is there a big difference in 6 HP ?

[Ankenyike]

I have a 3038E compact tractor, a 3 cylinder, 37.3 HP, 91 CID engine, 2,200 # weight and need a bigger tractor. Looking at a 4044R which is only 6 hp more - 43 Hp, but has 4 cylinders, and 133 CID, and weighs 3,770#. I am being told this will have more actual power than the 6 HP increase would indicate. Will be used mainly for hauling dirt & gravel in the bucket, some digging and leveling of ground. What do you think? I can go up another 8 hp with turbo for $3,000 more, but will I need that?

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

generally I'd want to take a more meaningful step for your out of pocket money. Something with more meat in the rear end. in my world, Kubota MX.

 

[LD1]

6HP is 6HP regardless of what anyone claims. Regardless of cylinders, Turbo vs NA, etc.

What is more important is you are gaining weight which is traction. And since its a larger frame, probably larger tires too. Again, more traction.

So, when you say you need more power, do you actually need more power? Or do you need to get more of it to the ground (traction).

If you were running primarily PTO stuff, like a mower or tiller, then you would not notice as much vs needing the power to the ground.

IE: 40hp and 4000lbs will push/pull more than 40HP and 2500lbs. But wouldnt make any noticeable difference when driving stuff from the PTO

 

[GManBart]

If your primary uses are moving dirt, digging, leveling ground, etc....why buy a tractor in the first place? My LS was over 5,000lbs with the loader and bucket, then I added a 1,400lb counterweight, and a tooth bar to the bucket. It would dig dirt, and lift/move it, but it was obvious that wasn't what it's designed for.

 

[TSO]

Regardless of which tractor color you choose, I'd opt for the most HP available in the frame size you want, and can afford. $3000 for an additional 8HP ain't bad in the long run, especially when the day comes that you need it. If I could add 8HP to mine for $3k, I would.

But, for the work you are talking about doing, keep in mind that JD loaders (400x) are on the weak side compared to the rest of the large CUT industry. I think only the Case/NH comparable loaders are weaker. Just food for thought.

 

[jeff9366]

I went from a Kubota B3300 (1929 pounds / 33-hp) to a Kubota L3560 (3494 pounds / 37-hp).

Yes, the heavier L3560 is noticeably more "powerful" than the lighter B3300, more than the additional 4-hp.

1. more weight

2. wider, taller tires, better traction (I had/have R4s on both tractors)

3. wider space between wheels

4. much more stable due to #1 + #2 + #3

5. heavier engine and heavier engine flywheel driving PTO

For DIGGING get a Piranha Tooth Bar for the bucket.

How frequently do you mount implements on the Three Point Hitch of your current tractor?

Have you considered a Utility Vehicle and all terrain dumping trailer as partners for your current tractor, rather than trading in?


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[bcp]

Horsepower vs weight, to extremes:

Bruce

 

[GManBart]

Horsepower vs weight, to extremes:

There is a lot more than horsepower vs weight going on there. One, the drawbar isn't level, which hurts the Deere significantly. Two, a steam engine can create boatloads of torque at zero RPM, which is a huge advantage. On top of all that, the steamer weighs a lot more....it's pretty much a stacked deck in every way.

 

[jeff9366]

Two, a steam engine can create boatloads of torque at zero RPM, which is a huge advantage.

This is also the main argument for Hydraustatic (HST) transmissions: Max torque at load engagement, when you need it most.

 

[texasjohn]

put that green thing in 4WD!! but likely it still would lose!

 

[k0ua]

There is a lot more than horsepower vs weight going on there. One, the drawbar isn't level, which hurts the Deere significantly. Two, a steam engine can create boatloads of torque at zero RPM, which is a huge advantage. On top of all that, the steamer weighs a lot more....it's pretty much a stacked deck in every way.

All very true, but still the little green thing, made a pretty good tiller:laughing:

 

[LD1]

I never get tired of watching that video.

Illustrates my point very well though.

Just guessing but ~15HP @ 15000# vs 500HP 7000lbs.......

Its clear what one pulls better. But I bet that big steamer wouldnt have the power to dive a Bushhog or tiller anywhere near the size of the deere

 

[Roadbuilder6]

I am with GmanBart, If the only purpose of your machine is moving and digging dirt, buy a skid steer. A cat 247 or a Kubota SLV75 would be perfect. A tractor with a loader can do the work, BUT, if all your doing is moving dirt buy a machine that was designed for this specific task.

 

[Ankenyike]

Will be doing mowing, some ground tilling, auger work etc as well.

 

[LD1]

deleted

 

[TSO]

Yeah, if you can only have 1 machine , I'd take a tractor any day. I would love to have a tracked SS in addition to my tractor (for my business) but I don't think I could give up my tractor as my "one and only" machine.

 

[s219]

Even just 15-20 years ago, tractors had a lot less HP for the size/weight. And I think they were better scaled to the typical work. Most CUTs are now limited by traction rather than power. Sure, more power will help hydraulics, lifting, etc, but ultimately there needs to be weight paired with the extra power to take advantage of the extra capacity.

 

[sixdogs]

What a great video illustrating horsepower, weight and their relationship to each other.

 

[Threepoint]

What a great video illustrating horsepower, weight and their relationship to each other.

I think it must be the turf tires on the steamer.

 

[Brendanspapa]

More weight will buy more performance for most tasks than more horsepower, with the exception of power-hungry pto operations and heavy tillage. Weight translates directly to more traction and more stability. Weight can be increased on your tractor by adding ballast such as fluid in the tires, wheel weights, front weights and implements, or by buying a larger machine, in increasing order of cost. When buying a tractor I would recommend getting MFWD in the largest affordable tractor that suits your needs. You will be more satisfied with the results, get more work done, and not continue adding fixes for inadequacies.