Pros and Cons of Manual vs Hydrostatic

[fishin coyote]

Wish the OP would list his anticipated use in more details and side banter goes away. Maybe the best solution is tractor with hydro and cruise control for his situation. I would do the same if makes sense as I'm frugal not a cheapa$$

rock, it will be mainly material moving such as wood, dirt, mulch etc. My property is small and flat. My food plots can be done with my SxS or 4 wheeler. If not for walking around with a 100% blockage in the LAD artery, I’d just use the SxS and a wagon along with my back to move stuff around.

I hadn’t even considered a reverser/synchro until I read some of the comments,I’ll probably end up getting a hydro but wanted to see what the collective here had to say.

 

[Turkey Creek]

Nothing new to add to the discussion, other than I have a hyrdo Kubota MX5300 and have had zero issues thus far and it sure makes life easier for a lot of tasks. My tractor essentially has cruise control as well, there is a stick on the left side of the seat that also works to manipulate the foot pedal (accelerator) in forward gears. It will hold the speed where you position it.

 

[Foggy47]

I do allot of flail mowing in addition to other chores with my Kubota L3560 HSTC. I have operated tractors since the 1950's. I have come to really like operating a hydro tractor over a gear shift for my purposes. When mowing....you can feel the tractor becoming overloaded for power....and simply ease up on the pedal and allow the mower to clear while maintaining a decent ground speed.....yet get the job done efficiently. Also easier for new operators, if you got young family members and such. Very intuitive to use.

Precision placement when hooking up and detaching implements is also far easier. Sometimes an inch or two is a big deal....espeically when you get older and do not care to force stuff to align. I've done many jobs via both methods.....and simply prefer a hydro over a gear shift. I suppose I could live with either....but why? If you can afford it....go with the hydro and don't look back. My 2 cents.

 

[Diesel5610]

rock, it will be mainly material moving such as wood, dirt, mulch etc. My property is small and flat. My food plots can be done with my SxS or 4 wheeler. If not for walking around with a 100% blockage in the LAD artery, I’d just use the SxS and a wagon along with my back to move stuff around.

I hadn’t even considered a reverser/synchro until I read some of the comments,I’ll probably end up getting a hydro but wanted to see what the collective here had to say.

Get the Hydro for what you are doing.