Figures Missing ...

DAP · Mar 5, 2004

If faced with the following, what are the deciding factors?

assuming all other things being equal,

 A 2800 lb. tractor with 27hp with HST

OR

 A 2400 lb. tractor with 30hp with HST

Which machine has the 'overall' performance edge?

/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

yooperdave · Mar 5, 2004

You can always add weight to a tractor, but not so easy to add horsepower.

I would be be more concerned with fit and feel to yourself.

Good Luck

Yooper Dave

Bob_In_MN · Mar 5, 2004

Well,

Depends on what you want it to do.

Assuming the increased HP means increased HP at the PTO, then I would take the 30 HP if I were doing a lot of PTO work where weight was not a huge factor--bush hogging comes to mind.

But, if I were to use the tractor for other 3 point work that requires traction such as box blading, then I would want the heavier tractor.

Bob

DAP · Mar 5, 2004

Now remember Bob, I said 'assuming all other things being equal'.

Just because some individuals *cough* can have multple machines for specific purposes *cough* doesn't mean *jealous* that *cough* that will work for everyone else! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

We all practice the process of elimination when choosing which machine to run and this inevitably involves some compromises. If ya can't live with the compromises ya made, then they were not really compromises. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

That being said, the question stands ...

Bob_In_MN · Mar 5, 2004

Well--then I'm with Dave. I'd get the higher HP and add more weight as needed /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Bob

JerryG · Mar 5, 2004

Which machine has the 'overall' performance edge? 
The last one for mowing, the first one for everything else.

ScottAR · Mar 5, 2004

In real world operating, I don't think it would make much difference. Perhaps if you put them side by side on the same day. Get the one that "fits" best and don't worry about posted specs much.

KiotiJohn · Mar 6, 2004

Well, since weight helps one to use the HP potential better, and added weight is sometimes a strain on the drive train, I'd rather start out with a higher weight tractor to begin with as I have found that this HP difference is somewhat compensated for by the tractor being able to use the HP because of the weight. But, as was mentioned earlier, if you need added PTO HP, then the higher horsepower tractor may be better and loaded tires wouldn't be an addition to worry about as far as the drive train goes. I suspect I would go with the lower HP/greater weight tractor though. John

narcnh · Mar 6, 2004

I'd take the horsepower behind door number two. Better tractor for mowing (lighter) and PTO use (HP). Weight can always be added, if needed. But, as Dave said, they are so close that how the tractor fits and feels to you should probably be the deciding factor ("Gee, I really like this cup holder better."

rambler · Mar 7, 2004

As someone else said, it depends on what you are going to do the most of.

Seems very close to me, I would take the better built machine - features you did not list. The one with better controls, better options, better made (not Chineese), and so on. If you are in tight places, the smaller wheelbase. If you are running a loader/backhoe, the one with better hyd pump. The one with a closer or better or more stable dealer nearby.

After all that, if they still came out identical, then I'd pick the more hp probably. But, I'd consider the previous paragraph a whole lot motr than 3 hp or a couple 100lbs of weight.....

--->Paul