Hydrostatic or manual transmission for lawn tractors
If you want to buy a pedigree tractor, you are often unsure which is better, a hydrostatic gearbox or a manual gearbox? Both have advantages and disadvantages.
Gearboxes for lawn tractors
The small tractors are slightly larger than conventional ride-on mowers and can usually drive additional equipment such as a scarifier, garden shredder or gritter.
The gearbox ensures that the power of the engine is correctly metered and transferred to the wheels. The smaller the translation, the slower it goes Lawn tractor, but the torque increases. This is especially important on uneven terrain.
Special features of the hydrostats
A hydrostatic transmission consists of a hydraulic pump and a hydraulic motor. The power is transmitted via the built-up oil pressure with which the oil flows through the lines.
The ratio changes via the position of pistons that press on sliding washers. The angle is decisive for the direction of travel (forwards, backwards) and the speed.
The driver regulates the speed by metering the flow rate of oil with the accelerator pedal. The more he throttles it, the slower the lawn tractor becomes and vice versa. The changes are made continuously from zero to full throttle.
The latest innovation in vehicle technology is a so-called CVT automatic. That …
There is no need for a brake as the hydraulic motor cannot be turned without oil flow. The device is blocked and stops immediately.
The hydrostat is better than any other transmission in terms of wear and tear, as it contains hardly any moving parts. However, it is important that you regularly check the oil and valves. Also pay attention to the oil temperature. Oil that is too hot causes malfunctions.
Information about the manual transmission
Manual transmissions consist of various gear wheels that the driver adjusts using the shift linkage. With most models, this is only possible if the driver disengages and engages the clutch again.
A stepless regulation of the speed is not possible because the power transmission is regulated step by step. Overall, precise mowing with a manual transmission is difficult.
The many moving parts are subject to wear. The gears and clutch wear out. How quickly a manual transmission breaks depends on the skill of the driver. Shifting gears gently and avoiding jerky actuation of the accelerator pedal is easy on the transmission.
Since the gearboxes are simple to assemble, they are usually easy to repair. In most cases it is possible to replace individual broken or worn gears.
Choose the right mower
Before thinking about the transmission, consider whether you need a lawn tractor. The manufacturer Husqvarna recommends the use on open lawns from 800 square meters. A cutting width of more than 90 centimeters only makes sense from 1,500 square meters.
If you have to mow under bushes, a mower in front of the lawn tractor is better than one under the mower. A side discharge is useful when dry short grass is to be mowed that is on the race should remain lying. Otherwise, a rear ejection is recommended.
Only when you have clarified these questions does it come to the gearbox and what is better. If a hand mower is enough for you, the question does not arise.
Switch or not - which is better
A good hydrostatic mower is more expensive than one with a manual transmission. In return, you get a lawn tractor with a high level of operating convenience that you can steer precisely along flowerbeds. In addition, maintenance is easy. the mowing machine contain hardly any wear parts and are durable.
The manual gearbox is sometimes the better solution on steep slopes, as the gearboxes gently brake the tractor more reliably on steep slopes. If you are careful when shifting gears, such a mower can last a long time.
Hydrostatic |
Manual transmission |
|---|---|
is subject to little wear |
high wear and tear as there are many moving parts |
Durability does not depend on the behavior of the driver |
Durability is related to the way you drive |
stepless regulation of the speed |
Speed can be regulated in stages |
simple operation via a pedal or a lever |
Operation is complicated by the necessary switching |
Brake is superfluous |
Brake required |
the regulation may not be sufficient on steep slopes |
also suitable for steep slopes due to the small gear ratio |
from 2700 euros |
from 2500 euros |
The question of which is better, hydrostatic or manual transmission, has to be answered unequivocally for lawn tractors. The stepless automatic has great advantages. A gear is only sometimes an advantage on steep slopes.
