Gear drives definitely have a place. But, so do hydrostats!
Gear drive tractors have an advantage in ground engaging equipment. (Tillers, plows, disks .... ETC) Because you don't have to worry about overheating or just the constant headache of adjusting speed. For example: When I run my tiller on my hydro tractor, the tiller pushing against the tractor. So when in the ground, you have to slow way down........ but then when you raise it up, the tractor basically stops, and you have to speed up again. Gear drive tractors just keep moving. However, when running say, a snowblower. The need for constant speed adjustment is a MUST! And your foot will get really tired of clutching all the time. I have both, and I use them where they work best. As far as power to the ground..... I can't say there is much difference. There is some power loss through a hydro, (mathematical fact), but in a small tractor like this it is hardly noticeable. These hydro's are ridiculously stout!
|