I am looking into buying a new tractor to use on 20 acres. I have found a good deal on the AG King and also the kama. The kama is a little more expensive but I get the higher horsepower (45) compared to the king (28). I have not really heard anything about the Kama. Does anybody have one and is it worth the couple grand extra? I also hear the kama outdoes the King as far as load
BUYING NEW TRACTOR
- Thread starter SEGAFIRE
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greg_g
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I foolishly thought a stout looking little Jinma 254 should be more than adequate for my 30 acres. I soon found the gear ratios quickly defeated by the rocky hillsides. It's borderline underpowered, and has some really strange gear ratio spacing. Plus I have myself to blame for not learning about the low end hydraulic system BEFORE buying. I'm definitely going to replace it, and am leaning toward the KM454 myself. I just ain't looking forward to upsizing my implements along with it.
But if your 20 acres are not too hilly, if you don't plan on a lot of ground breaking and/or heavy lifting - 28 hp should do ya just fine. The extra 17 horses are nice, but remember the Kama is a considerably larger tractor. Along with the bigger tractor comes bigger implements. Bigger implements make you dig deeper in your wallet.
//greg//
But if your 20 acres are not too hilly, if you don't plan on a lot of ground breaking and/or heavy lifting - 28 hp should do ya just fine. The extra 17 horses are nice, but remember the Kama is a considerably larger tractor. Along with the bigger tractor comes bigger implements. Bigger implements make you dig deeper in your wallet.
//greg//
Soundguy
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Yikes.. I wouldn't even consider under 30hp for just 10 acers... No doubt mowing was a looooong job on a 25engine hp machine...
Soundguy
Soundguy
greg_g
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25 hp mows just fine on what little flat ground I've got, even on some of the more gentle upslopes. I use H1 for those areas. What's the biggest pain, is shifting both the 3 speed transmission AND transfer case, back and forth between H1 and L3 for the more severe uphill runs.
The tractor is very heavy for it's size, and needs a lot of that 25 up just to get ITSELF up a hill in H1. By comparison, my 24hp 4 speed Yanmar mowed the entire place - uphill and down - in H2. I attribute most of that to the Yanmar being 800 pounds lighter, and having more appropriately spaced transmission gearing.
Another consideration for a heavier tractor on hillsides, is that a 5' medium duty rotary cutter on the back end of the Jinma makes for some pretty light steering - uphill.
//greg//
The tractor is very heavy for it's size, and needs a lot of that 25 up just to get ITSELF up a hill in H1. By comparison, my 24hp 4 speed Yanmar mowed the entire place - uphill and down - in H2. I attribute most of that to the Yanmar being 800 pounds lighter, and having more appropriately spaced transmission gearing.
Another consideration for a heavier tractor on hillsides, is that a 5' medium duty rotary cutter on the back end of the Jinma makes for some pretty light steering - uphill.
//greg//
Soundguy
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I didn't mean that there was a lack of hp for the mowing itself.. but as you point out.. you must have the extra hp to mow, and go up the hill.. Imagine trying to mow uphill in thick material without downshifting.. that's where it gets fun..
Soundguy
Soundguy
Hey, I just wanted to thank all who answered. Been pretty busy at the fire station and haven't been able to get back on. But thanks again. I think I will go with the kama and extra horse power and load capability because i usually push everything to the limit anyway. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
