Minimum Tractor HP

[JohniusMaximus]

Hey guys. We're getting ready to buy our first (probably used) tractor and I've got a question. I tried to search the forums as best I could for an answer before posting but I didn't come up with what I needed, so please forgive me if this topic has been beaten to death before.

The tractor we buy will primarily be used for preparing and planting wildlife food plots. The property we'll be planting is fairly flat. As far as a tractor would be concerned it's VERY flat except for one hill to make it up if we decide to take the tractor into the "back 40" so to speak. So, considering we're not going to be farming hilly terrain, what's the bare minimum HP requirement in order to pull basic implements like a disk, bush-hog, spreader, and possibly a tiller? The largest field we'd be planting tops out at just below 1-1/2 acres. Also, I know the size of the implements plays a rather large factor here, so let's say we stick to the less massive ones. Like a 4 to 5 foot bushhog and disk and so forth. Since the largest field we have to deal with is under 2 acres the smaller implements would probably be a better choice anyway.

I've personally set the minimum to look at around 30 HP. A few we've seen for fair prices go around 29 HP (which I consider 30 HP for all practical purposes). Finding one at 35 HP for a good price would be great, but I'm really trying to fit the tractor to the work it will be doing.

So, would 29-30 HP be enough for the light work I've described? Thanks.

 

[KiotiJohn]

The answer is yes to 29-30 HP being enough for what you describe. In general, a PTO HP of 15 HP is usually enough to run a small brush mower, with 4x4 may be enough to pull a small set of disks, but keep in mind that anything that low HP will take longer to do the same as with more HP. With 30 HP, you should be able to use a 5' or even 6' brush mower, and a fairly good-sized set of disks. I would be sure to get 4 wheel drive capability in this size tractor.
For PTO implements (tiller, mower), the PTO HP is most important.
25-30 engine HP should do you just fine with no more than you mention you have to do. I do many of these tasks, on more property, with a 21 HP (15.5 PTO HP) Kioti CK20.

 

[aloha]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( what's the bare minimum HP requirement in order to pull basic implements )</font>
</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I've personally set the minimum to look at around 30 HP )</font>

There are a lot of TBNers doing harder work than you describe with tractors well under 30 HP, and having no problems.

You probably would be better off with a smaller tractor from any of the leading manufacturers than a larger off-brand costing the same, especially if the smaller one is newer. Newer is not only likely to have less mechanical problems, the newer machines also have more safety features built in (although there are some who feel that some safety features make the machines less functional).

Spend some time reading threads, and getting to know who is here, and what they are doing with what machines. Compare these descriptions to your situation. Have fun.

 

[Birdhunter1]

If you're wanting a good used tractor to do some mowing and your food plots try to find a Massey Ferguson 135, deisel or gas (Z-145 or Z-134 engine). That will be a perfect tractor for what your are wanting to do, they are older but they are very durable and even though they are older many are still in great shape..

 

[Bowhunter]

Tractors are great. I started my food plots with a walk-behind brush mower and my atv and small disk. Now that I have a tractor I am really getting spoiled. My tractor is only 22 hp but has no problem with a brush hog or tiller. A bigger tractor would be able to run bigger equipment and would get the job done quicker, but then it would probably be too big to mow my yard. Anything from 25 to 35 hp will serve you well, just keep an eye on local classified ads and let your local dealers know what you're looking for. They will give you call when they get a trade-in.

 

[BB_TX]

We planted our 2 acre plot using one of our guy's Kubota (about 20 hp) and a tiller. He had a 4' cutter for it but we never used it. We hauled it 300 miles each way each year to do that. Then the landowner bought an old 8N. We used that with a disc harrow and it did it even faster & better than the tiller and we no longer had to haul it back and forth. The landowner has since bought a slightly larger newer but still old Ford with live PTO. It doesn't take long at all to do that 2 acres, even with the 8N.

