shootinok 15 #1 Posted June 11, 2011 Which is the better transmission, the Sundstrand Hydro or the 8 speed? Is one preferred over the other for certain tasks? :hide: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Shuboxlover 480 #2 Posted June 11, 2011 Snow blowing.....HYDRO!!! definitely!!! Front Dozer.....I like either. Tilling....I dont know, but can imagine hydro. Mowing...User preference!!! Tougher??? depends who you talk to.. Summary....Wheel Horses in any configuration kick A$$!!!!!!!!!!!! :) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
farmer 1,078 #3 Posted June 11, 2011 Ahhhhhhhhhh this old chestnut, On paper the hydro should win easy, infinite speed control, hydraulic lift (on some models).... I'm sure fans would list many reasons for its superiority over the 8 speed. But I'd still prefer the manual :hide: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nick 13 #4 Posted June 11, 2011 Each has its good qualities but more often than not it comes down to personal preference. Best thing is to have one of each. Why no Eaton hydro are you staying with the older tractors? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pfrederi 18,616 #5 Posted June 11, 2011 I have both kinds and a mix of eaton and sundstrand hydros. Agree for snowblowing hydros are nice (except for having to wait for them to warm up..the eaton implement lift can take forever to start working in the cold). Mowing each has advantages personal choice. Tilling definitely the 8 speed as it hold back against the tiller much more steadily. But for me th biggies is reliabilty and repair cost. If you are lucky and get a strong well cared for hydro it can last you along time. But if you buy a used hydr tractor and it has not been well cared for a hydro can be very expensive to fix. 8 speed failures beyond seals and axle needle bearings are fairly rare and anything else wrong can be fixed by an average person for not very much money. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ChiefRider 0 #6 Posted June 11, 2011 I've always used manual gear boxes with no complaint, but I really like the hydro for mowing. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shootinok 15 #7 Posted June 11, 2011 .... Best thing is to have one of each. Great --- thats what I was afraid of ..... need another Wheel Horse :WRS: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jasoncracer 0 #8 Posted June 11, 2011 I perfer gear more reliable dont have as many problems. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
c175inMA 8 #9 Posted June 11, 2011 .... Best thing is to have one of each. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shootinok 15 #10 Posted June 12, 2011 Yes I do - hence the drooling I want several..... :WRS: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tim 97 #11 Posted June 14, 2011 mowing, snowplowing, snowblowing --hydro, it's great when you can change speed on the fly tilling- 8 speed, having a constant speed is important to me grader blade, hydro- (have down pressure) hydro lift is real handy never had a breakdown with either, knock on wood Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shorts 182 #12 Posted June 16, 2011 ?only one of each? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
varosd 1,185 #13 Posted June 16, 2011 I keep telling the Frau that I need a C-160 Automatic...to compare to the B-80 8 speed!! Still not listening!! Seems simple enough to me :hide: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shorts 182 #14 Posted June 17, 2011 :) sometimes it's better to beg for forgiveness than ask for permission :WRS: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
