40 HP vs 55 HP in the same tractor

[Deere Dude]

I had a choice between a JD 3320, 3520 and a 3720. It seemed like the same body but different HP specs. The 3720 it seems had a turbo, intercooler and a floor mat. Other than that I don't know but every jump was like $3000.

I had to go against my wife :shocked:when I got a tractor and I sure didn't want to do it twice so I got the big one. No regrets.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Keep in mind that this discussion really only comes up when new potential tractor owners show up and ask questions. It is a relevant discussion to them even if the rest of us have heard both sides of the argument and made our peace. I'd say that the typical prospective buyer comes back from their first set of dealer encounters talking more about horsepower and understanding less about other important factors in tractor selection than is good for them. Participating in discussions here helps round out their understanding of the issues.

Have to agree, point well made. :thumbsup:

 

[ArlyA]

We are looking at compact tractors and it will be in the 40 to 50hp range. The only reason we're looking at higher numbers like these is for a medium duty brush cutter. We've been told they'll bring a tractor to its knees getting it up to speed since the stump jumper and other moving parts weight in so much.

 

[airbiscuit]

We are looking at compact tractors and it will be in the 40 to 50hp range. The only reason we're looking at higher numbers like these is for a medium duty brush cutter. We've been told they'll bring a tractor to its knees getting it up to speed since the stump jumper and other moving parts weight in so much.

I ran a 4' rotary cutter with a 15 hp Shibaura SD1500AO, and a 5' with a 24 hp John Deere 850. Both were standard duty Kingkutter mowers, and I cut through a lot of tall brush. It doesn't take all that much power to spin up the blades, and it's best if you can ease them up to speed. I want to get a 6' for my 40 hp New Holland, but for now I am using the five footer. It doesn't even know it's back there.

 

[4tillingdirt]

I was looking at the TYM tractors and I noticed somethin on the larger compact tractors like the T454 and 554. Is it just me or do those axle housings look awfully small - maybe not the axle housing but where the axle comes out and goes to the rear wheels? Take a look at the 4:55 mark of this video and tell me what you think. #1 TYM Dealer in the US. Quick description of TYM tractor lineup. - YouTube Other than that the tractor looks good and I like how they have everything up you service up front.

 

[MossRoad]

I appreciate all the input. I am just trying to weigh the pros and cons and having never had a modern tractor sort of hard to get a feel. I do realize that the tractor is probably going to be sitting a lot more than it is used. If you plug and sow/fertilize yard twice a year and put out mulch once a year and scrape driveway as needed then I am pretty much at my limit except for maybe plowing and making rows for a small garden. Plus if I get a tractor like a Mahindra 3550 or an LS XR4155 will I be regretting it when it comes time to sow the 2 1/2 acres of grass because they tear the yard up.

I guess it is kind of silly to even think about future events and focus on the now.

So what are you really going to do with this machine? From the sounds of it, 2.5 acres? What is wrong with your TC40?

 

[4tillingdirt]

So what are you really going to do with this machine? From the sounds of it, 2.5 acres? What is wrong with your TC40?

My brother has the TC and not even sure that is right model. I was on here a few years ago when he had problems with his front shaft came apart. Pretty much everything I listed is all I have plans for. I just hate to spend the money and regret getting something too small, but I guess you can always go to the other extreme and get something too big that isn't nimble enough to work around in the yard.

 

[IslandTractor]

For 2.5 acres, I'd personally be looking at something 35hp or less. I managed about 4 acres with a heavy 20 hp tractor (Kioti CK20) and was very happy with it. Might splurge on 30-35 hp but nothing more. 40 hp tractors are just too big for such acreage IMO.

 

[MossRoad]

Well, here's what you've listed....

FEL work
using box scrape
using rotary cutter.
plug and sow/fertilize yard twice a year
put out mulch once a year
scrape driveway as needed
maybe plowing and making rows for a small garden.
sow the 2 1/2 acres of grass

You're looking at too much tractor for a large yard, basically.
That's lawn tractor work.

 

[Turbys_1700]

I used a New Holland 1720 for 10 years. It was a 28 HP tractor with a 65" wheel base weighing in at around 3300# loaded sans FEL. IMHO it was the perfect size for up to 10 acres. I think this size is the largest you need to consider for just 2.5 acres. I would probably look at something smaller if I didn't plan on adding acerage later.