Hydrostatic transmissions in conventional envelopes

Kubota designed a hydrostatic transmission for a compact tractor to improve operator control and increase efficiency and productivity.

Compact tractors with 15-30 kW (20-40 hp) power takeoff (PTO) are used in a wide range of applications, such as light-duty construction, farming, and lawn mowing. Customers include homeowners, professional contractors, and equipment rental businesses. In such operations, tractors are expected to be highly convenient and easy to operate.

One of the major implements for this class of tractors is the front-end loader; use estimates range to 70% of job categories. With a front-end loader, the tractor operator controls the loader with the right hand and the steering with the left hand. For switching between forward and reverse, an operator with a conventional transmission must remove the left hand from the steering wheel to grasp the forward/reverse lever. Frequent shifting between forward and reverse adds to the operator's workload. Hydrostatic transmissions (HST) provide a needed improvement in compact tractors, especially those used with a front-end loader.