like it was a standard transmission. Come to a stop before changing directions. Take off slow, keep it in the proper range (high or low) for what you are doing, and don't try to move objects it can't really handle for long periods of time. When the brain is shifted into gear first either transmission will give you good service.

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03-30-2004 05:21:05

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Re: HELP - - Standard or Hydro Static Transmission in reply to Tracy, Marion, TX, 03-29-2004 14:27:25

Another option would be a standard tranny with a syncronized forward/reverse shuttle. You don't have to be stopped to change directions - they are ideal for loader work. I agree with most of the others - Say NO to hydro.

The shuttle gives you the advantages of gears and the convenience of a quick forward/reverse. I have a Kubota M4900 and I wouldn't trade the shuttle for anything.

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Rick

03-30-2004 05:07:41

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Re: HELP - - Standard or Hydro Static Transmission in reply to Tracy, Marion, TX, 03-29-2004 14:27:25

I have a JD 4010 Cut with Hydro. It's the best thing since sliced bread for loader work IMHO.

I also farm 300+ acres and would not want a hydro for field work, though I do know of a couple farmers that prefer it for that also.

My dad has had a JD with Hydro for 20+ years without any problems, so longevity is not a concern for me.

It probably comes down to two things...Intended use, and What YOU are most comfortable with.

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Dave, FloresvilleTX

03-30-2004 03:48:27

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Re: HELP - - Standard or Hydro Static Transmission in reply to Tracy, Marion, TX, 03-29-2004 14:27:25

I have a buddy with the hydro. It is nice. But I am leery of its durability and dependability. I still believe the standard is more dependable and most importantly durable. Just my opinion after operating both. There are lots of differences and compromises between the two.
Dave

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JerryG

03-29-2004 22:36:01

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Re: HELP - - Standard or Hydro Static Transmission in reply to Tracy, Marion, TX, 03-29-2004 14:27:25

You can't get a hydro in a JD 990. To get a hydro you have to step up to a 4000 series.

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KEG

03-29-2004 20:10:15

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Re: HELP - - Standard or Hydro Static Transmission in reply to Tracy, Marion, TX, 03-29-2004 14:27:25

Here's a thought that might not apply!
I have a JD950 (1980 vintage) and the standard trans. requires you to be at a COMPLETE stop before shifting. I sure wish I could shift on the fly. If the JD990 allows on the fly shifting, i.e., shift while moving, the standard trans would be fine.

Another thought is when using the front end loader. Seems the hydro would allow you better control for pushing into a load and not spinning tires or using the clutch. I find myself always in the wrong gear as I try to get a full bucket load.

But then, I may not be as experienced as others on this list and they're probably reading thinking I'm just a real klutz at using my tractor!

At least my good ol' Deere has held up real well to my abuse. Can't beat that with any type of transmission. :>)

KEG

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paul

03-29-2004 19:35:51

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Re: HELP - - Standard or Hydro Static Transmission in reply to Tracy, Marion, TX, 03-29-2004 14:27:25

I feel exactly like old below.

you will get 2 opinions on this, & it won't help you at all. :) :) It's like asking which is better, a Red tractor or a Green tractor??? :) You will not get anything helpful, but you will get lots of opinion. ;)

Here I bet most will like the standard. Over at www. tractor by net. com you will get the yuppie opinion that one can't live without a hydro tranny.

All depends where you come from.

I hate spending more money for less tractor, and that's how I feel about a hydro. But some folks hate spending money for a less comfortable tractor, & that is how they feel.

--->Paul

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old

03-29-2004 17:19:43

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Re: HELP - - Standard or Hydro Static Transmission in reply to Tracy, Marion, TX, 03-29-2004 14:27:25

To me the standard is better but then on the other hand I also don't like automatic trannys in cars either

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Larry NE IL

03-30-2004 20:18:32

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Re: Re: HELP - - Standard or Hydro Static Transmis in reply to old, 03-29-2004 17:19:43

Being in the excavating business, you can't buy a stick shift tractor anymore. The reason is that they are too slow. I don't mind the stick in my White 4-180 'caus I stay in the same gear for a long time. But for any kind of manuvering or loader work, I wouldn't have anything BUT a hydro.
At home I've got a JD950 with a loader that I use for barn clean up and misc. Great little tractor, but it's gonna go soon for a hydrostat. Larry

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