what is a hydrostatic transmission

A hydrostatic transmission is a type of transmission that transmits energy using hydraulic fluid. It is a system that converts mechanical power into fluid power and then to shaft power. The hydrostatic drive consists of a hydraulic pump-motor combination, and it is preferred over gear-based drive in many applications due to its step-less speed change. Hydrostatic transmissions with fixed or variable hydraulic pumps and fixed or variable motor combinations provide an extended range of motor speeds and torques. The hydrostatic drive can be described as a hydraulic system where a hydraulic pump runs the motor using fluids. A hydrostatic transmission tractor has a transmission that uses hydraulic fluid and a variable displacement pump, which converts mechanical energy to hydraulic energy for use with a hydraulic motor. While hydrostatic transmissions are highly dependable, the closed system means that it must be serviced by a professional.