Electric would be great for my use if it had enough pulling power. My forklift is electric, Huge battery, but it can't climb any grade at all. My log splitter is kind of a hybrid. It has a big gas engine on it for the big three stage pump, but it also has a small 12 Volt electric pump so I can maneuver it or move something without starting the engine.
Buying Advice Does anyone make real Gas tractors anymore?
- Thread starter Roger66
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Creamer
Elite Member
It looks the same but is a funny color - I am used to seeing those in orange.
DavesTractor
Elite Member
At least one major tractor company is working on a conventionally styled electric compact tractor with 4wd and a loader. I know that, but can't say a word, and honestly if I told you all I knew about it you would probably be disappointed! I know little. Whether it will be in 2 years or 10 years I do not know, but it seems reasonable to me to do this for the occasional light user. An electric tractor can be as powerful as needed, it is quite easy to get a ton of torque out of an electric motor. And it would be quiet and low maintenance and could be charged by solar. Having said that, I think we are a ways out from any significant production.
Back to the gas deal. We know diesel packs more BTU's in a gallon, diesels tend to last a long time, and they are known for a lot of torque. But with direct injection gas engines, they can get close enough to diesel in all those areas that I doubt we would really feel the difference. I'm a diesel fan, I doubt I'd buy a gas tractor even if it was as good, but I don't see why somebody doesn't make one.
As far as gas vs diesel longevity, most 20-30 HP tractors that are 10 years old have 1000 hours or less. Even if a gas was only good for 3000 hours and a diesel was good for 7000 hours, most folks will never see the end of that life cycle. A commercial or farm user that puts 1000 hours a year on his tractor will have different needs.
Back to the gas deal. We know diesel packs more BTU's in a gallon, diesels tend to last a long time, and they are known for a lot of torque. But with direct injection gas engines, they can get close enough to diesel in all those areas that I doubt we would really feel the difference. I'm a diesel fan, I doubt I'd buy a gas tractor even if it was as good, but I don't see why somebody doesn't make one.
As far as gas vs diesel longevity, most 20-30 HP tractors that are 10 years old have 1000 hours or less. Even if a gas was only good for 3000 hours and a diesel was good for 7000 hours, most folks will never see the end of that life cycle. A commercial or farm user that puts 1000 hours a year on his tractor will have different needs.
DazedandConfused
New member
I don’t think that there are any over 25 hp that don’t have any emission equipment wether it is a DOC or DPF.
wagne223
Platinum Member
Exactly, people tend to focus on that HP number when what really matters is the power curve.
Diesels naturally have a wider, flatter curve whereas gasoline tend to be more peaky.
Gasoline is getting better, however to do it requires variable cam timing with dual cams, direct injection and computer controls.
Not sure if the trade off would be worth it.
Just one type of problems for another.
Goose69
Silver Member
I was making a point to the OP, that there are Diesel engines,over 25hp, that are not encumbered with complicated emissions systems, and computers.
...an DOC, requires no real maintenance, does not require any extra fuel burning, or any regeneration cycles.. it basically works the same as a catalytic converter on a gas engine, at least to my knowledge.
.. also on my 2017 model year tractor, there are no sensors on either side of the DOC, and it could be removed and replaced with a straight pipe, if someone so desired.. I personally know an old school feller, that removed it on his new tractor, and blocked off his EGR, he seems happy, and his tractor is running fine.. not what I would do while my tractor is under warranty, but to each their own
nateisw
Member
- Joined
- Sep 28, 2017
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- Location
- Hilo, Hawaii
- Tractor
- Kubota L3830 (just sold), Cub Cadet LT46 riding mower.
For true agricultural applications, diesel is still the best, but for the large amount of us suburban tractor owners, a gas or electric tractor would probably work fine. I used to operate propane powered forklifts back in the military. They don’t make great power, but the engines run really clean and the fuel never goes bad. Is there a reason why they couldn’t be used for tractor engines with really low gearing?
conkli48
Bronze Member
With the advent of common turbo v6 gas motors, that have a lot more torque, i would consider buying a gas tractor. But cost would be biggest thing, if i could save afew grand off retail I would think about it. But with that said i am a small acreage home owner with horses and a small garden, i could get buy with a gas for sure. I am surprised that no manufacturer is making at least one subcompact gas tractor. there are pretty good engines and can get higher hp to avoid restrictions. Like a kohler, briggs, or honda motor more than likely a v twin. They would have enough power and would be easy to work on. If they could offer them at 2500 dollars less than diesel i am certain they would sell. What I am more suprised about is manufacturers like husqavarna and cubcadet abandoned the once hot garden tractor market. with a cat 0 3 point, heavier frame and option for a loader i think they would sell alot of them. The only players are john deere with x700 and simplicity legacy, but in my mind way over priced , you mine as well go for a subcompact real tractor.IF they could come in at the price range of 7 to 8 thousand for a base, and 9500 for a loader. I think it would be a hot seller to the suburban people, it would be way cheaper than a bx or 1 series. even still cheaper than the korean brands. It wouldnt be hard, they could use alot of exsisting parts like hoods and seats as well as levers. But just add more beef. My husqavarna GT 52xlsi, cost me 3199, it has locking rear end and is heavier. The frame isnt nearly heavy enough but, for all intents and purposes this is the top power range of husqavarna. Nice mower, but if you add even 3000 dollars of extras, like heavier frame, beefier rear end and hydrualics, with a 3 point this would be a gold mine. Im thinking more like the old john deere 318s. They sold well and are allover on the used market still. heavy enough for real work and longevity. in my mind john deere wants way to much for there x series.
oldpilgrim
Elite Member
I like not worrying that the gas will go bad in my diesel. Every other gas powered device is a potential problem over the winter..... Even with preservatives. I also like running at 1500 RPMs instead of listening to the engine screaming like in my 22hp ride on mower/tractor.
