How much trailer weight can my tractor tow?

[WinterDeere]

Did we just experience our first AI member response?

 

[bigtiller]

Did we just experience our first AI member response?

You could be right, it does read a little different than what the average joe wrights here. But maybe steve is an english teacher who has very good typing skills and likes tractors??

 

[milkman636]

Did we just experience our first AI member response?

The “myers” link is entertaining…….I guess there’s a variety of ways to boost statistics on forums.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

Com-on, hook that trailer up and get going! That size tractor won't have any problem pulling it.

Here's mine getting it done!

SR

 

[WranglerX]

In my mind this thread should have been more like "How Much Ca My Tractor Stop"....

 

[Jackson53]

I've got a New Holland PowerStar 75. It's about 8,000 lbs counting the FEL. It's got 16.9R30s on the back. I'm able to add about 2,000 lbs with the front forks carrying a 275 gallon IBC tote for water weight and balance.

My question is, how heavy of a trailer can I tow using either the 3PH (~3,500 lbs capacity) or the draw bar itself. I'm not able to find anything concerning this rating online.

For planting and irrigating purposes, I'd really like to haul a trailer with dual 7,000 lb axles. I might even be able to carry more than one implement to the farm at a time. But I've never tried to pull a trailer with the tractor so I don't really know what I'm doing. Any help appreciated.

Note that I am not trying to tow the tractor ON the trailer, which I have no need for. Rather, I am hoping to tow the trailer WITH the tractor.

Within the owners manual, you can find the recommended towing capacity based on the weight of the machine. This is typically the maximum weight to look for without any additional implements or modifications added to the tractor.
If you are unable to find this metric, a good rule of thumb is that the towing capacity is typically 50% of the machine’s weight.
The last thing to consider is the machine itself, mainly the following things:

• The tires on the tractor (i.e. ag tires, turf tires, industrial)
• 4-Wheel Drive or 2-Wheel Drive
• Draw Bar Height (Below rear axle or extended for adjustment)
• Rear weight of the tractor (Added wheel weights or fluid within tires for greater traction)
• Front weight of the tractor (Front-End Loader attached and/or additional weight in the bucket)

 

[Zork]

Considering that the speed is slow, brakes are not necessary.

Tell that to someone's lawyer if you ever injure them.

 

[Skoalstar]

I have a power star 4.75. Pretty sure it says 8 tons on the drawbar on a number plate somewhere close.

I have used a 3pt adapter to move trailers all around

 

[EdwardL]

The best answer I can give you is it depends. The tow bar is the best and most preferred way to pull a trailer. A 3 point can rise up uncontrolled. The biggest factor you need to look at is the tongue weight. And like the person earlier said terrain matters not to mention does the trailer have brakes (most when pulled with smaller tractors don't) I think this is why manufactures of tractors don't give a weight rating on the trailer size. Too many factors.

Hi. You wrote "A 3 point can rise up uncontrolled." How does that happen? I'm sort of new at using a tractor.

 

[tjandrews]

We live on a main road in Central NY, where the terrain can be very hilly. I don't have occasion to do it myself, but we can watch all day long as other farmers pull large implements and loaded wagons with tractors by the house. I doubt that these implements are equipped with brakes of any kind. I also see pickups go by with loaded hay and forage wagons behind them, again without additional brakes that I can see.
Accidents have happened, but in my 74 years, all the ones I've heard about were caused by impatient drivers going around the farm implement/wagon when it wasn't safe to do so.
BTW, the owner's manual for the only 4WD tractor we own, a JD 4600, specifically advises against using the 4WD on the highway.

 

[olenjohn]

With so many variables it’s almost impossible to determine. A downhill grade, on pavement it would pull your 7000 dual axle trailer overloaded beyond 15,000 pounds. If you went to soft sand with uphill grade you won’t be able to move the trailer at all. So the question will be answered by your trial and error.

 

[LouNY]

Hi. You wrote "A 3 point can rise up uncontrolled." How does that happen? I'm sort of new at using a tractor.

On a 3 point hitch the lift arms are only lifted up and held up, they are free to lift on there own.
If you go out to a tractor and lift on the 3 point lift arms you can pick them up easily.
Nothing prevents them from floating up, when an implement or anything is connected to the 3 point any external force that tries to lift the arms can do so. If the arms are above horizontal to the ground and the equipment tries to push for any reason the lift arms can easily lift up untill something stops them often it is tractor componets as there often is not any type of internal stop.
A trailer hitched to a 3 point drawbar can easily lift the arms if the tongue becomes light for any reason, a heavy load on the rear of the trailer, or pushing against the tractor while slowing or going down hill.

 

[5030]

Tell that to someone's lawyer if you ever injure them.

