How much tractor do I need?

[Kosmo]

Hi all,
I'm a brand newbe. I've been reading the forum here for a few months and have now decided to participate. I bought a 38 acre property last fall with a 3/4 mile driveway and need to by a tractor to maintain it. It has a nasty switchback that must be plowed in the winter and I'm assuming will require 4wd. It's gravel so I will also need to grade it during the year. Other uses will be rough cutting about 10 acres of fields on occasion and hauling wood. What's the minimum size tractor I need. I do need to keep the cost down so I can't oversize too much. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Schwartz04]

you will be plenty fine with a 30hp or less tractor and I would recomend the 4x4

 

[IslandTractor]

30hp minimum but I think you could justify up to 40 without worrying about overkill. It is just an issue of time it takes to get projects done.

 

[cperky]

Is the 38 acres hilly? flat? wooded? I like the others think at least 30hp but would probably be better to have 35 or 40. Do you plan on using any pto equipment or a front end loader

 

[WarrenF]

Buy a tractor you can afford. If that is a used one with all sorts of horsepower then BUY IT. You will always wonder what you could do if you had just a bit more horsepower.....if you buy one that doesn't have enough. And you will always smile and find great satisfaction if you have plenty of horsepower.

 

[QRTRHRS]

Looking at your list of needs, I assume that you want a front end loader on your tractor? If so and depending on the amount of snow that you anticipate moving then make sure you buy a tractor with adequate hydraulics.

By that, I mean that the loader raising the loader and rolling the bucket should not take all day or you will be on that drive all day.

Distinguish between engine hp and PTO hp. IMHO, 30PTO is the minimum that you need, 40 would be better.

A six foot brush hog is about tops for 30hp (PTO). That ten acre cut will take about ~eight hours or so to get done.

You mentioned switchback. Is your property hilly? You will want a stable platform. Some of these compacts will take your breath away the way they feel on a sidehill.

If you buy used, big hp is cheap, compact tends to hold the price especially at a dealer. Don't go to big though, no more than say 70hp.

 

[Soundguy]

25-30hp 4x4.. perhaps with loader and an HST tranny.

soundguy

 

[smfcpacfp]

In my opinion, as much as you can afford. The penalty for too small a tractor is that it won't do what you want. The penalty for too large a tractor - there isn't one.

 

[cperky]

The penalty for too small a tractor is that it won't do what you want. The penalty for too large a tractor - there isn't one.

A large tractor can be a little rough around the house. They are not as manuverable in tight spots ,but, they will never be underpowered.

 

[IslandTractor]

In my opinion, as much as you can afford. The penalty for too small a tractor is that it won't do what you want. The penalty for too large a tractor - there isn't one.

Except for:

1) bigger hole in your wallet
2) higher fuel costs
3) larger storage space
4) more expensive attachments
5) less manuverable

Just the right size is best. Challenge is deciding what that is and recognizing that it inevitably comes down to a compromise.