is there a big difference in 6 HP ?

[k0ua]

There is a lot more than horsepower vs weight going on there. One, the drawbar isn't level, which hurts the Deere significantly. Two, a steam engine can create boatloads of torque at zero RPM, which is a huge advantage. On top of all that, the steamer weighs a lot more....it's pretty much a stacked deck in every way.

All very true, but still the little green thing, made a pretty good tiller:laughing:

 

[LD1]

I never get tired of watching that video.

Illustrates my point very well though.

Just guessing but ~15HP @ 15000# vs 500HP 7000lbs.......

Its clear what one pulls better. But I bet that big steamer wouldnt have the power to dive a Bushhog or tiller anywhere near the size of the deere

 

[Roadbuilder6]

I am with GmanBart, If the only purpose of your machine is moving and digging dirt, buy a skid steer. A cat 247 or a Kubota SLV75 would be perfect. A tractor with a loader can do the work, BUT, if all your doing is moving dirt buy a machine that was designed for this specific task.

 

[Ankenyike]

Will be doing mowing, some ground tilling, auger work etc as well.

 

[LD1]

deleted

 

[TSO]

Yeah, if you can only have 1 machine , I'd take a tractor any day. I would love to have a tracked SS in addition to my tractor (for my business) but I don't think I could give up my tractor as my "one and only" machine.

 

[s219]

Even just 15-20 years ago, tractors had a lot less HP for the size/weight. And I think they were better scaled to the typical work. Most CUTs are now limited by traction rather than power. Sure, more power will help hydraulics, lifting, etc, but ultimately there needs to be weight paired with the extra power to take advantage of the extra capacity.

 

[sixdogs]

What a great video illustrating horsepower, weight and their relationship to each other.

 

[Threepoint]

What a great video illustrating horsepower, weight and their relationship to each other.

I think it must be the turf tires on the steamer.

 

[Brendanspapa]

More weight will buy more performance for most tasks than more horsepower, with the exception of power-hungry pto operations and heavy tillage. Weight translates directly to more traction and more stability. Weight can be increased on your tractor by adding ballast such as fluid in the tires, wheel weights, front weights and implements, or by buying a larger machine, in increasing order of cost. When buying a tractor I would recommend getting MFWD in the largest affordable tractor that suits your needs. You will be more satisfied with the results, get more work done, and not continue adding fixes for inadequacies.