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-   -   Hydro & Manual trans. comparison (https://www.onlycubcadets.net/forum/showthread.php?t=9178)

Guitar Guy 03-09-2011 02:19 AM

Hydro & Manual trans. comparison
 
I'm wondering if I could get some points of view on the advantages & disadvantages of the two transmission styles. Thx.

Josh

ljones 03-09-2011 07:56 AM

With a hydro you have a unlimited speed selection, with a gear drive you have only 4 speeds you also have to buy creeper gear to go slower to run things like a snow blower. A gear drive tractor has more torque for plowing etc. It all depends on what you are going to use the tractor for.

Matt G. 03-09-2011 07:59 AM

I've owned quite a few of each, and here are my thoughts:

Hydro trans: Best for mowing and snowthrowing because of the need to change speed based on the load and in the case of mowing, maneuver around stuff. Trans is basically bulletproof...a fluid and filter change and a few linkage parts and some attention to the trunion slot will make everything like new for the most part.

Gear trans: My preference for ground-engaging attachments like tillers, moldboard plows, grader blades etc, as you don't want your speed to vary. You just put it in gear and go; with a hydro, you have to make constant speed adjustments due to the varying load. All the parts to rebuild the clutch cost about $150, but fixing a bad driveshaft on a hydro tractor will cost nearly as much. Sometimes there are issues with the shift forks or shifter, but those are few and far between and not a big deal. Repair/replacement isn't difficult. I've had about 30 gear drive tractors, and only one broken shift fork and two broken shifters.

Basically, you really need one of each:beerchug:

Battlewagon 03-09-2011 09:07 AM

So, does that mean I am wasting my time rebuilding my 1450 to pull my bottom plow? It is a PITA lifting that plow on the back of my 1200. I really like the idea of moving a lever with a couple of fingers to lift and lower the plow. Now I'm all confused.

R Bedell 03-09-2011 09:38 AM

Lots of people have and use Hydro driven tractors for "plow day" events.

I use my hydro's for ground engaging equipment and have had no problems.
:ThumbsUp:

jeff k. 03-09-2011 09:53 AM

I use my 782 for plowing.I haven't had any problems, but I don't do that much . Usually my small garden and a section of a farmers field just to get some play time.:biggrin2: Like matt said a gear drive would be easier less adjusting of the speed just out er in gear n go. Use what you have and have some fun.:beerchug:

cub123 03-09-2011 10:00 AM

Yeah,a hydro has no issue pulling a plow,pushing dirt/snow,pulling a wagon,mowing,tilling,and just about anything in between.Like matt said though,unless the linkage is in good shape thay require a little more elbow grease and is some cases three hands:biggrin2:,but are just as bulletproof as a gear drive.However a hydro will require a little more power,so a slower speed is to be expected than with a gear drive when pulling a plow.

Methos 03-09-2011 11:00 AM

Lots of great point already made. My opinion is after tilling 5 hrs with my 122 with creeper it sucked pushing the clutch/brake pedal to slow the 122 down. This year I've tilled with my 125 and it was a lot more enjoyable. It felt less like work and more fun. I would never run a tiller with a gear drive again. Pulling a plow with a gear drive tractor with a creeper puts extra stress on the creeper and might lead to damaging the creeper gear. But with that said I enjoy plowing with a gear drive. Without a creeper of course. I've mowed my grass with my 1200 and it did a great job but I like the ease of mowing with a hydro. A creeper gear is used to slow down the tractor with keeping the RPM's a high rate so the tiller and thrower can proform as designed.

It just comes down to what your wanting to do with your tractor.

_DX3_ 03-09-2011 01:05 PM

:biggrin2: Let's just make it easy for him.. Buy one of each! Once you buy one, you get bit by the yellow fever anyway. I have a 128 gear drive and I have a 782 hydro. Love them both for what each does best. :beerchug:

darkminion_17 03-09-2011 01:20 PM

Hydros are also good for towing dead cubs around.


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