Large Tractor vs. Compact Tractor

[N80]

My B-I-L has multiple tractors with each one having a specific job (or two). The biigest is a 120 hp JD that pulls the baler and sometimes the fertilizer spreader. There is a 70 hp JD for mowing hay, and another one of those with a FEL for moving hay and towing the hay wagons. Two big Cases (maybe 60hp) for bushhogging. But, he has a little 30 or 40 hp JD for raking and tedding and a little old Ferguson that sometimes gets used for raking. The little JD also gets used with a PHD for doing fencing.

Point is, get the right sized tractor for the jobs you will be doing with your tractor. Getting a big tractor just because you want a big tractor might work out fine, but if it is bigger than what you need it can be as disastrous as going to small. As mentioned, when I compare my 45 CUT to a friends 60 hp Ag tractor, his tractor would not and could not function as well in the tasks that I need my tractor for. I think I could go up to a 50 hp utility tractor but a big bodied Ag tractor simply cannot get in and around the places I go.

 

[art]

The job and time needed to do the job would dictate the size!

The manufacturer might be personal bias, or it should take into account the repair need and parts availability.

Controls would be personal preference or the operators ability to adapt.

Pricing normally is a value to the purchaser, some people will pay more for less because of their preference in brand or brand loyalty.

 

[TractorMBA]

Thanks for your feedback! Some of you made interesting points and I agree that it will be difficult to track down the owners of the larger tractors on line.

If you have anything else to share on this topic please do so.

 

[froggy]

You might want to check out TodaysTractors website:
Farm Tractors - Today's Tractors - Farm Tractor Information, Reviews, Photos, Buy/Sell, Discussion

I believe it deals in larger tractors.

 

[mlauk]

I bought my 100 HP JD 4230 tractor to run a 15' shredder and to move round hay bales. Money is always an issue, so I bought used. I bought a smaller 38 HP tractor MF 2135 to use a post hole digger, dirt work and to use a 6' shredder which my wife operates. I just recently bought a 95 HP JD 4020 also since we started baling our own hay the last 3 years and since the majority of my implements are for Cat 2 tractors. There is no comparison when using the large tractor vs the compact, but the compact has its place.

 

[dirt clod]

Both have there place. I have 162 acres. I do need a larger tractor but at the same time the larger tractor would not be able to do many of the jobs the smaller does becouse of turning distance as well as size/width. Although bush hogging/plowing/tilling a large field leaves a long day of working looking like you done nothing.

 

[mahlers]

I was originally in the market for a CUT, but ended up going with a TN70S because the price was right. For not much more than a CUT, I got a much bigger, heavier, more powerful machine with a cab. The cab was a big consideration for me because I get things done around here year-round - and having A/C in the summer (plus filtered air) along with heat in the winter is a great thing.