How much can a 40hp tractor tow??

[GreatWhitehunter]

I'd say you'd likely be reasonably safe with trailer brakes.

Matt

 

[Sysop]

FWIW: I have a similar sized tractor I think. I frequently tow a 5ton dump trailer loaded at or above capacity up and down slopes exceeding 7% but not 300yds long. No trailer brakes. And never have had loss of control. Never any issues with breaking but I do keep it in low range and don't rush it.

Tractor is weighted to about 8,000lbs always in 4wd. Always have the loader on too.

My 40HP tractor weighs about 6000lbs with the loader and loaded tires, it is also always in 4WD, and I take a 5k dump trailer up and down hills, also loaded at or above capacity, on much longer runs than 300 yards (about a half mile) with grades easily far exceeding 7%. No trailer brakes. I get a little bit of slippage on the steepest parts, but never more than a couple inches of slippage per yard. I have more slippage when running a moldboard plow. I have AG tires, I suspect industrial tires would do better now that my path has a solid base.

I read the thread and hadn't seen tires specifically mentioned. Proper tire selection for the type of surface you need traction on, may be the determining factor on if you can do it or not. AGs aren't going to be that good on a wet concrete boat ramp.

 

[IslandTractor]

My 40HP tractor weighs about 6000lbs with the loader and loaded tires, it is also always in 4WD, and I take a 5k dump trailer up and down hills, also loaded at or above capacity, on much longer runs than 300 yards (about a half mile) with grades easily far exceeding 7%. No trailer brakes. I get a little bit of slippage on the steepest parts, but never more than a couple inches of slippage per yard. I have more slippage when running a moldboard plow. I have AG tires, I suspect industrial tires would do better now that my path has a solid base.

I read the thread and hadn't seen tires specifically mentioned. Proper tire selection for the type of surface you need traction on, may be the determining factor on if you can do it or not. AGs aren't going to be that good on a wet concrete boat ramp.

My tires are R4. I have some but not an ideal amount of WWF as ballast in rear wheels as I generally use implements as ballast. Probably only 100lbs or so per tire. Could bring that up to 300lbs each.

 

[newbury]

Well now you guys have me concerned.

I've loaded my 12K Hudson equipment trailer down with about 7,000 lbs PLUS trailer weight several times and moved it over lawn at about a 2% grade with my 23HP B7610.
Turf tires, unloaded, just putting along.

Should I have been worried?

My M4700 w/ FEL, bucket, loaded tires, canopy, chains and some extra equipment weighed about 7,000 lbs or so and the only thing I had to maneuver it with in the yard was my B7610.

Can I tell SWMBO I shouldn't do that and I need a bigger tractor?

 

[IslandTractor]

Well now you guys have me concerned.

I've loaded my 12K Hudson equipment trailer down with about 7,000 lbs PLUS trailer weight several times and moved it over lawn at about a 2% grade with my 23HP B7610.
Turf tires, unloaded, just putting along.

Should I have been worried?

My M4700 w/ FEL, bucket, loaded tires, canopy, chains and some extra equipment weighed about 7,000 lbs or so and the only thing I had to maneuver it with in the yard was my B7610.

Can I tell SWMBO I shouldn't do that and I need a bigger tractor?

I suggest you fake a frantic call with your insurance agent while your wife is in earshot. I'm thinking that the insurance guy would approve of a B3030 cab version for your lawn moving duties.

 

[Luke'sScreenName]

I suggest you fake a frantic call with your insurance agent while your wife is in earshot. I'm thinking that the insurance guy would approve of a B3030 cab version for your lawn moving duties.

Y'all are brilliant! Seems like a smallish bulldozer might be the only safe option.

 

[sci]

Hey Island Tractor, When calibrating the sphincter gauge do have to take into account the curvature of the tractor seat or do they build in a certain percent of error ? How often does that need to be re calibrated and what is the bench mark for doing that, when you have to wear your brown pants to work?

 

[IslandTractor]

Hey Island Tractor, When calibrating the sphincter gauge do have to take into account the curvature of the tractor seat or do they build in a certain percent of error ? How often does that need to be re calibrated and what is the bench mark for doing that, when you have to wear your brown pants to work?

I calibrate the sphincter gauge each spring when I mow across a particular hill. I avoid brown pants as they confuse the accuracy of the gauge.

 

[oosik]

My tractor with loaded rear tires, FEL & bucket and no 3-point attachments crossed the grain scales at exactly 9550 lbs. I have a farm wagon(steerable front wheels) rated at ten tons. It has electric brakes on all four wheels and a controller that clamps to the steering wheel column.

I've towed this trailer loaded with gravel thru the valley on my driveway. The entrance into and exit from the valley is an 8% grade. The loaded trailer pushed with enough force that I was very glad to have the brakes on it. As I calculated - I had approximately 12K to 14K pounds of gravel on the trailer. Going down the grade into the floor of the valley that load pushed like a wild rhino.

No stained shorts or holes in the tractor seat but some very weak and wobbly knees for a short time.

Your mind dredges up these wild scenarios - what if I loose control going down into the valley----- what if I loose traction coming up out of the valley.

 

[Deere Dude]

Can a 40hp tractor tow a 9000-10000lb boat/trailer up (and down) a 5-7% grade? Speed not an issue. Just moving a boat trailer to and from a boat ramp on rural dirt road. Mostly flat except for one hill.

If I was to just move a trailer that heavy on ground I would do it, just plan ahead in case you lose traction. Don't start out on a long slope with water at the bottom of the slope.

If to put in the water at a boat ramp, I would hook that F250 to the tractor, just in case.