Never had that issue and I've pulled my fully loaded (overloaded) GN numerous times with either of my M9's in the past. Top speed in 12th gear is 22 mph, not warp factor one by a long shot. 27 4x5 densely packed round bales is a gob of weight.

Heck, back when I ran idiot cubes, I've pulled a fully loaded tandem axle hay rack with my quad as well.

Out here, lawyers are an option. Common sense always applies.

It seems as though in today's society, lawyers are the panacea to any issue today. Only thing I have one on retainer for is farm related business and nothing more.

 

[BlueKnife]

It's great to hear about your New Holland PowerStar 75 and your plans to use it for hauling purposes. To determine the maximum trailer weight you can safely tow with your tractor, it's important to consider a few factors:

1. Tractor Capacity: Your tractor's 3-point hitch (3PH) has a capacity of approximately 3,500 lbs, and you can use this as a reference for the maximum trailer tongue weight. However, this doesn't necessarily dictate the maximum trailer weight since it also depends on your tractor's overall stability and power.
2. Draw Bar: The drawbar is another option for towing, but its capacity may not be explicitly stated. In most cases, the drawbar capacity is lower than the 3PH capacity. You should check your tractor's manual or contact the manufacturer for specific drawbar weight ratings.
3. Tractor Stability: When towing a heavy trailer, it's crucial to ensure that your tractor remains stable. Factors such as the tractor's wheelbase myers, tire size, and overall weight distribution play a significant role in maintaining stability.
4. Legal Requirements: Be sure to check local regulations regarding trailer weight limits for agricultural equipment on public roads. Compliance with these regulations is essential for safety and legality.

Given your tractor's specifications and your desire to haul a trailer with dual 7,000 lb axles, it's advisable to consult your tractor's manual or contact the manufacturer directly for guidance on the maximum trailer weight you can safely tow. They can provide you with specific information tailored to your tractor model, which will help you make informed decisions for your planting and irrigating tasks. Additionally, consider working with a local agricultural equipment dealer or a professional to ensure safe towing practices.

You're not a real person, are you?

 

[5030]

On a 3 point hitch the lift arms are only lifted up and held up, they are free to lift on there own.
If you go out to a tractor and lift on the 3 point lift arms you can pick them up easily.
Nothing prevents them from floating up, when an implement or anything is connected to the 3 point any external force that tries to lift the arms can do so. If the arms are above horizontal to the ground and the equipment tries to push for any reason the lift arms can easily lift up untill something stops them often it is tractor componets as there often is not any type of internal stop.
A trailer hitched to a 3 point drawbar can easily lift the arms if the tongue becomes light for any reason, a heavy load on the rear of the trailer, or pushing against the tractor while slowing or going down hill.

Don't apply to me at all simply because I use my modified rear hay spear with a GN ball welded on the top and the 3PH is always at full elevation when pulling the GN loaded. I rarely use the drawbar for pulling anything other than drawbar pulled implements like round balers and disc mowers. Even my Kuhn Gyro-rake is 3 point mounted which I much prefer because I can lift it at the end of a windrow and not leave a curved tail of forage that I have to 'chase' with the baler.

I like to keep my windrows straight always. Makes for easier round bailing.

 

[5030]

Additionally, it's flat as a board here so no grades or hills to deal with. Here in SE Michigan, the only grades are the off and on ramps for the e-way.

 

[MGP4506]

Hi. You wrote "A 3 point can rise up uncontrolled." How does that happen? I'm sort of new at using a tractor.

Most 3 points hitches don't have down pressure. They only lift. The weight of the implement lowers it and keeps it down

 

[BadgerCheese]

Most 3 points hitches don't have down pressure. They only lift. The weight of the implement lowers it and keeps it down

Does that mean, if you're using the 3pt, that you want to load the trailer hitch heavy? Since the 3pt floats up, would that reduce the potential for the hitch to raise up depending on terrain? Seems scary, in concept, to have the back of the trailer bottom out or make the ball/pintel carry the upward force of the trailer & load.

 

[seijirou]

Does that mean, if you're using the 3pt, that you want to load the trailer hitch heavy? Since the 3pt floats up, would that reduce the potential for the hitch to raise up depending on terrain? Seems scary, in concept, to have the back of the trailer bottom out or make the ball/pintel carry the upward force of the trailer & load.

This is why tractors have draw bars. 3pts are not for towing.

 

[charliecrew]

Ah good point. I was sure I'd miss something.

My region is entirely flat, with only slight grades rarely.

The tractor has a 7-pin trailer connection. 6 around the circle, and one in the middle. The pins themselves are round, not flat blades. Unfortunately, none of this means much to me. I just don't know enough about trailers, but I'm trying to fix that.

You have what is called an Industial connecter on the tractor, if the trailer has the 7 wire rv plug you will need to make or buy an adapter. Most of the industrial connectors have separate turn and brake light feeds.