Pros and Cons to owning a Heavier Tractor??

[4570Man]

I have never had a tractor with r4s stuck without burying the axels. Once your axels are buried it doesn't matter what tires you have because your still stuck. I also agree with the larger tractor causing less damage with the same load.

 

[TSO]

I don't think you ever said why exactly you're looking to replace the B7800 with the 3520 ....? Thai would allow more informed responses.

 

[gladehound]

"I am fairly new to tractors and would like to know the pros and
cons to a heavier tractor."

- heavier tractor will push and pull more before slipping, will be more stable carrying a given load, may or may not compact your yard more depending on tire size.

"Also, if someone could comment on the difference in tires.
Most of my work is hauling material, and firewood and general use around
the yard."

- Turfs are best for keeping the yard nice. That being said, many use industrials on the yard including me. But I don't go on it when it is wet (and wouldn't with Turfs either).

"Should also ask if the JD 3520 is a good model to consider. Have not owned
a JD utility tractor."

- no idea

"The JD also has rear wheel weights installed. Good idea to keep these on?"

- I would keep them on. Extra weight in the back probably is good for stability and traction and usually has no detrimental effect on the lawn because it is the front tires that tend to have he most ground pressure because they are smaller and the loader sits way out front.

 

[4570Man]

Something I have never seen debated. Would R4s or R1s work better going backwards? If you really want to go in mud get a set of R2s.

 

[roadhunter]

The weight won't be enough to make much of a difference IMO. The tires of the heavier tractor will have much better traction as well as handle heavier loads.

 

[Sportsman762]

The pro's and cons depend on your use of the tractor. I have a Ford 8n that's 25 hp and 3000+ lbs and a Massey 20C that is 45 hp and 6000 lbs. Both are 2 wheel drive. The Massey can handle heavier attachments without a counter weight and could pull a larger plow. The 8N is able to mow more of the soft sections of the field than the MF. I have not sunk the MF but it will most like be a pain to pull out compared to the Massey. Transport of the 8N is easier because it does not max the trailer weight limit. (also the ramps need rebuild due the the MF crushing them.)
I prefer the tractor to be as light as it can be to perform the necessary work. Heavier tractors compact the ground more, are harder to transport, harder to make unstuck. However a heavier tractor can also handle heavier attachments, the 8N cannot even pick up the counterweight for the MF. When the 8n has the 5' Howse brushog on the back the steering is light, however the MF does not even notice it.

 

[Luke'sScreenName]

Nobodys mentioned fuel use and weight.

 

[bdog]

Unless hauling it or messing up a yard are concerns get the heaviest tractor you can find.

My tractor weighs about 15,000 lbs and there are times I wished it were heavier.

Weight equals traction. When pulling things every tractor I have ever sat on will lose traction before it runs out of power. This includes mfwd models. If you are using a loader and pickup heavy things a heavier tractor will be more stable. I have lifted things with the pallet forks on a 95hp tractor with cab and loaded tires and had the rear end so light I couldn't move on dry gravel. In my eyes the heavier the better.

Now if you are trying to haul your tractor around on a wimpy trailer with a half ton pickup or if you drive it across a manicured lawn your needs may be different. For the things I do I need power and the way to get that power to the ground is weight.

My 19,000lb backhoe has R4 tires and I have driven it across my lawn when it was dry and it didn't hurt anything.

 

[bdog]

Nobodys mentioned fuel use and weight.

Valid point but for the average home owner this is a non issue. Most people don't put a ton of hours on their tractors and the fuel cost is not a significant issue. How many hours realistically will most people use them? Is even a 25% difference in economy does add up to much in dollars.

 

[TomSeller]

I have never had a tractor with r4s stuck without burying the axels. Once your axels are buried it doesn't matter what tires you have because your still stuck. I also agree with the larger tractor causing less damage with the same load.

I never bury myself up to the axles. If I am "stuck" I grab another tractor and pull that one out well before going up the "axles". No sense getting in deeper.