Is bigger ever a problem?

[rutwad]

I have just noticed that it becomes easy to push a machine to it's limits. So is bigger always better, or does that just mean I would likely tackle larger tasks?

Maybe it's like never having enough money, but it's a power thing. What do you think?

 

[Robert_in_NY]

You need multiple tractors in multiple hp sizes. They all have their purpose and they all have their strong points and weak points. So depending on what you want to do would be if you want a bigger unit. If your only plan on using the tractor out in open fields then go bigger. If you are going to use it in and around buildings then go smaller. Or just buy one of each and be happy

 

[bigshovel]

In my case bigger would have been a problem. I needed primarily a mower and the ability to move some material around which I would have previously done by hand. A bigger machine would have put ruts in the yard and the wife on my a$&. So I have the mindset that smaller mechanical means is better than a shovel. If I need bigger equipment I'll rent it.

Brad

 

[ScottK]

I would love bigger for more HP - but then I wouldn't get much done because I have forest which would be impossible to navigate with a larger tractor. Someday a second, larger tractor I hope, but I will always need the small one for my current property.

 

[greggh]

Basically, I think that those that have responded means "it depends". That is one of the reasons that so many different variations of tractors are made. No one tractor large or small can flt all needs. The choice that remains is the operation, what is the tractor used for the most. Purchase for that need, rent or borrow for the occasional use. But even this statement does not cover all possibilities. Good luck.

 

[Z-Michigan]

Bigger can be a big drawback sometimes. Bigger:
-costs more up front
-costs more to maintain
-uses more fuel
-weighs more and therefore compacts soil more (if mowing or tilling)
-can't fit in smaller spaces, like inside a moderately sized barn, or a garage
-is clumsy to use for tight turns, for instance mowing inside a 1-acre fenced pasture (or a 10-acre pasture if you're talking JD's 9xxx series and similar)
-doesn't necessarily take less time if the size relative to the task makes it clumsy

The drawbacks of smaller are pretty obvious, I think.

So, yes, it depends! But picking the right size for the job, or for the most common job, is the way to go.

I have a small utility (bigger than a CUT). It's the smallest I'd want to use for moving round bales, but the biggest thing that will fit inside the barn where we store those bales. It's also somewhat bigger than I need for mowing, way bigger than I need for snowplowing, pretty much just right for the tilling I do, and about right for the FEL work I do (including bales). Something smaller would do most of my tasks, but would be scary or inadequate for round bales. Larger would be too big for the barn, and useable but silly for my mowing and snow tasks. So, I feel good that I got about the right size the first time.

 

[Surewhynot]

Robert has it right, two tractors, one big and one small

 

[RalphVa]

I went with the smallest tractor that is fully commercial and supports full 3ph capability. It's great! Only uses 0.45 gallons/hr of fuel. THAT's the mail drawback of using a big machine nowadays. Ya gotta feed it no matter how much you need it. Same as having too big an engine in your car, one that you NEVER push the pedal too far on, but it still uses more fuel than a small one where you have to push it to its limit every so often.

Ralph

 

[POC]

I have a somewhat relavant question here.
I use my dad's Ford 600 tractor (34hp?) for most things around here currently. I am planning on getting another tractor, but don't know which way to go, bigger, or smaller. The old Ford has no FEL, so it is not greatly useful. I bushhog with it, and scrape the driveway, sometimes yard some logs. I'd like a tractor that I could load logs with, on a small trailer, nothing bigger than 20" with forks.
I have big hills that are wet a lot on the place here.

Thanks for any advice.

 

[AndyMA]

Robert has it right, two tractors, one big and one small

I agree, at least 2. Possibly more.

Andy