Matching attachment size to tractor

[powerscol]

One thing I can suggest is rent the size your think of first. That way you know. Also the rental place may have great sale prices. There are times you can run more than you think. In my case I have a Bobcat CT 235. 34HP with 26.5 at the PTO. I can run a 74" tiller with out issue, and I am at 6000 feet elevation. To me there are two issues when selecting an implement. Lifting it and turning it.

So look around and find a local agg rental place - they can also advise what you can run.

 

[dnw64]

Thanks for the insights.

At this point I'm thinking of getting a 60" finish mower for my GC2300. Continue to use the tiller in spring/fall and snowblower in winter.

Then get a "bigger" tractor with FEL (no FEL on the GC) that I can put a decent sized brush hog on, possibly after renting one if I can find some place that does so (I'm not aware of any within a 1 hour drive). Good points about the weight factor - I noticed the weight of the tiller on my GC when making awkward transitions. I assume this tractor would also be better in the woods (we have 30 acres) with more weight, Ag tires, more ground clearance and no cab. Never mind that I used to run a 2WD 7 HP Wheel Horse in the woods to get my firewood...

 

[BrokenTrack]

There have been some great replies on here, and while I am in NO WAY countering them, it is interesting to note that I am in the exact opposite position. That is I have a smaller tractor then what is ideal. In my case however, having inherited so much implements off my grandfather, father, etc; if I got a much bigger tractor, it would not fit my current implements. It is cheaper for me to stay with a smaller tractor, then to buy a bigger tractor and then try and scale up all my implements to fit it.

 

[dnw64]

Yes, it's good realize that everyone's situation is unique and there is rarely a "one size fits all" solution to every problem.

 

[big bubba]

Is there a post or page anyone could suggest that has basic HP requirements for different types/sizes of attachments?

do you have an owners manual? every kubota i've owned has a section in back that states max size/wt for various implements for a given tractor. then most manu list the pto hp requirement. not a complicated thing.
if you intend to keep your tractor, sure wouldn't exceed those given specs keeping it simple

 

[DieselBound]

I'd say that in general one goes with an implement that's no wider, or just slightly wider, than the width of the tractor. Rakes and blades are an exception. Field cutters also can and should be on the slightly-wider side: with few exceptions it's more about ground speed- one can run a big cutter, but only at slower speeds (talking exaggerated sizing).

I ran a good 6 years with a lightweight 30hp tractor, a Kubota B7800. Unless someone has run one a lot I don't believe that one can really appreciate how much work a smaller tractor CAN do. Another positive for a smaller tractor is that you can often go places where a larger tractor cannot, or should go. My ground is really soft, I don't dare run my NX5510 during the rainy season (other than on established surfaces). My B7800, on the other hand, is more able to get around: of course, I can get it stuck as well as anything.

Loader work and dirt engaging work does require larger tractors.

Identify your needs first. Then size accordingly.