PTO HP for ground engaging attachments

[Biggreenavalanche]

Is there a good rule of thumb for the size of ground engaging equipment and proper HP required for it, ie I've heard about 5 PTO HP per foot for mowers...was wondering if I can pull a 2bottom turning plow, or increase to a 7 or 8 foot disk or how big a tiller I can use...I've got a 40 HP (33 @ PTO) , 4 wheel dr, PST 12X12...

Rich

 

[jenkinsph]

I would think you can run a 6 foot 6 tine/rotor tiller and a 6' 20" disc both good for the red clay soil in your locale.

 

[Zebrafive]

I've heard 15hp per bottom for plows

 

[idaho2]

Is there a good rule of thumb for the size of ground engaging equipment and proper HP required for it, ie I've heard about 5 PTO HP per foot for mowers...was wondering if I can pull a 2bottom turning plow, or increase to a 7 or 8 foot disk or how big a tiller I can use...I've got a 40 HP (33 @ PTO) , 4 wheel dr, PST 12X12...

Rich

What size are you looking at 2x12's, 2x14's or 2x16's. Makes big difference. I pull 3x16's with my 55hp in glacial silt (The Palouse) No ballast but use 4wd as needed.

idaho2

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Rich, there are so many variables that without actually being there, it is really hard to say that this or that will work the best for you and your conditions. I have read many times that a person pulls such and such size disk with their tractor and yet my 75hp 10,000lb tractor (without loader) would not pull what some of these guys say that their lesser hp and weight tractors pull. With all the variables that are on my property, all that I can pull pretty much everywhere is an 8 foot offset disk with 22" blades. I can pull our 12 footer of the same style on flat ground, one pass only digging in 8-9". It will not pull it for a second pass and forget altogether anything uphill.

I would agree with jenkinsph that you would probably be safe with a 6 foot disk with 20-22" blades. But if you want to go wider, then type of disk and size of blades and weight are going to make the difference with what you will be able to pull without problems.

Good luck

 

[Gary Fowler]

his site has some pretty good info on hp requirements.

http://archive.lib.msu.edu/DMC/Ag. Ext. 2007-Chelsie/PDF/e1152.pdf

 

[jenkinsph]

Gary, that was a good reference with a good explanation worth a bookmark. Thanks for posting that.

 

[schmism]

I've heard 15hp per bottom for plows

+1

5hp per foot for a med disc. can push 10hp per foot for HD disc

 

[Biggreenavalanche]

Gary, good reference...

I'm thinking I should be able to pull a two bottom without problem and upgrade to a 7 or 8 20" x 2 disk...soil on my place is pretty much heavy clay....

Thanks to all...

Rich