Hydrostatic transmissions in tractors

Mathias NY · Jun 25, 2009

I was wondering if anyone has experience working with a hydrostatic transmission in a tractor?

I'm looking at a John Deere 4520 (60hp compact), Deere will only offer the cab with the hydro transmission. For loader work this would be great, but the tractor will also spend time with a plow, mower, sprayer, etc. I'm a little skeptical on the consistancy of the ground speed and its mechanical reliability over time. My experience with hydro's on lawn mowers is that the controls loose sensitivity. I want to buy my next tractor new and keep it for the next 30-40 years, so I don't want to buy something that will be problematic.

Thanks for looking...

just another old geezer · Jun 25, 2009

I have an IH 666 with 7000 hours on it with no problems so far,

Gun guru · Jun 25, 2009

I have a Deere 2305, with the hydrostatic trans. It is great for productivity, however I am also leery of long term problems too. In my opinion nothing beats the ruggedness of an all gear drive trans.

I changed out my trans fluid and filter, and cleaned the strainer at 60 hours on the hydrostatic trans. The key to having long life with hydraulics is to keep the fluid clean and dont skimp and buy cheap stuff (use what Deere says to use)
A 60 HP trator with hydraulic trans will waste a lot of fuel over time, (all hydraulic drive loses about 25% of the power when coverted from mechanical to hydraulic).

I take it this will be a new machine for you?

Mathias NY · Jun 25, 2009

Yup, it would be a new machine for me. I plan to be the first owner or at least find one with under 100 hours.

I really like the looks and options on a Deutz Agrikid 230. It's comparable to the 4520 Deere, only it's available with gear transmission and has fewer electronic gadgets to fail. However I'd still rather own a Deere...

I'm currently using a Ford 3000, which gets the job done, but everything on it is sloppy and worn out. Almost anything would be an improvement, but I want the cab for health reasons and I want it new because I am tired of fixing someone elses problems.

Anonymous-0 · Jun 25, 2009

Since early 87 have sold over 1200 20-50 hp hydro in the KUBOTAS Have very few problems
in reliability. Here in the shouth THAT model Deer doses have a problem in that the hydro in long hard uses i.e. bushhog work applications tends to create more heat than the air can handel. On a 85 deg day and running 2 or 3 hrs hard work you might get hot. Have seen people
tint the windows and speed up the cab fan to keep cool. But in reliability no issues with tns because everything is running in oil.

Gun guru · Jun 25, 2009

I hear that, It is about $30k right?

A new tractor is more fun then a new car too.

Mathias NY · Jun 25, 2009

Probably around $40k, after hydro transmission, cab and loader.

And yes, it will be a lot more fun!

504-2 · Jun 25, 2009

Look at a New Holland,(may have a new name by now) something like 32 speeds and all gears. I have a 656 Hydro in the barn and there is no way I am hooking on to a plow.

buickanddeere · Jun 25, 2009

Deere makes a plain vanilla 4000 series with gear drive.
Hydrostat isn't required like it used to be now that hydraulic reversers are a common option or factory standard.
Changing out the trans mineral oil for Amsoil or Mobile 1 synthetic trans-hydraulic-hydrostat will add durability.

Mathias NY · Jun 26, 2009

Yes, the 4000 series does have a gear transmission, with power reverser, and the 12/12 gearing should offer a nice range of speeds. Unfortunately, this is not available with the factory cab.

Hydrostatic transmissions in tractors

Mathias NY

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just another old geezer

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Gun guru

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Mathias NY

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Anonymous-0

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Gun guru

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Mathias NY

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504-2

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buickanddeere

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Mathias NY

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