Can you run a 40 hp Rated gearbox on a 55 hp Tractor?

[sweettractors]

If a attachment has a gearbox rated at 40 hp, can it be ran safely on a 55 hp tractor if the slip clutch is adjusted properly? Ken Sweet

 

[Ken]

If a attachment has a gearbox rated at 40 hp, can it be ran safely on a 55 hp tractor if the slip clutch is adjusted properly? Ken Sweet

personally see no problem. the post hole gearboxes seldom stronger than 40 hp and bush hogs seldom run and max. hp cutting just field grass. it is when getting into brush 2"trees the slip clutch should be adjusted to slip easily.
ken.

 

[Gary Fowler]

The slip clutch or shear pin should be the weak link if used properly. However, I always try to buy equipment with the highest rated gear box. I think it would last longer with less wear than a similar lower HP rating one.

 

[Tor Arne]

My firewood processor has a gearbox rated for 18 hp, no problem using it on a 65 hp tractor. What determines is the amount of power the implement needs

 

[radioman]

I think its a one sided question. What are you running and doing? For example a tractor running a PTO generator,, hmm whats the harm using a 200 hp tractor on a 40 hp gear box? If you are running a tiller in sandy soil with 55 hhp tractor with 40 gearbox and no slip clutch, again I see no harm. same tiller/tractor in rocky soil w/ slip clutch, I see no harm to the gearbox as long slip clutch is adjusted properly and checked every start of season. I would think that most implement in your scenario with only 15 hp difference under 100hp, the tractor engine will respond more to the grunting of work before a gearbox gives you issues like shattering, leaking, overheating as you would recognize your own tractor working hard as you get to know it the more you use it.

 

[gwdixon]

My question is, "Why is a tractor dealer asking this question?" Is there an unstated motive?

Surely a dealer has more experience, more contact with OEMs, more repair issues that relate to the question than any of us individual farm types.

 

[Soundguy]

If a attachment has a gearbox rated at 40 hp, can it be ran safely on a 55 hp tractor if the slip clutch is adjusted properly? Ken Sweet

in function.. yes.

I run 'cheap' economy 5' mowers with 40hp gear boxes behind 48 hp fords thru 'max throttle' brush that i have to stand up onthe running boards to see / drive thru. the gr2 shear pin in the drive line is gonna pop either way.

I know that's not a55 hp machine. but concept s the same. set your torque limiter to protect the weak link and go.

I run my 10' mower on a 95hp tractor sometimes.. and that's near 2x the hp per foot 'minimum' you see people talking about. And yeah.. when you hit something solid.. the slip clutches squeal pretty good!

 

[batwing]

Seems like if it says 40hp then you should use a tractor with at least 40hp.

 

[Soundguy]

My question is, "Why is a tractor dealer asking this question?" Is there an unstated motive?

Surely a dealer has more experience, more contact with OEMs, more repair issues that relate to the question than any of us individual farm types.

In general, I wouldn't automatically agree with that statement.

The person with the most experience with a piece of equipment is the person that has run / used them the most.

When you want info on antique tractors.. you don't go to the dealer.. you go tot he collectors.

Now. that said.. Ken Sweet is a respected member here and I believe he has a ton of knowledge, probably just getting a pulse on f people think it's kosher to pair a tractor / mower combo , if the mower is a hair under rated from the tractor.

Personally i see no issue either way.. I have seen 5' hd mowers with way more gearbox than the tractor had ponies.... just means you pretty much can't kill the mower.. on the flip side... having a lil extra hp on the tractor means if you are mowing on a hill or other issues like running some hyds that are sapping total hp, that you still can put out plenty to the pto.

We have a sweeper broom on a jd tractor. sweeper broom only wants 35hp.. tractor has 50pto hp. we have a hydro pump on the pto with an extender shaft thru to run the pto.. works great.. the extra pto hp is feeding a pump too.

in the end.. just be mindfull of your equipment and know it's limitations. Like pulling cat 0 gear on cat 1 tractors. .. go easy. Or pulling an economy mower vs a land clearing mower. go easy.

 

[sweettractors]

My question is, "Why is a tractor dealer asking this question?" Is there an unstated motive?

Surely a dealer has more experience, more contact with OEMs, more repair issues that relate to the question than any of us individual farm types.

Common sense and 50 + yrs of experience has formed my opinion. I just wanted to see what the consensus is of others would be? Ken Sweet