Some don't like the hydro tranny on these units. Once used to, it's nice never needing to touch the brake pedal.
My buddy was trying to dissuade me from one because he doesn't like HST. "I puts you through the windshield when you let off the gas". I've owned HST tractors for years. I'm used to them. In fact, I wouldn't buy a manual tractor.
That's what happened to me the first time I ever drove one. A friend's uncle brought one down to the property to ride back when they were still relatively new to the market. Love the HST on my tractor.
We have a 2005 Polaris ranger 500 4x4 thats been thru hell & back with 2500 hours on it & it still runs fine.
It can catch you off guard sometimes. It’s abrupt, but through the windshield is an exaggeration like all Stihl flippy caps leak. The only negative for me is how loud they are with enclosed cab. The decibel level doesn’t seem to bother others. 4 wheel low is Kubota tractor level.
For my $$$, this Japanese mini truck was a better deal for my wood hauling purposes. 4wd Diesel Engine Dump bed 5 speed manual transmission w/ hi-lo range No belt drive AC & heated cab Far less cost than a side by side
Lol. Ive read the flippy cap leaking lore as well. So far, none of mine have. I can imagine the diesel noise and HST whine could be irritating in an enclosure. Id get the open cab version most likely.
I don’t have any leaking flippy caps and never had any at work. I noticed it’s been making the rounds on yt channels. I’ve even been asked how I store my saws because leaky caps is internet facts.
I have both a kubota tractor with hst and also a kubota Utv 1100 . The UTV is quit a bit different than the tractor however once you get used to it no issues at all . The kubota Utv has the best cab enclosure I have seen on any of the side by sides . I use mine for firewood , hauling sap , and also the BOSS v-plow is really nice . I put a 210 gallon tank in the bed of the UTV and fill it with sap . No problems . I wouldn’t do this however on hills .
Mine are stored full. On their bottom like any saw. I had an MS231 fir many years way back. It never leaked either.
The older style Mules have their disadvantages but thousands of farmers can't be all wrong. My mule has a centrifical clutch that is always engaged. Same as my old Grizzly was. Engine braking is very good on it. I have to assume the other Pros have the same type setup.
That's a new one to me. Never had an issue with it, but perhaps something wasn't tuned correctly. Now I'm curious and want to go for a ride. Additionally, don't buy anything without power steering. It's still an option on less expensive units.
I have the gasoline engine version. Also, 4WD hi/lo and locking axle. It always hauls whatever I load into it! Far less cost than a side by side as you say.........very much less cost!
