HP for moving the tractor around isn't that much of a discriminator when comparing tractors in the same general range. Case in point, Kubota makes a 26HP BX2680 SCUT and a 26 HP B2601 series tractor. The B is a physically larger tractor and has more capability but same engine HP. Why? Because its less about engine HP and more about the size and flow rate of the hydraulic pumps and PTO HP.
Tractor speed and torque can be optimized with transmission gearing. With HP rating at the PTO.....Will you run PTO driven implements? Typically, higher engine PTO equates to higher PTO HP. That said, mileage varies. Kubota has efficient engines that put a higher percentage of engine HP to the PTO shaft. JD tends to have more HP loss at PTO relative to a engine HP.
With autos we are led to believe more HP is better. With tractors that not necessarily the case.
Tractor speed and torque can be optimized with transmission gearing. With HP rating at the PTO.....Will you run PTO driven implements? Typically, higher engine PTO equates to higher PTO HP. That said, mileage varies. Kubota has efficient engines that put a higher percentage of engine HP to the PTO shaft. JD tends to have more HP loss at PTO relative to a engine HP.
With autos we are led to believe more HP is better. With tractors that not necessarily the case.