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.