Hydrostat VS 8 Speed

[jachady 130]

So I've got a C125 8 speed already with a tiller, plow, blower and mower. I have had it for 6 years and have really gotten used to how to operate it in all different conditions. But now I just picked up a 314-A that is is much better condition (plus more power).

So the question I have is, which trans is easier to operate the equipment with?

I would think the hydro would be better with the plow and mower, but I am having a hard time visualizing using it for tilling and snowblowing.

Thanks

John

[rickv1957 72]

I would have to call them equal,both are great to operate,Rick

[jtmoyer 1]

this comes up every few months.

but for everything but the loader i prefer a hydro.

[jachady 130]

this comes up every few months.

but for everything but the loader i prefer a hydro.

I figured this topic has been gone over before but I couldn't find any pertinent info using the "search" function. So I thought I would start one with a title that makes sense.

[C-Series14 15]

Mowing Hydro...tilling, grading, FEL, 8-speed...pulling, 8-speed...snow plowing and blowing, prefer Hydro but have used 8-speed.

Just my opinion.

[pfrederi 17,647]

Hydros are nice...till they break then more $$$. also it is frustrating waiting for the eatons to decide they will operate the lift mechanism

[TT-(Moderator) 1,131]

it is frustrating waiting for the eatons to decide they will operate the lift mechanism

I'll trade the extra 2 minutes of hydro warm-up time for a left arm I can still use after plowing for two hours any day.

You do realize that the amount of time you gear drive guys should be letting the engine warm up strangely coincides with the time required for the hydro oil to warm up too. :omg:

[boovuc 1,090]

Ouch! :omg:

[DoctorHfuhruhurr 137]

When in doubt buy one of each type :omg:

[can whlvr 993]

i have rebuilt both trannys and the hydro was cheaper to rebuild than my 8 speed,maybe i got lucky on the hydro but 350 cash is fair,i spent more on my original 8 speed,so the hydros arent allways more,and it really is for the operator to decide which tranny,sometimes8 speed,sometimeshydro.

[Raider12 13]

You do realize that the amount of time you gear drive guys should be letting the engine warm up strangely coincides with the time required for the hydro oil to warm up too.

Im not even going to touch that one

[mavfreak 11]

:omg: so how long

[W9JAB 156]

The old "856" has a three speed, that seemed a little fast in first,

so I put a larger pulley on the tranny, and it worked out great.

I just see so meney posts in the trans. section about blown up hydro's

that I would be skeptical about having one.

[nylyon-(Admin) 7,266]

It's really personal preference. I prefer running the hydro's, like TT said your arm will thank you. In my opinion, not stopping to change speeds, ease of operation makes me like them. In the winter I have a blade on my 414-8 and the blower on my 416-H. Ain't no way I would want to put a blower (without an assist spring) on the 8-speed.

[CasualObserver 3,408]

Here's an old thread emphasizing Karl's point... personal preference.

Manual or Hydro, which will last longer?

[jachady 130]

So basically, I get to tell my wife that I need to keep both of them!!!

[nylyon-(Admin) 7,266]

So basically, I get to tell my wife that I need to keep both of them!!!

She's got the same shoe in different colors right? Same concept.

[mavfreak 11]

:omg: tried that on my wife she didn't find the humor in it

[rickv1957 72]

Wondered why my wife is buying so many shoes lately Rick

[Hump 0]

Ain't no way I would want to put a blower (without an assist spring) on the 8-speed.

I think the plow is harder to lift than the 2-stage blower on my 8-speed. I also do a whole lot less lifting with the blower, because there is no need to pass over the same area more than once.

I don't know if they are all like mine, but I think the manuals are faster in reverse than the hydros, which makes a big difference to me.

[Torino 14]

Why would you prefer an 8-speed with a FEL?

I would say: Hydo- mowing, snow blade and thrower, FEL,

8-speed- plowing garden, tilling.

[mavfreak 11]

how much reverse driving do you do?

[bo dawg 516]

I've only had 1, 8 speed and it was great in all but with mowing you're either too fast or too slow. I've always used auto's and love them, although I personaly would think a gear might be longer lasting for gardening if used a lot.

[mowerman1193 32]

Doesn't the tiller on a hydro tractor try to run away? it seems like it would be harder to control it for tilling seems mine will run away just mowing down a small slope..

I really liked mowing with my hydro but most everything on it is worn out now..It was rough when I got it as a parts tractor 5 - 6 years ago and I hate to put the money in it as it needs a lot of parts and work..More suited for a parts machine really but.....

Kevin

[jachady 130]

A little off topic here, but on this 314-A that I got, how do I set the attachment heights? There is no Dial-A-Height!!! I don't know how I would use this for tilling if I can't set the height. On new unbroken ground, I like to till just the first 2-3 inches on the first pass.