New/Used Tractor Purchase---What Size?

[monteu]

I'm looking at utility or compact tractors. I can't decide which size. I really can't get a good answer from the dealers also about lifting capacity. I have a machine shop and unload steel trucks once a week with my forklift. This is all great except when there's a lot of snow. So I want the option of using the loader with forks to unload trucks and would like to have 1,500 min. lift capacity. Will a 40 hp do this? The tractor will be used for yard maintenance and so forth on a 9 acre acreage also. Is there any particular brand that might be better. I'm looking at Mahindra 3540s now.

 

[Turbys_1700]

The 3540 FEL specs out at a 2700# lift capacity at full height at the pins. Based on the data from my New Holland T4.75, the lift of my FEL is approximately 60% at the bucket edge versus the pins at full height. If that calculation is applicable for the Mahindra, and I see no reason why it would not be, that calculates out to a bucket edge lift capacity of 1600# give or take. If 1500# is your max lift requirements, you should be good to go.

 

[radios1]

new vs. used, as long as you can get a good deal on a low hours, in good shape tractor go for it!. some people only want brand new for some reason, which is not necessarily the best option budget wise.. btw, a used tractor will have all the bugs worked out already!. yeah, sometimes you get bugs with a new tractor!..

 

[jeff9366]

By the time you add counterbalance to the Three Point Hitch, Loader-Tractor-Counterbalance will make a long unit. Will you have room to maneuver?

As you require MINIMUM 1,500 pounds lift, which I suppose actually means 2,000 pounds lift capacity, you need a 5,000 pound bare tractor weight to be safe in snowy/icy conditions. This is Utility Tractor weight. New Utility tractors usually have ~~ 55-horsepower plus.



The fundamental importance of TRACTOR WEIGHT eludes many tractor shoppers. Heavier tractor weight is more important for most tractor applications than increased tractor horsepower. Bare tractor weight is a tractor specification easily found in sales brochures and web sites, readily comparable across tractor brands and tractor models, new and used.


Heavier tractors are constructed on larger frames and longer wheelbases. Heavier tractors are built with thicker steel to withstand greater stress. Heavier tractors have larger diameter wheels/tires, increasing ground clearance. Heavier tractors with large diameter wheels/tires have more tractive power pulling ground contact implements, pushing a loader bucket into dirt and pushing snow. Larger wheels and tires permit heavier tractors to bridge holes, ruts and tree debris with less operator perturbation. Heavier tractors have a wider stance.

When considering a tractor purchase, bare tractor weight first, tractor horsepower second and (narrowly) rear wheel ballast third.

 

[Diggin It]

that calculates out to a bucket edge lift capacity of 1600# give or take. If 1500# is your max lift requirements, you should be good to go.

I would never go with that slim of a margin. 25%-30% safety margin at least.

 

[4570Man]

Just use the tractor to plow snow...

 

[monteu]

If I get to big then it's not as versatile in tight spots so I may have to balance out my wants

 

[jeff9366]

I need a tractor for our 9 acres.

I have a machine shop. One requirements is to put forks on the loader to unload steel trucks when it is snowy. I need to be able to unload at least 2,000 pounds. I am partial to Kubotas for some reason.....but open to New Holland or something else. My main question is will a tractor in the 30 HP size range have that much lift capacity with the loader and be heavy enough.

We don't get a lot of snow, but my driveway is long and if it is snowy or icy at all the forklift is out of the question.

Tractors are designed to pull from the Three Point Hitch. That is why the engine is in front.

Forklifts, Skid Steers and Compact Track Loaders are designed for max FEL lift, that is why the engine is in the rear, for counterbalance.

Consider upgrading your current Forklift to an All-Terrain Forklift.

Woking around the tractors front engine limitations to unload steel safely is applying lipstick on a pig.

 

[LouNY]

Or go with a 3point mounted forklift.

I made my from a forklift mast but you can purchase similar or simpler units.
The load on mine in that pic is a full ton.

 

[Jchonline]

The last thing you want to do is buy a tractor to replace a forklift at doing the one job it is made for. I agree get a tractor for plowing and such only. Size and maneuverability matter.