super55
Platinum Member
- Joined
- Jan 27, 2012
- Messages
- 916
- Location
- Great North of Michigan
- Tractor
- Oliver Super55, John Deere 4310, John Deere 4400, Kubota L2500 (had),
Years ago tractors used to list drawbar power which essentially gave a rating at how well the tractor could maintain momentum under load. Hydro tractors are incredibly easy to use and for loader or work that has constant F/R or finesse work they win hands down. Plus the ease of use is well liked.
The one spot where they fall flat is drawbar power. A gear shift or a power reverser tractor will run circles around a hydro in pulling of similar hp. The kubota L2500 DT (25hp) I had will out pull my JD 4400 hydro (34hp) at a higher speeds. With a hydro you loose all the centrifugal force from the engine/flywill to help drive the tires because there's no solid connection. You are moving by fluid flow. If the fluid isn't flowing as fast as it should then the system goes into relief to save the pump.
If your heart is not committed on hydro I would recommend trying a couple sizes with a direct drive transmission. If heart is set on hydro then hp is your best option for better performance.
The one spot where they fall flat is drawbar power. A gear shift or a power reverser tractor will run circles around a hydro in pulling of similar hp. The kubota L2500 DT (25hp) I had will out pull my JD 4400 hydro (34hp) at a higher speeds. With a hydro you loose all the centrifugal force from the engine/flywill to help drive the tires because there's no solid connection. You are moving by fluid flow. If the fluid isn't flowing as fast as it should then the system goes into relief to save the pump.
If your heart is not committed on hydro I would recommend trying a couple sizes with a direct drive transmission. If heart is set on hydro then hp is your best option for better performance.