a lurker finally posts needs tractor opinions
 

I bought this tractor mainly for hydro lift for my kid's 100 - (will be in an upcoming rebuild post). Seeing the last one on greedpay go for $335 plus shipping. I got this tractor with plow for $400. It leaks oil and smokes a bit. I have a 102 with creeper, newer motor, spring lift but not as nice shape. Only can keep 2 tractors the 100 and ??????? I know this has been:beatdeadhorse: I mainly till and snowplow. which is better suited hydro vs gear or just a matter of preference? Thanks
P.S. sorry for crappy photos I only have a 10 x 12 shed to work out of.

Its a matter of preference. I like the hydros because you can control the speed better. A gear drive gives more of a tractor feel and with a creeper gear youve got 6 speeds to choose from so that makes them just as good as a hydro. If its for a kid then on a gear drive you dont have to wory about them pushing the hydro lever forward and taking off real fast.

I've only operated hydro CC and I wouldn't really have it any other way. I think the idea of a gear drive would be fun to drive, but I'd miss the hydro I think. I have operated gear drive lawn tractors in the past and I do miss my hydro. Plus I've never really cared for the look of the 102 so it's a no brainier for me.

i think gear VS hydro is a topic that could be argued till this earth ends. My personal opinion is what your doing with the tractor. If i am mowing i like a hydro because its faster for me to go between forward and reverse... i dont waist any time a mowin. if im pulling stuff around (Like the logs and branches oout of my back yard) i kind of prefer a gear. i know that the creeping hydros gets on my nerves sometimes. both have and vantages and disadvantages and it all boils down to personal preference. I personaly would lean towards a gear for tilling and plowing duties, especially if you have creeper.

Ive plowed and tilled with both. your on the clutch/brake just the same with both when tilling. the tiller pushes the hydro and the low1 creeper isnt slow enough.

as for moving snow. Ive only used my manual 582. I like it. I let you know this winter how the 882 does with the blower on it. hydro lift on it will be nice for that heavy hog

My vote is to keep the 102, because it is more solid, and older. However, it would be more helpful if you had one gear and one hydro drive for variety of jobs-since you are going to keep the 100, then that decision should be easily resolved. Sell the extra cub to a relative and then borrow it as needed!!! :biggrin2:

Probably should have started this thread as a poll, so that people could vote more easily!

Cub Cadet 123

ih cub cadet tractors [gt]
 

pullers say you loose 2 hp with the hydro ? David

I like hydros better but for tilling I would go with a gear drive if it had a creeper

Congrats! Soil conditions in my area a hydro is better for tilling. I have red clay and I've used both and I like the hydro for tilling. Other have been happy with using a gear drive. Either way you've got to use the brake pedel at some point so the choice is yours. If you like gear drives you'll choice the gear drive and same with the hydrostatic. :TwoCents:

I think I'm going to keep the 102, motor is newer and it's a beautiful ugly tank. Thanks for all the input. Am a former wheelhorse addict, I've been clean and yellow for a year now. this site is way better than redsquare, more laid back, less arogance. They bashed me for painting a wh tractor john deere green!!!!!