big tractor - small implements?

BarryinMN · Apr 21, 2006

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 · Apr 21, 2006

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 · Apr 21, 2006

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 · Apr 21, 2006

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 · Apr 21, 2006

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 · Apr 21, 2006

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 · Apr 21, 2006

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 · Apr 22, 2006

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 · Apr 22, 2006

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 · Apr 23, 2006

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.