Hello TBN crew! I've been lurking for awhile and I need to get out of the shadows and get some help I'm planning on a new tractor ASAP and my challenge is, as most, what size tractor to purchase. I have 5 acres but, live on the family farm that is 100 acres. My short term plans for the tractor would primarily to maintain our gravel road and some grass/weed mowing (bush hog or Flail). I may use the tractor time and again to help with snow removal yet, I have a Polaris Ranger 800 with a 6' blade that has worked great so far. The challenge is, we live at 5500 feet in elevation and we live up on a hill. Road is small gravel and road base mix to provide traction up to the house in the winter.
So, the gravel road to our home is about 400 yards in total, front and back drive. The front drive is about 100 yards but at about a 40-45 degree slope. The back drive is longer and not so steep.
1. What HP tractor is necessary to be able to effectively landplane/grade this? I've been back and forth on if a 35 HP is enough or do I need to go to 40-45 HP? It seems that it's about 10 grand difference to move from 35-45 hp and I just don't want to be under powered and yet still like the idea of a smaller tractor and more money to go to other implements.
2. What size landplane/grader would you recommend for the size of tractor? If 35 hp is enough, would 6' be too big?
Most of the other chores are not as hp dependent, I don't think. Sorry if this is longwinded, and I'd be happy to answer more questions if I'm not clear.
Thanks in advance for your help!
So, the gravel road to our home is about 400 yards in total, front and back drive. The front drive is about 100 yards but at about a 40-45 degree slope. The back drive is longer and not so steep.
1. What HP tractor is necessary to be able to effectively landplane/grade this? I've been back and forth on if a 35 HP is enough or do I need to go to 40-45 HP? It seems that it's about 10 grand difference to move from 35-45 hp and I just don't want to be under powered and yet still like the idea of a smaller tractor and more money to go to other implements.
2. What size landplane/grader would you recommend for the size of tractor? If 35 hp is enough, would 6' be too big?
Most of the other chores are not as hp dependent, I don't think. Sorry if this is longwinded, and I'd be happy to answer more questions if I'm not clear.
Thanks in advance for your help!