Buying Advice What SHOULD I buy? Many questions from a newbie...

[flusher]

Since you only want to buy once, you need to get the pto hp that will handle the implements you need for the jobs you have to do around your place. I'd shoot for tractors in the 40-50 hp pto range.

My go-to tractor that I use for most work around my place is a 2008 Mahindra 5525 (54 hp engine, 45 hp pto, 2WD, gear tranny 8F/2R, power steering, triple hydraulic remotes) with the ML250 FEL (6-ft wide bucket,2950 lb lift to 10.5 ft height, three chain hooks, skid steer quick attach option). Cost: ~$19K new. It's probably worth $14-15K now. The mower is a 6-ft brush hog (aka bush hog, slasher, shredder) that cost $1100 when I bought the tractor.



This info will give you a reference point on cost for a 3-year old tractor in the 40-50 hp range with typical options you'll want/need. If you want a hydrostatic tranny, add a few $K. Cab with A/C, heating: add a few more $K.

Good luck

 

[MossflowerWoods]

Since you only want to buy once, you need to get the pto hp that will handle the implements you need for the jobs you have to do around your place. I'd shoot for tractors in the 40-50 hp pto range.

flusher,

You are not the first to basically say "Buy plenty of PTO Power".

I think I get it, but I'd like to understand it better (so I can successfully convince my wife I need that much tractor).


From my seat, I love HP and mo power is MO BETER, but why? candidly a 55 HP tractor seems like massive overkill for a small time (part time) operator like me.

Basically what am I forgetting or not thinking about that will require extra HP in the PTO?

What will 40 HP PTO do better than a 23 HP one?

I'm just not sure I understand the need well enough (not that I understand any of this all that well really).

Thanks in advance,

David

 

[bigbull338]

more hp does 2 things.1 gives you more lifting power with the 3pt,an more lifting power with the fel.plus hp you can grow into when needed.

 

[flusher]

flusher,

You are not the first to basically say "Buy plenty of PTO Power".

I think I get it, but I'd like to understand it better (so I can successfully convince my wife I need that much tractor).


From my seat, I love HP and mo power is MO BETER, but why? candidly a 55 HP tractor seems like massive overkill for a small time (part time) operator like me.

Basically what am I forgetting or not thinking about that will require extra HP in the PTO?

What will 40 HP PTO do better than a 23 HP one?

I'm just not sure I understand the need well enough (not that I understand any of this all that well really).

Thanks in advance,

David

More pto hp = handle larger size implements = faster mowing = less seat time required for your jobs.

 

[TripleR]

There is an old saying on here; don't know the origin: "Bigger isn't always better, sometimes bigger is just bigger."

A bigger tractor is going to pretty much suck in your yard and wife's big garden.

 

[MossflowerWoods]

A bigger tractor is going to pretty much suck in your yard and wife's big garden.

RRR,

Exactly my fear...

I have another thread about an older 18hp Craftsman II with a 42" deck, front blade, rear blade, jake rake, disc, single bottom plow (I think that is all the attachments) that is probably GREAT in the garden, but too small for everything else, and I've likely got too much invested in it to keep it (I'm trying to figure out it's value).

I've already got a nice Deere LX266 16 hp mower for some of the "yard work"...

I'm really looking for that impossible "perfect" size I guess...

Heck, I probably can't afford a 50hp tractor even at 0%...

Maybe I'm in over my head...

 

[MossflowerWoods]

More pto hp = handle larger size implements = faster mowing = less seat time required for your jobs.

Makes sense... Time = Money is usually true...

I'm getting less and less clear on what I should do, not more clear...

 

[MossflowerWoods]

more hp does 2 things.1 gives you more lifting power with the 3pt,an more lifting power with the fel.plus hp you can grow into when needed.

BigBull338,

It just dawned on me the FEL MUST connect to the mid PTO... DOH!

I see your point.

So does anybody here know which compact tractor has the MOST PTO for the $$$? Is there an easy way to compare this across brands?

All o Y'all are being VERY kind and helpful to this newbie, and I truly appreciate it.

Thanks,
Be well,

David

 

[foreman Etexas]

BigBull338,

It just dawned on me the FEL MUST connect to the mid PTO... DOH!

I see your point.

So does anybody here know which compact tractor has the MOST PTO for the $$$? Is there an easy way to compare this across brands?

All o Y'all are being VERY kind and helpful to this newbie, and I truly appreciate it.

Thanks,
Be well,

David

Checkout Used Tractors For Sale at TractorHouse.com: John Deere Tractors, used farm tractors and farm equipment, tractors for sale, Case IH, New Holland, Agco, Kubota and it will help with the prices to hp cost. I think mahindra has the best price to pto hp

But gonna say go with the Kubota been really good tractors for me.........

 

[teg]

BigBull338,

It just dawned on me the FEL MUST connect to the mid PTO... DOH!

I'll be kind... The hydraulics are powered by a pump inside the tractor which provides power to the FEL and the 3ph. The PTO is totally different, it's used for implements and powered by the transmission. The Mid-PTO is for a belly mower, or a front mounted snow blow (which is very nice).

The "best" bang for the buck for kubota is (IMHO ) the L2800!!! But because it has a jerky 3ph, I would not recommend one to anyone. If you have Kioti / Bobcat dealer around, I would / price / looked at some of their 30-35 hp tractors.

Bigger tractor = more fuel, more $$$ for maintenance. I think it comes down to how much time do you have to use your tractor. I have plenty so I have 28 hp (23 PTO hp). Works very well for *me*. I cut a 12 acre pasture twice a year and really enjoy the "seat time"... but it's a 2005 with only 320 hours (I wish it was more). If I had a bigger tractor, I guess I would only have 200 on it!!!! :laughing:

Do plenty of reading, this has been hashed out many times... you might see another point that makes sense to you...

PS. and for God's sake... get to a dealer and test drive a few of them!!!!