HYDROSTATIC VS MANUAL TRANSMISSION? CLEAR WINNER?

Four more years on tractors warrants a new Hydro vs Manual Transmission video (at least in our eyes). So we'll cover the basics and give our likes and dislikes with both transmission types in today's video.
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[@GoodWorksTractors]

So, which is the better transmission?

[@JB-cy7ey]

I have a 4044M with the power reverser. It becomes surprisingly natural after a while. The biggest issue I’ve had is when I get off the tractor and into my truck, I instinctively try to use the blinker to change direction. 😂

[@BarryHull]

I have both, manual and hydro, and like you said, both have their strengths. One thing I have noticed however, is that a LOT of power is sucked up in that hydrostatic transmission. All things being equal, my experience is that the manual has more HP available for work.

[@simpleman4196]

I went from two hydro tractors to a utility tractor with the power shuttle. Honestly I was a little worried how the geared trans would work for me but I honestly like it more. I do a lot of loader work and back and forth as well and I still prefer the geared trans.

[@markellis6727]

You know, most if not all your older viewers learned on a gear driven tractor, I never thought I wanted a hydrostatic one until I borrowed my neighbors a few years ago, and feel on love with it, so, I now have 1 gear driven, 1 hydro, both have their place

[@bryangill7736]

The crazy transmission you showed was on John Deeres in the 70s. We had 4020s with that. The gears were set up so you didn't need a range selector.

[@lucashunt2674]

"You grew up on farm tractors and are used to that". This is exactly right, and I love my Kubota L3901 with gear drive, even for loader work. As always, good video.

[@earlyriser8998]

I think this was a good summary. I mainly do loader work, not plowing, and there is a big advantage to a hydro when using a pallet forks, work basket, for careful moving, or surging into a pile of rock, over and over again.

[@BigCool95]

I got my kubota l4701 in a gear drive and am so glad i did. I didnt want to listen to the whine of the hydro transmission and i like that the gear drive puts out more pto hp. What really sold me on the gear drive was a video messicks did comparing the pulling force of the two on an identical tractor and the hydro was extremely weak. My l4701 gear drive feels way stronger than the “47” hp its rated for. And i have a hi and lo range and 4 gears in each to choose from so i have plenty of a selection for whatever i need to do. I ran a flail mower for 6 hours straight with absolutely 0 issues.

[@derekdreke4990]

What a great explanation of the benefits of the different set ups. Hydro is super handy but also having a Manuel makes a big difference as well. This is such a good thing to help those trying to figure out what works for them

[@carolinafirewood]

Good News! I got an email from Summit Tractors yesterday announcing new distribution locations to soon be offering their product. When I searched out where in SC they will be available, they will be Home Depots (4 within 25 miles from me) the closest only 6 miles from home! I'm still a little concerned about any support/service. But at least they are on the way! Wo-Hoo..

[@pfe3883]

I grew up with older gear drive tractors long before loader and buckets were a standard option. Just bought my new massey ferguson 1825e with the gear drive and loader. Plan to use the loader to clean out the barn. Using the clutch and gears still beats the pitchfork!

[@MJADoingStuff]

Kubota B2601 has 3 range hydrostatic trans too. Thanks for the video Guys 😁👍🚜💨🍳

[@badgerlandturf]

I “thought” I wanted the 3D series, but my dealer talked me through all the pro/cons of them during the buying process. Now I’m glad to own a 3E series…only regret was going with the 25HP, but in honesty has only been a 5% need for the more HP when I was stump removal. If I would have only had a stump wrecker…😅

[@foonus406]

Still own one with the early 60's John Deere Syncro-Range transmission.

[@JosephPiette1]

I like the addition of the verses at the end.

[@TomKD0QKK]

Good job with the pros and cons. The most important parts of my tractor are the three point and the PTO. The loader mostly replaces my wheel barrow. It's useful but not central to the way I use my tractor. I don't find running a gear tractor to be any less intuitive or more difficult than driving my stick shift car. And the gains in weight and power and, as you mentioned, the fact that it runs cooler all day long under heavy loads are important to me. I guess it really all comes down to experience and how one uses a tractor. They both have strengths and weaknesses. Anyway, once again, good video!

[@glfnrtrvr]

Thank you. Very good information. I have Kubota B2401. We have always had manual transmission tractors. No problem.

[@Frontpagefab]

I have owned or rented and used all variations and there are use cases for every one, however, if I had to choose one, it would be a 3 range power reverser with both hand and foot throttles as it gives the best of both worlds. The big TLB's that we rented for large jobs had this feature and I really preferred it.

[@reload280]

John Deere has a hydrostatic transmission available in its large ag tractors. It is called an IVT transmission or infinitely variable transmission. It’s sorta the same but different than the small compact transmission. Works really well.