Hydro or three speed for plowing??
 

I haven't plowed with a GT before, and want to try it next spring.

If a two tractors have the same;
weight,
tires,
wheelbase,
hitch,
operator skill,

which will moldboard plow better, hydro or manual transmission??

I guess you have to assume the hydro would have the necessary extra HP to make up for losses.

How about wheelbase? Will the longer "Super" frame make a difference, or is a Super just better because of the added features like steering brakes, power steering, big tires etc............??

A Jeep seems to go better than a 8' bed truck because its short wheelbase, which is opposite of the Super's supposed performance advantage. (I ain't dissing Supers', I got one!!)

Help me out here, I gotta get ready for NC plow days next spring. I figure I got a couple months to get a trick machine put together.

After we pick a transmission and wheelbase, then we can pick an engine, unless the engine factors into the above decision.

I don't want to end up "spinning my wheels"!!!

HELP!!!

I honestly think it comes down to whether you want to use a standard or are much happier with a Hydro. I have both. I have 128 and now the Super Diesel. I did all my plowing this year with the 784 that I had before I got the super. And then I have plowed with the super about a month ago. I could tell no difference in ease between the two hydro's. Now, with a standard transmission, you are going to have a manual lift, and even with a spring assist it gets tiring having to lift and lower that plow by hand all day. I myself much prefer the hydro's simply due to having hydraulic lift. But I also have severe back problems and clutching and lifting heavy implements can mess me up for a few weeks. As for constant speed, the standard cannot be beat. You put it in 2nd gear and you don't have to worry about increasing or decreasing your speed as you do with a hydro, not that there is a huge amount of adjustment with those either, but there is some. As I said, it just kind of comes down to which you ultimately prefer and can withstand.

Duke's got me thinking about the plow day in SC next March. I may have to see if I can save up some gas money and make it down that way. See just how good Earl's Diesel killer is going to do. :biggrin2:

Come on down, DWayne! Having a 100 with hydraulic lift is nice for plowing also. You get a gear drive and hydraulic lift. :biggrin2:

:bigthink: OK you got me there. I suggest getting you a 100 then and a hydraulic lift on it. The ultimate plow tractor. You must forgive me Allen, I haven't had the privilege of using one of those yet, so therefore never think of that. :biggrin2:

I prefer gear drives because you can put it in gear and go...with a hydro, you'll be moving the lever with each change in load to maintain a constant speed. However, at a plow day, I prefer a hydro because there's always gonna be somebody in front of you that doesn't have enough weight, has the plow set up wrong, is using a JD, etc, that is going really slow, and it gets to be kind of a pain letting the clutch in and out in 1st gear on a gear drive when that happens.

I agree with Matt, also I think a hydro has a little better traction advantage because it will slow down a little rather than spin out. Thats just my personal opinion. Just a note, you are gonna love plow day, and if you need and help with set up or anything we can help you out. Bring your super, I'm sure you will love to plow with it:beerchug:

Both spin out. As for getting behind a slow tractor plowing... you can slow the rpms down on the motor to stay in pace with the tractor in front.

I have plowed with a hydro cub, manual transmission cub and a super cub. I will take a manual trans Cub over the hydro cubs. You will move the directional lever to keep a consistant speed. The longer you plow with a hydro the more you need to move the directional lever.

My Wife likes to plow with the Cub Cadets. She started to plow 3-4 years ago on the 100. She hates to plowed with my 149 because the lack of constant speed.

The longer wheel base doesn't help or hurt. Wide tires hurt more than help in my book.

It boils down to having the tractor and plow set up to work as one.

No problem, DWayne. That's what friends are for. :biggrin2:

I agree you do have to movement lever quite a bit, an to be honest I hope to get my k301 powered 106 set up to plow. But as far as performance, I know my lil 123 keeps up with just about anything at plow day ( other than the smokers) but I'm sure it has a lot to do with setup.

Allen will let you get some seat time on his 100 but be warned he'll be seeing if his legs are long enough to reach the pedals on the BRS.:biggrin2: