How much can a 40hp tractor tow??

IslandTractor · May 31, 2016

I always have my FEL mounted so can easily pile some rocks or sand in the bucket to provide ballast. My DK40se is identical to the CT440 except for paint so if the CT can handle 1400lbs tongue weight I should be OK.

Backup from a neighbor with the F250 is possible but it would be convenient not to need to coordinate with him. Besides, I like the idea of a tractor pulling a boat down the road. Still not sure this will happen (am only considering buying the used boat/trailer at this juncture).

oosik · May 31, 2016

I don't think you will have any problems with sufficient power to pull. The problem will lie with sufficient weight & traction. Does the tractor have sufficient weight to provide the traction needed. You don't want to get into a situation where the "load" is requiring more traction than the tractor can provide.

Your tractor lists at 4130 to 4566 pounds without FEL or added weight. I would hook it up and try it on level ground and see how it acts.

Xfaxman · May 31, 2016

IslandTractor said:
Can a 40hp tractor tow a 9000-10000lb boat/trailer up (and down) a 5-7% grade? Speed not an issue. Just moving a boat trailer to and from a boat ramp on rural dirt road. Mostly flat except for one hill.

How did you determine the grade of the hill?

5-7% isn't much of a hill.

Beltzington · May 31, 2016

My tractor with FEL weighs about 500LBS less than yours and I have pulled a 6,000 LBS camping trailer on level ground. That experience leads me to say I absolutely would not want to try to control the same camper going down a hill 4WD or no. Good Luck.

hosspuller · May 31, 2016

oosik has pointed out the real question. You could with the proper gearing pull the loaded trailer with "FOUR" hp. The greater Hp only provides increased speed of the pull. You need tractor weight to generate traction to pull and control the trailer. 40 horsepower does you nothing if the wheels are spinning or sliding on the ground. Judging by your avatar, you have a BH, can you pull the trailer with the BH mounted ? If not get and use a counter weight , wheel weights or some combination to increase the tractor weight and traction.

The Fred · May 31, 2016

Do a video for us so we can have a funny either way. If you go in the drink you can do a Youfundit site and we who laughed can donate a few bucks to dry your butt out.:stirthepot:

Regards, Fred

seemynewname · May 31, 2016

It depends on the weight of the tractor, not the horsepower, most tractors can pull at least twice their own weight with anything approaching decent traction. The problem is stopping. Without a brake controller, and electric brakes, you won't have any trailer brakes.

Ford850 · May 31, 2016

As others have said, stopping could be the problem. If the tractor loses traction, the trailer will be skidding the tractor down hill with no brakes. The surge brakes might not work either since there would be no 'surge' from the tractor braking.

Luke'sScreenName · May 31, 2016

FWIW: I have a similar sized tractor I think. I frequently tow a 5ton dump trailer loaded at or above capacity up and down slopes exceeding 7% but not 300yds long. No trailer brakes. And never have had loss of control. Never any issues with breaking but I do keep it in low range and don't rush it.

Tractor is weighted to about 8,000lbs always in 4wd. Always have the loader on too.

IslandTractor · May 31, 2016

Xfaxman said:
How did you determine the grade of the hill? 5-7% isn't much of a hill. <img src="http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=470381"/>

5-7% is a guesstimate. I traverse the road (side to side) frequently and notice a slope but my sphincter does not contract. I have calibrated my sphincter using a bubble gauge while traversing various slopes and know that initial warnings start about 9-10 degrees and that panic sets in at about 15. The hill in question doesn't set off alarms so I'm guessing 5-7%. It does vary a bit over the 900 feet from top to bottom.