40 HP vs 55 HP in the same tractor

[Sawyer Rob]

What about the heat treat of critical parts, are they the same for both? YES, sometimes they are different...

Is the pto drive line exactly the same?

Cooling system exactly the same?

Many times there's changes you never see...

SR

 

[Cataclysm]

I am sure this applies to most makes, but for example with an LS XR tractor you can get the same engine, frame, tires with HP ranging from 40 to 55. Where would the extra 15 really make any difference with the identical tractor? From what I understand once the warranty runs out you can just "turn up the fuel" to make a 55 hp tractor.

Weight is how much work you can do, horsepower is how fast you can do it. I haven't heard of anyone being able to turn up the power on the LS XR. I was told its the "same motor" but that's a broad statement as mentioned above.

I have the LS XR4155HC/R4's/6700lbs with the BB on with no other added weight. It has a lot of power for its weight. I can run the loader into loose piles in 2nd range with front assist. At maximum power it doesn't quite spin the tires. Which is perfect for me so I don't run my tires down or tear up where I'm loading. With a 40hp version you may have to push into piles in 1st range and it would probably be easier to spin the tires.

I can run 15mph max on smooth pavement. Doesn't matter what implement assuming its sized correctly for the tractor. It does slow down on hills but lifting a bit on the HST pedal will keep it moving and not stall.

If you have the time the 40hp version will be just fine. If you like to get moving go with the 55hp version.

 

[4tillingdirt]

Weight is how much work you can do, horsepower is how fast you can do it. I haven't heard of anyone being able to turn up the power on the LS XR. I was told its the "same motor" but that's a broad statement as mentioned above.

I have the LS XR4155HC/R4's/6700lbs with the BB on with no other added weight. It has a lot of power for its weight. I can run the loader into loose piles in 2nd range with front assist. At maximum power it doesn't quite spin the tires. Which is perfect for me so I don't run my tires down or tear up where I'm loading. With a 40hp version you may have to push into piles in 1st range and it would probably be easier to spin the tires.

I can run 15mph max on smooth pavement. Doesn't matter what implement assuming its sized correctly for the tractor. It does slow down on hills but lifting a bit on the HST pedal will keep it moving and not stall.

If you have the time the 40hp version will be just fine. If you like to get moving go with the 55hp version.

You liking the Hydro? That is something else I was debating on - shuttle vs hydro.

 

[Cataclysm]

Love the HST, there is really no comparison. We used to run a gear tractor for the same uses. Its the way to go unless your just using it for tillage. Even at that I have chiseled and ran a disc with no issue using the cruise control. Way easier on the knees too.

I run the loader and box blade a lot. The HST is way faster, easier and more accurate than a gear. Plus you can go infinitely slow without riding the clutch. That helps a lot if you loading/unloading something out of your pickup or other breakable and don't want to risk bending it up or if your using the BB and need to get a driveway just right.

We back fill ditches a lot and usually bed them with sand before back filling.. After a half day of that much accurate forward/back with a gear your knee won't like you. A day or two of that and a normal person can't easily walk.

 

[Industrial Toys]

We bought a JD 6200. Identical to the higher HP, 6300 and 6400, just a different injector pump. I would rather have a stronger built tractor running less HP then the other way around if I expressed that right.

Squeezing more HP out of the same drive train is foolish in my mind.

My Dad used to say, better to buy a stripped down Cadillac then a loaded up Chev. More value for your dollar.

 

[Oldoak]

You liking the Hydro? That is something else I was debating on - shuttle vs hydro.

If you choose hydro, go with the higher horsepower, you will be glad you did.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

It obviously depends on what a person will be doing and what they can afford, but in no way when operating at or close to maximum capacity of the machine will the lower HP unit do as well as the higher HP unit.

 

[Tigershark]

I am fairly new to owning a tractor and I have a 40HP and I was considering going with a 30HP. If I had it to do over again I would go with a 55 or 60 HP. I do a lot of loader work, bush hogging , grading etc and I kick myself for not taking the advice of so many that said buy bigger than you think you will need, I did I just didn't buy big enough LOL. I would easily pay 4k for 15 more HP

 

[sd455dan]

If you choose hydro, go with the higher horsepower, you will be glad you did.

Agree- if he gets the Hydro unit,
may eliminate a later thread- ( I bought this hydro tractor that) I can't use high range on, or my tractor is gutless... and I still hate it.

 

[4tillingdirt]

Weight is how much work you can do, horsepower is how fast you can do it. I haven't heard of anyone being able to turn up the power on the LS XR. I was told its the "same motor" but that's a broad statement as mentioned above.

I have the LS XR4155HC/R4's/6700lbs with the BB on with no other added weight. It has a lot of power for its weight. I can run the loader into loose piles in 2nd range with front assist. At maximum power it doesn't quite spin the tires. Which is perfect for me so I don't run my tires down or tear up where I'm loading. With a 40hp version you may have to push into piles in 1st range and it would probably be easier to spin the tires.

I can run 15mph max on smooth pavement. Doesn't matter what implement assuming its sized correctly for the tractor. It does slow down on hills but lifting a bit on the HST pedal will keep it moving and not stall.

If you have the time the 40hp version will be just fine. If you like to get moving go with the 55hp version.

So what would you think about a Mahindra with 49 hp but it weighs about 800 lbs more than the xr4155?