big tractor - small implements?

[bdog]

I currently have a 47 HP 4x4 tractor. It is nice, but I think it is too small for what I am trying to do. That is I am trying to farm about 15 acres and it seems like I am pushing the tractor to the max all of the time. It runs the shredder, PHD, box blade, drill, planter all fine, but when I am trying to plow it doesn't do the greatest. That is I have mostly 7' implements to cover my tire tracks and it really grunts when pullin a chisel plow, lister, etc.

I found a good deal in the paper on a 70's model JD 150 HP tractor. It would certainly be enough power, but I wonder if I am going to destroy all my implents with it, or if they will be ok if I take it easy.

I have about a dozen implents so I don't really want to have to swap them all out.

 

[Pooh_Bear]

Keep the small tractor for the implements it will pull.
Get the big tractor for the other implements.
Don't remember reading nowheres you can't own two tractors.

Pooh Bear

 

[Farmwithjunk]

I've wrecked a few "CAT I" implements with a "CAT II" 60 HP tractor. 150 HP will melt implements made for 50 or 60 HP. (with little or no effort at all)

 

[KiotiJohn]

One thing you have to consider is that the hitch is probably not cat. I and you would have to add in bushings to make them fit.

A large tractor like that won't have to be run all out to pull the implements you want to use, and I think you could use them, but keep in mind that if you hit or grab something, you wil probably damage the lighter weight Cat. I implements.

Keep in mind that some of the JDs had Cat. III and some II. If it's III, I wouldn't even try it.
John

 

[Toolguy]

From 47HP to 150HP is a HUGE jump. Unless they are giving it away, I would not consider it. That big of a tractor will be too big and heavy and clumsy for your small implements. Something in the 60 to 80HP range would be about right. You should be able to find one of those for a reasonable price. And did you say 15 acres or 150? Without knowing the details of your farmng operation it is hard to give much advice that is worthwhile.

 

[RonR]

The one positive of that deal is if you could mount them, you could pull all your implements at once!

Seriously, it's not a good idea. If you can get it cheap enough, buy it and a few big implements as time goes on.

Ron

 

[AndyMA]

Not a good idea. I pull my 8' Cat I implements that I used for years without much breakage behind my 43 hp ford 2120 behind my 75 hp TN75 now and I've broken or bent quite a few of them. And thats 75 hp. Not 150.

Good luck

Andy

 

[dieselsmoke1]

I can't imagine needing a 150 hp tractor for 15 acres, however as stated I don't know what you're trying to farm.

Regarding your question, yes, a 150 hp tractor would quickly dispose of implements built for your current piece. Their frames were not engineered for that level of stress.

 

[Fredex]

I agree that 100+ hp for 15 acres isn't a very efficient alternative. 60-80 would be better for heavy tillage. Actually 2 tractors for 15 acres may be over much. Some alternatives, maybe.

For the chisel plow, try taking off a couple of knives and respacing the remaining. Might be able to do the same with the lister. But realize that these implements typically work a tractor quite hard. If you have to use the lowest gear you are probably overloaded. If you can run anything over 2 mph without excessive wheel slippage you may be OK. I know - farmers with big machines go faster, but don't expect too much from 139 cubic inches.

 

[Keith_B]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I currently have a 47 HP 4x4 tractor. It is nice, but I think it is too small for what I am trying to do. That is I am trying to farm about 15 acres and it seems like I am pushing the tractor to the max all of the time. It runs the shredder, PHD, box blade, drill, planter all fine, but when I am trying to plow it doesn't do the greatest. That is I have mostly 7' implements to cover my tire tracks and it really grunts when pullin a chisel plow, lister, etc.)</font>

It would be much cheaper to size your plow to your tractor. I run a 2X12 behind my 4110 through some pretty tough clay, it would probably handle a 2X14 with ease.

 

[BarryinMN]

I have 8' implements scaled to an old JD 38PTO hp. Then bought a new 55PTO tractor and have mangled all the attachments at least once. I'd chalk it up to inexperience.

I did buy a trash plow that seller advised was too big for my tractor. JD 3600 4x18 size. My tractor pulls it fine 4th or even 5th gear. Only time it stopped (wheels spun out) is when the plow snagged a huge boulder. That gem managed to knock a bottom plow share loose but it is still there so doesn't qualify as mangled.

Most of those big HP tractors use drawbar tools but last year I did see a JD5020 150HP with a complete 3pt hitch. Sold for $5K. Running your acreage a little over idle probably wouldn't warm up the motor, which is a good thing because running it at full rated output would probably consume 10-20 gallons fuel per hour /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[monkeymonk]

Like the rest i don;t know what your chis-plowing but when I chisel-p with my L48 on fresh virgin ground i make several passes. On already broken ground it doesn't Bog down. do you bog on already broken ground ? (1-2 yrs last break)At the times it does Bog on the fresh virgin ground I do wish i had a bigger K-Bota. Either way i still tweak H-bars. Bigger Tractor = $ implements and less maneuverability, unless you got plenty of money and space.

