Wickham Tractor Co. - What Is Kubota GST Transmission?
Home Blog What Is Kubota GST Transmission?

What Is Kubota GST Transmission?



Kubota are known for their robust engines and their different transmission types. If you are looking for a new agricultural tractor, you should pick one that has a transmission suitable for your driving habits and skills. To pick the most effective option, you must know what is Kubota GST transmission.

The variety of Kubota transmission types doesn’t have to confuse you. As Kubota dealers for commercial, residential, and farming work, we are here to educate you on the topic and help you figure out what will work best for you.

What Is Kubota GST Transmission?

Firstly, let’s start by explaining what does GST stand for in Kubota GST transmission. GST is an abbreviation of glide shift transmission. Glide shift transmission is typically used in compact tractors. It is a type of clutchless gear transmission.

The GST is a cutting-edge transmission system that will offer you unparalleled control, versatility, and ease of use. The Kubota tractors with GST are designed to provide seamless shifting and precise control. They offer quick and easy shifting between the forward gear and reverse gear.

Kubota tractors with GST are suitable for various field tasks. However, most of our customers seek tractors with GST if they spend most of their working hours operating at a constant speed, such as loader or mowing work.

Kubota GST Transmission
Source: Kubota tractor corporation

How to Operate a Tractor With GST

To better understand what is a GST transmission on a Kubota tractor, you should know how to drive one. The operation of Kubota farm tractors with GST is similar to the powershift transmission of big agricultural tractors.

So, how does a Kubota GST transmission differ from other types of transmissions? One of the main differences is that it has a main gear shift lever and a shuttle shift lever. You can operate the shuttle shift lever by lifting it up and pushing it forward for forward motion and pushing it backward for reverse.

The gear shift lever is usually located on the left side of the operator seat. The gear switching is simple and only requires pushing the lever to the desired operating gear.

Generally, these Kubota models have 12 forward and 8 reverse gears. Allowing you to select the proper gear according to the type of job you are doing.

One of the benefits of Kubota tractors with GST is that you can shift whenever you want. There is no need to stop the tractor because shifting is possible on the go.

If the terrain you will be operating the tractor on has slopes, you should know that it is never recommended to change gears while you are climbing or descending them. Instead, you should shift to a lower gear before you start ascending or descending.

GST Kubota tractors have a learning curve when it comes to changing gears. Another expert tip from us is that you shouldn’t change gears when you need power. During the short period when the tractor clutches to change gears, it is not under power, which might cause stopping and re-engaging.

Which Kubota Tractors Have GST Transmission?

After explaining what does GST mean on a Kubota tractor, it is time to reveal the models that have such transmission. Unfortunately, not many Kubota tractors are manufactured with GST transmissions, and most of the models with higher horsepower have hydrostatic transmissions (HST).

If you are looking for a Kubota tractor with GST transmission, you will find your fit in the commercial compact tractors. More specifically, the Kubota L60 series features the L4760 and the L5060, which have glide shift transmission.

Kubota GST vs HST

Glide shift and hydrostatic transmission are two distinct systems. Both of them offer unique advantages.

One of their similarities is that the GST and HST won’t require you to clutch when you want to switch from a forward gear to a reverse one or vice versa. However, a crucial difference is when you are switching between the low, medium, and high gears in a tractor with HST transmission, you will have to clutch. In terms of which transmission is the best way to operate the machinery, it comes down to personal driving preferences. 

If we do a short Kubota GST transmission review, we will have to say that this system offers higher reliability for high-torque applications. The efficiency of GST transmissions is somewhat higher for tasks that demand constant speed.

On the other hand, if you need a more powerful tractor, you will probably find it in the Kubota models with HST transmission, from subcompact to utility tractors. They can be used for various tasks, such as landscaping, field preparation, planting, harvesting, and much more.

Kubota GST vs HST

Conclusion

With the assistance of our expert guide, you don’t have to wonder what is Kubota GST transmission. GST stands for glide shift transmission and is a clutchless transmission type. 

Shifting between forward and reverse gears is easy, giving you a smooth ride. If this sounds like your driving style, browse through our inventory and find the perfect tractor according to your driving preferences and field requirements. 

If you have any further questions, you can contact our team, and they will be more than happy to help you.