8 vs. 12 Speed Hydraulic Shuttle

[afret]

Is a 12 speed always the way to go instead of an 8 speed? I have a L3901 HST for work on about 11 forested acres. I've never used anything but low range for moving logs and brush with a grapple, moving dirt/gravel, clearing snow, and using a land plane on my gravel driveway. I've never had it in mid or high range.

I'm looking at a second larger more powerful tractor and one choice is a M7060 which has a choice of 8 or 12 speed. Would a 12 speed have any advantage where I will use it mainly to power a wood chipper, move heavy objects like rocks, and push a front snow blade?

 

[1970cs]

Resale would be better on the 12 speed in the farming realm! But for you, it would not make any difference.

Pat

 

[TripleR]

Preferable, but not necessary depending on the user and as mentioned resale will be much better. Essentially what 1970cs said.

We had an 8 speed 70HP hated it and traded it in under a month for an 80HP 12/12, someone else was happy to have it.

 

[afret]

OK, thanks! Would the creep speed option be useful in a case like mine-maybe in pushing snow? I wouldn't get it if the dealer has to split the tractor to install it though.

 

[TripleR]

This might help: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-owning-operating/99654-m-series-creeper-option.html

 

[afret]

This might help: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-owning-operating/99654-m-series-creeper-option.html

Thanks for the informative link.

 

[Bulldog]

Creep speed would only be useful if you need to go less than 1 mph. it mainly for special purpose applications feed lots and such. I fully agree extra gears would be great but they need to be spread through out the existing range and higher. I have a friend with 2 JD's that have 32 forward and 32 reverse gears. I don't care what you are doing they have a gear for the speed you need.
I love my Kubotas but they are behind times on this type of stuff.