is there a big difference in 6 HP ?

[GManBart]

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

Since you're going to lose money on the 3038E, and the bigger machine will cost even more, you could keep the 3038E, and use the money you would have spent on the bigger tractor for something like a used skid steer or backhoe for dirt moving duties. That would let you do all the jobs you're talking about, but do them better and faster.

 

[sd455dan]

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

look into a utility - ag tractor get some weight to put the power to work. my:2cents:

 

[WM75Guy]

I bought my Boomer 8N after the TC40DA. The TC40DA is 40HP engine/33HP PTO. The Boomer 8N is 50HP engine/40 HP PTO. I can tell a difference when using my cutter or tiller, the Boomer 8N is better. When dragging the arena the TC40DA does better as it has the FEL putting more weight to the wheels. The TC40DA rides smoother with the added weight. My next tractor will be in the 75-100HP range, not so much for power as to get the greater lift capacity of the FEL.

Would I spend the money again for an extra 10 HP gain, no. If you are going bigger make it a significant improvement. Otherwise save your money and if you need bigger occasionally rent it or contract it out. Your tractor will probably do the job, it just takes longer. I found my time is pretty cheap compared to what I pay others.

 

[big bubba]

sounds as if you've come down with the new tractor fever. it's a tough one to recover from without reaching deep in your pockets... (your significant other is the best deterrent).... having said that, i'm with Messicks. get the biggest tractor you can get away with (if you must have one) the MX series is one of the biggest bangs for the buck in that range. i do agree with several other posters: it's all about weight & frame size as well as just more hp. recommend loading rear tires if you go w/the new tractor route. financially, i'd be in better shape now if i could have just looked at my needs rather than my wants when it comes to this subject. but i do love heavy duty machinery unch:

 

[vnbcat]

there are a couple of things -
in simple terms you can look at HP and weight -

in user terms, what will be the primary use - since a tractor is a functioning unit - assess the qualities which you need
1. durability
2. service
3. weight
4. engine power
5. ease of use
6. transmission
give each of these a weight and if possible, go try a particular model in the primary application

if you notice large farming operations will have different size tractors and some will have even different brands - no one manufacturer necessarily fills all needs just as no one tractor ideally does everything well or efficiently - bigger is no help if you have to work in confined space...
just a few of my thoughts...


most of us want the most HP as the 1st requirement...but a light overpowered tractor is useless -

 

[TSO]

..

most of us want the most HP as the 1st requirement...but a light overpowered tractor is useless -

In some cases...

I do a lot of stump grinding with my tractor. Lighter weight is easier on lawns, but higher HP is required to run it efficiently.

Other PTO intensive applications apply as well.

Pulling and grunt applications, yes, weight is definitely required to put the power to the ground.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

In some cases...

I do a lot of stump grinding with my tractor. Lighter weight is easier on lawns, but higher HP is required to run it efficiently.

Other PTO intensive applications apply as well.

Pulling and grunt applications, yes, weight is definitely required to put the power to the ground.

I would like to add to this post. Typically in any certain frame size there are 3-4 HP variations. It is obvious that depending on what the PTO requirements may be, more HP is required. Other than that each tractor because it is basically the same weight, hydraulic flow etc is basically the same. So if the main purpose is to do dirt work, a person thinks that they might as well save some $$$$ and just get the lower HP machine. They all can only make use of the same size implement, after all weight gets you the traction and all the models are basically the same weight in the frame size being looked at.

Well here's where the more HP becomes an advantage, while all the models will psychically pull the same weight, they will not pull the same weight at the same speed. So while more HP does not equal using bigger implements, it does make it possible to do the same job faster.

Just my :2cents:

 

[GManBart]

Well here's where the more HP becomes an advantage, while all the models will psychically pull the same weight, they will not pull the same weight at the same speed. So while more HP does not equal using bigger implements, it does make it possible to do the same job faster.

Just my :2cents:

Any sort of hills will do the same thing...the tractor with less power may not be able to run a certain size implement up hills, where the one with more power might. It's probably not a good idea to get that close to the limits anyway, but stuff happens.

 

[LD1]

Yep. If you are talking about pulling a blade, or pulling logs, speed and power are rarely an issue.

But if pulling anything, especially in road gear, like a load of firewood or grain buggy, More HP is nice for any hills. Sometimes can eliminate needing to downshift on the fly