eaglemrpaul
New member
I recently had the opportunity to attend John Deere’s winter sales meetings in Sarasota, Florida. At one of the training stations there were 2 tractors, a John Deere and a popular competitive tractor. According to manufacturers printed specs each tractor puts out 45 PTO horsepower. Both were hooked to identical dynamometers. The John Deere 4520, when run at PTO speed, exceeded 45 HP. The competitive tractor only hit the upper 30s. I realize the test was for only 5 minutes, however extending testing time probably would have decreased the results for both. For several years I have taken for granted that printed specs from manufacturers were accurate or at least close. The slap in the face was that there is no required industry standard. The Nebraska Tractor Test for HP are voluntary for every manufacturer selling tractors outside of Nebraska. In the years I have been selling tractors, potential buyers by majority are pricing HP per dollar. Without an outside independent mandatory test who keeps the manufacturers honest.
As Compact Tractor sales continue to increase buyers are being asked to pay for HP numbers which may only be attainable in the mind of the guy producing the brochure.
As Compact Tractor sales continue to increase buyers are being asked to pay for HP numbers which may only be attainable in the mind of the guy producing the brochure.