 

[RobJ]

Took a Cat I turning plow for a L175 and stuckit on a MAssey 1080 (90hp). I was cutting a little water line. In the sandy loam it worked fine, hit a batch of clay and it rolled the plow back like it was noodle, I never felt it. Pulling a disk or chisel you might get away with it if the chisel has the springs, the disk will just roll over stuff.

I bet when you say your tractor is bogging down it's just hitting the sweet spot. Most of the tractors here aren't worked that hard.

 

[BadDog]

Always size your implement to the tractor HP rating.

High HP tractors will totally destroy small HP implements. I've bent whole grader blades completely in half doing this, without even feeling it happen. Look back and it's gone.

Small HP tractors will just spin their tires or, if they have enough traction, the engine will simply stop with High HP implements.

 

[bdog]

Thanks for the replies. As to my current tractor, I don't necessarily run out of power, I run out of traction. I am in 4wd, have water in the tires, and have 200 lb weights on each tire. I don't bog the engine, I spin tires, and I have been breaking stuff like the 4WD, clutches slipping, etc.

I need a heavier tractor with more HP so that I am working it easier and not at its max.

As to the farming yes it is 15 acres, not 150. We are growing watermelons, and soil compaction is a major problem for the root development. That is we are trying to deep break the soil as much as possible. I have read studies that the roots go as much as 6 feet deep. Right now I am running chisel plows going 8-10" deep but I would ultimately like to run subsoilers going 18-20" deep. The weight of the tractor is not a concern on the compaction issue as I do not drive where I plant. I just need to really break things up between the tires.

Aside from that I am looking really hard at buying or leasing 60 acres that is right next to the land I own. I would be growing wheat on this for cattle.

Anyway when I bought my 47hp I did not have these "farming" plans. I was just going to use it for general stuff and do some contract shredding, etc. That did not work out so well and I don't really need a tractor that I can haul around anymore. Therefore I am looking for a larger one that can do what I want with ease.

I paid around 19k for my tractor and I can buy a older tractor that is 2-3 times the size of mine for significantly less than that. This is what I am considering. Even if I gradually uprgade to bigger implements that will be fine. I was just trying to see if I can get by with what I have for now.

 

[BarryinMN]

20" root rippers -- maybe a candidate for renting a dozer with ripper attachment /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Maybe a neighbor has something big enough to do what you need if it's an occasional function? Climbing on and off a big old warhorse for small tasks gets tiring.

That auction with the 5020 also had a 7520 4WD articulated that went for $7500. Probably at least 30K lb tractor. If that one breaks selling for scrap metal would get your money back or more. Neat machine to have.

 

[monkeymonk]

Clerical error. I pull 2-4 sub-soilers. 2 the first pass and 4 after.I don't own a chisel( imp confussion) tractor is heayy i suppose 6,000lbs tractor/FEL-L48. Construction tires maybe the problem. I have slippage as well in 4wd.Bog down yes! the motor wants to cut off.Quick fix Raise the imp. I work the shi**out of my L48, logging, loading junk cars, tanks, construction and farming as well.

 

[JoeinTX]

A total of 75 acres......looks like you may want to consider trading the tractor you have now for something a little bigger and the implements as well. You don't need two tractors for this amount of acreage-one will do.

A mid-70s JD 4430/4630 for -$10000 is what I'm guessing you're talking about? Take that $10K and put it toward the tractor trade and whatever tillage implements you need and you're better off.

Find something in the 70hp or so range, match it with a 7-9 shank chisel and a 10' disc and you can easily take care of the acreage.

I know the Panhandle well, so I'm curious. Who is trying to make anything off of 60 acres of wheat? Bale it or graze it?

You will tear up your equipment trying to use them with a 150hp job. Again, 70-75hp with R-1s, proper weighting, and the right sized implements will farm this acreage in a decent amount of time. Said tractor should also be utility enough to shred or dig post holes or piddle around.

You're in a "grey" area between CUT and full on ag tractor.....

 

[Egon]

Consider a John Deere 4020 in good condition. Perefect tractor for your needs if you get the additional acreage. Might need some different tools to pull though.

Egon /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[bdog]

Thanks for the advice guys. I bought a 4430 today at an auction. High range is out on her, but I got a heck of a deal. I am going to keep my chisel, hoeme, drill, phd but am going to replace everything else.