CUT or Utility

[js5020]

Well the 5020 is getting old, have had it for 20 years and I'm thinking about updating. In my search I am finding CUT prices to be as much or more than a utility tractor. If I go with a CUT it will be larger than the 5020 anyways. I guess what I'm asking, has anyone gone the utility route and did you regret it?
Also without starting a circular debate on 2wd vs 4wd, is my thinking straight as to a 50 hp 2wd utility pulling as good or better than a 30 to 40 hp 4wd CUT, on solid ground of course?

 

[GerardC]

I would think that no matter what the 4WD would be much stronger. Gerard

 

[KiotiJohn]

I've heard it said that 4 WD adds about 20% to what the tractor can do, so a 30 would be equal to about a 36HP, a 40 about 48HP. As far as HP, that's probably about right, but 4WD will also help if you're using a loader as heavy loads often cause the front wheels on a 2WD to bog down, and they have no pulling power to help you out.
I don't think you'd get a whole lot more out of a 50HP 2WD than you would a 40HP 4WD. John

 

[js5020]

Thanks for the response guys, I guess I'm just seeing the prices on these larger CUTs and having sticker shock. Just wondering if the best bang for the buck isn't in the larger machine even if it is 2wd. I was out on the green site and if I remember correctly I priced a 50hp 4wd for less than a 35hp CUT, I'll have to go back and double check to be totally sure. I don't think the difference was much a few hundred.

 

[AndyMA]

John, I have a 43hp Ford/New Holland 4wd 2120 large CUT and a 75hp New Holland 4wd Utility tractor. The TN can do much more work than the 2120. It may be only 20% more pull when you switch into 4wd, but it sure seems like more. Large bolders (3000 to 5000 pounds) that I can't even push in 2wd, move easily when I flip the 4wd button and lock up the front and rear axles. It would be a tough choice of whether to go 40 hp 4 wd or 50 hp 2wd. I think I would go 40 4wd, because there are just too many things that I can't do in 2wd. The added loader and drawbar capacity fo the Utility is very nice, so given a rear choice I'd go 4wd in a utility. 50 hp is too little for a utility size machine. I'd say a bare minimum I would be comfortable with is about 65. I used a TN55 and found it way underpowered. It also had a lighter front axle than its higher hp brothers. The TN is about 9000 pounds with bachhoe and out weighs the 2120 by over 3000 pounds. Again, just my experiences.

Andy

 

[ThistleKop]

JS,
If your tasks that would benefit from having hydro or shuttle shift are not that many, you might want to consider a "plain Jane" tractor in 4wd. JD 5103 and MF 451 would be a good place to start looking.

TK

 

[grandad]

Your profile says you have 4 acres. If that's the property you are working with, some people would say both a 40hp 4wd CUT and a 50hp 2wd utility are in the "overkill" category. Personally, I see nothing wrong with your preferences! But, maybe you could fill us in a bit on what your needs are. Lacking any of the details, all this 50hp vs 40hp and 2wd vs. 4wd discussion is mostly academic.

 

[RoyJackson]

For 4 acres, a 790 would do fine...still looking close to $15K for a new machine with a loader though. I paid $12500 for a year old 790 with loader. So, used might be the way to go... That leaves many options...670, 770, 755, 955 955...and those are just the Deere models. I'm discussing all '90's or newer machines.

I guess the obvious question is what do you want to do with the tractor. If just mowing, get a smaller machine. If other tasks, may size up a bit. My 790 is overkill for most tasks...but just right for my next implement...a chipper/shredder.

 

[js5020]

Agreed, I don't think pulling wise 40hp 4wd vs 50hp 2wd there would be much difference, unless we were in the mud. I agree even 35hp sounds like more hp than I need. Presently I have 25hp and fwd, it's ok for mowing, but for other work snowplowing, box blading it's slow. Moving up to a larger CUT sounds great, I look at some prices, and compare them to the smaller utility tractors, not much difference in prices. Do I need 50hp no, I have nothing that would require that much hp, guess what I'm getting at is if a CUT is going to cost me as much or more than a utility tractor why not go for the utility tractor it's heavier, built for ag. Just looking to see if anyone has gone down this road and what positives and negatives they have found in the process.

 

[frank_f15]

You still have not answered the 2 major questions asked. 1) is 4 acres the only acreage you will use the tractor on? 2) what actually are your tasks to do with the tractor?