Tractor Sizing what's too big

[Jay4200]

All of the candidates have 4wd, FEL, and HST.

Get the 5040. The smaller machines will probably do everything you want, eventually, but there is no replacement for displacement. You can't finish mow with it, but that's what lawn tractors are for. I picked up a mint 16HP Snapper LT for $400 to take care of my mowing chores.

If nothing else, you're eventually going to want a backhoe. You'll need the big machine to carry a decent sized backhoe (9'+). The bitty 'hoes that fit on the smaller machines just don't cut it.

JayC

[powerstroke444e]

Got for the 5040 we have a b26 and a m5400 and if I had one for use around the farm it would be the m5400. For trenching and excavation work the b26 is what we use.

[wolc123]

For that type usage, and acreages between 10 and 150, I would say that 1 hp per acre is just about right. Any more is overkill, and less is asking for trouble on occasion.

[mdelmarcelle]

I'm in a similar situation. I have 40 acres, about 3/4 wooded. I had been using an old Massey Harris 50 (bout 30hp). Those older tractors made the most out of the power they had and that tractor was very good. But when it came to pulling heavy stuff or plowing snow, it was a bit light. So, I actually went with a M7040SUD when I recently purchased a new tractor. It's a basic tractor, so the price was reasonable. The extra weight and power are nice. If it were me, I wouldn't go below the 5040, and I'd even consider going a little bigger.

[JimP]

IMHO go for the 5040. Any tractor is a compromise but the extra ground clearance, FEL capacity and 3 pt capacity of the 5040 will come in handy and as others point out you can make the trails a foot wider. Besides, tractors have a way of getting smaller after a year or two.