Having owned both, I also prefer the gear drive.

I have to say,i like the gear drive because it has less power loss,and you can pull start it,BUT,the hydro is great because you dont have to mess with breaks,which is awesome.Also,like everyone says,the hydro is great for mowing,and pushing snow,but i also like it to push dirt and plow,because i use mine to groom my dirtbike ramps,the back and forth to pack the dirt on the ramp is great too.So to tell the truth,i think the hydro is better and is worth the little bit of power loss.

This is one of those things where there really isn't a right or wrong answer, but a matter of opinion for the most part.

I have both hydro and gear drive....for my workers..plowing snow, pushing soil, mowing, etc I mainly use my Hydros. Ive done all these tasks with gear drive too, and its just less convenient, a little more labor intensive, but 100% reliable and doable yet.


I think with gear drive tractors, you feel more...."connected" to the tractor and the work your doing. Sort of like having a 5 speed mustang versus an auto.....if that makes sense to anyone.



Jeff (teet)

I can't wait to plow with my 128 and my 100. I still think its gunna be tough to beat the 169 though. I always had to slow down in the furrow if its a hydro or gear drive in front of me. I bet half of them were green though lol