Heaviest 55h.p tractor

froggy · May 27, 2005

He could switch out the engine of Big Bud and have the heaviest! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Big Bud

Bob_Skurka · May 27, 2005

Not meaning to de-mean the heavy tractors with 55 hp power plants, but don't see where this end of a discussion has useful meaning. 

Weight = Traction! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Maka · May 27, 2005

For skidding logs weight is needed.

Bob

MossRoad · May 27, 2005

Unless the tires are too skinny and you sink... then weight = towtruck.

Bob_Skurka · May 27, 2005

( For skidding logs weight is needed.

Bob )

I totally agree, in fact I pointed that out earlier in this thread where I said when using the tractor to skid logs or move multiple round bales, it was necessary.

However, I think there is now a growing body of evidence that suggests that even in agricultural use, there are some issues with weight and soil compactions damaging crop yields. As farmers move away from old methods and embrace no till methods that have been evolving for a couple decades, then moderate weights, low impact tires or tracks and slightly higher speeds are becoming the rule.

beenthere · May 27, 2005

Weight = Traction!

That I know, and that weight can be added. Seems one wouldn't necessarily want to buy a heavy tractor, unless the lighter chores and uses were knowingly excluded i.e. no flexibility.

For example;
When logging, I pick the end of the log up for weight.
When using FEL, I put the ballast box on.

I still am missing the point of interest in the "heaviest 55 hp tractor" /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Help me out here, please /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

Dargo · May 27, 2005

( Unless the tires are too skinny and you sink... then weight = towtruck. )

Even when not skinny, in soft mud you get the same result. My tractor is a bit heavier than many others from what I see. However, I do have to agree that if I need more weight, I'd just load the tires, add tire weights etc. I am already marginally too heavy as it is now. You can always add weight, but you can't always take it off. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Bob_Skurka · May 27, 2005

I still am missing the point of interest in the "heaviest 55 hp tractor"

Help me out here, please 

I can't help you out because I see it from the same general perspective you see it from. I've been a long time advocate of the point of view that in the world of homeowner type CUTs that the entire concept of Weight = Traction is just a bunch overblown hooey for most people (not all, but most). Now I also state that some applications require weight but those are more specialty applications. For the most part, anything defined as a CUT is probably better off being a bit on the light side of the spectrum provided it has the frame strength that will allow it to be ballasted up in weight to achieve proper balance for specific tasks.

I can point to examples of heavier tractors having slightly less lift capacity than lighter tractors and even the manufacturers of the heavy tractors recommend ballast boxes, filled tires, etc when using FELs. So I believe that balance is the more important in the world of CUTs than overall weight. Again, I believe that sometimes there is no substitute for raw weight, but for most users and most applications, the practical advantage of excess weight is minimal and the disadvantages are often apparent in the form ruts, higher fuel consumption (although that is a minor issue), and excessive bulk.

BobG_in_VA · May 27, 2005

The Mahindra 6000 wins hands down. W/O loader and empty tires I think its about 6500 lbs. My 6000 has 78" loader (bucket), filled rear tires (16.9 X28) and is somewhere around 11000 lbs. I haven'et come close to getting stuck as the FEL can "push" you back out of any spots you may get in. I heard a good one about 4WD too. " The only difference in 2 WD and 4WD is that with 4WD you get further into the swamp before sinking...." BobG in VA

bdog · May 27, 2005

I hjave no idea what the heaviest is, but unless you are just going to use that 55HP to turn the pto, better get a heavy tractor, or save your money and get a lower hp tractor. I have a 47HP 4wd tractor with ag tires that weighs over 5,000lbs and I still lose traction before I bog it down when pulling a heavy load like a chisel plow, or large disc. Unless you take into account pto stuff, I could probably pull the exact same load with a 40 hp tractor or less as engine power is not my problem, traction is. If I was going to get a 55 hp tractor, I would look for something at least 6500lb, or would ballast it up to that weight.