 

[thcri]

I am assuming you have more than one field that is 1-1/2 acres. You don't tell us how many acres total you have. Based on this assumption I am going to agree with Kiotojohn. The 30 HP range would work great. Others have said 20 HP but in my opinion that is a bit small. Yes you can do it with that size but there is more to life than sitting on the tractor all day long. In other words smaller can do it, it just takes longer. Again this is based on having multiple 1-1/2 acres fields.

murph

 

[Charlie_in_TX]

+1

You didn't discribe anything that couldn't be done and done well with a Ford 8N, a disc and a 5ft hog. A MF35 or Ford 'hundred series' would do it even better, sometimes for a few bucks less.

 

[JohniusMaximus]

Ah, thanks for the input guys. It's helpful.

Sorry I wasn't too descriptive about the property. We only have one 1-1/2 acre field and around 5 that wouldn't break 1/4 an acre. The total area we'd be doing runs between 3-5 acres depending on if we attempt to do both the back and front of the property.

This site's great. I've been trying to find out the answer to that question for a while. One post and it's knocked out. Awesome.

 

[v8dave]

John, nobody made any comments about tractor equipment. I'll throw my 2 cents worth in here. Strongly consider getting a loader with your tractor. Probably one on a quick disconnect, because of your plowing and bush hog work. It will make hauling things around for planting easier and will make land clearing easier. If you plan on buying a wheel barrow get a loader. Just remember to take the tools out before you fill it with dirt/debris.

 

[Soundguy]

One thing I'll add, since old fords came up.

Ford N series are great for disc's or plows.. but not rototillers.. ground speed is too high.

If you are 'married' to the idea of a rototiller.. don't get a ford N.. get another tractor model that has lower gearing ( ford has some other models that are appropriate for tillers).

I agree with the others.. 30 hp puts you in the 5' to 6' brush hog range, 5' box range.. standard dual ganged disc.. 2 bottom plow.. etc.

Plowing will not need 4wd.. nor will discing.. however.. if you get a loader.. deffinately consider at LEAST power steering and/or 4wd. I have a loader on a 2wd tractor ( ford 660 ).. it is nice as a powered wheelbarrow.. but not as completely usefull as a modern tractor with 4wd and PS.

Soundguy

 

[teddydo]

Sound Guy, I have read and enjoyed your posts for a long time and this is the frist time I have had the oportunity to chime in and agree with you. I still have my 1955 model 600 Ford and equipment and I still have uses for it around here all the time. A cultivator is a brezze to pull with this machine, although we just use it to grow our peas and corn with. It's east to widen out and narrow up which I do about twice a year. So I say to the original poster that these old Fords still have a place for this type work or play. You can disk ground until it looks fine as had been tilled. Maybe I am old fashooned but I still prefer breaking and disking over tilling. teddy

 

[RalphVa]

I don't see why you need more than 15-18 hp. Kubota makes the BX 1530 and BX 1830 in those ranges. With relatively flat ground, clearance shouldn't be a problem. Either the JD 2210 or 4010 would do. These will all (except possibly the BX 1530) handle a 4' bush hog and about that size disc and harrow. These are certainly big enough for a couple of acres.

Unless you get a loader (and recommended; you'll never regret it), even something like a Gravely (now only used available) or BCS would do on such small acreages. If you need to get into tight places, even a 4' bush hog is kinda large. Even though I bought a JD 4010 with bucket and hog, I'm hanging onto my Gravely for going around shrubbery in the front and back yards (and even down to a 22" Lawnboy for really tight places) and for doing my little orchard/vineyard on my back hill. The 4' hog is just too big to get in there and not snag posts or uproot irrigation stuff. Whereas, the Gravely maneuvers around these and doesn't snag stuff lying on the ground.

Ralph

 

[Soundguy]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Maybe I am old fashooned but I still prefer breaking and disking over tilling )</font>

Me too. I've no use for a tiller.

I have a 2 bottom old dearborn 10-1 plow.. and old 6' ford disc.. an old box blade and old chain drag harrow ( heck.. almost all my implements are old! ).

Not much that you can't scarfire up with the bow, or plow, or disc ( or a combination of all 3 ) , and not come out as good as a tiller. Course the tilelr would be a 1 pass deal.. but.. then you have less seat time!

Soundguy