WHwest8597 85 #1 Posted June 30, 2023 Does a hydro use more gas than a 8 speed? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kpinnc 14,663 #3 Posted June 30, 2023 4 hours ago, WHwest8597 said: Does a hydro use more gas than a 8 speed? Hydrostatic transmissions eat up 3-4 horsepower on average. That being said, a hydro more than makes up for the loss due to infinitely adjustable speed and instantaneous direction changes. In other words, you can do more in less time. So while a hydro eats up a few horses, it's unlikely you'd be able to notice much change in fuel economy. 1 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sailman 1,299 #4 Posted June 30, 2023 For tasks like cutting grass with lots of variable terrain the hydro's are hard to beat for ease of use in and around objects. For pure brute strength, pulling power like plowing, pulling logs, etc I prefer the 8 speed although Hydro will work too. Having a Hydro lift is a real back saver for tillers, plows, blades, etc.. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
