New tractor, how big?

[Bob_Skurka]

I've always heard that 3-to-5 hp per 12" of mower deck was sort of an unofficial standard.

If that is so, then a 54" rotary cutter would be the absolute maximum upper limit and leave no room for heavy growth, wet stuff, etc. A 48" might be better suited to 13 pto/hp.

I have a 60" on a 19 pto/hp (NH TC24D) and find I can bog that down badly if I hit something, but it sails through grass pretty well. This only 6" more inches in cutting width than the 54" deck but with 6 extra HP available to the PTO.

I used a 60" on an Oliver and when I hit heavy grass the diesel engine died, but the blades were pretty dull at the time. I think there is about 22 pto/hp on that tractor with lots of torque.

 

[40Kchicks]

If what you’re doing is loading than you need to look at skid steers. If you’re loading into larger trucks look at the vertical lift models. The skid steers are faster and more maneuverable while loading. The loader is right in front of you instead of out there in front of an engine which makes loading easier. Also the universal quick attach plate found on newer skid steers allows one to find all sorts of implements including grapple buckets, log splitters, high capacity buckets ect.

I’d like to also recommend the electronic over hydraulic joystick controls. These are standard on some machines like CAT and optional on most other manufactures models. I love mine.

Don’t let the stubby looks of these skid steers fool you they will out work most CUT’s.

Just my opinion.
Eric

 

[5030]

I agree with 40Kchicks.

A skid loader will outwork a wheel tractor 10:1 in a load situation. If loading trucks is your prime consideration especially firewood, get a skid with a grapple. Better yet, go rent one for a test drive. Our 773 Bobcat is indispensable for loading manure and barn work. They even excel at stacking round bales.

 

[del]

General rule of thumb if you aren't familiar with the
tractor's capabilities/use etc, figure out what you
think you need and go one size bigger...

Actually for firewood I saw kind of a neat deal. When
I was looking at dump trailers I stopped whenever I
saw one with an owner near it and asked questions. One
fellow had a firewood business and he had an electric
(I think) conveyor setup. As they cut and split wood
instead of throwing it on a pile they tossed the pieces
on the belt which ran them up and dumped them in the
center of his dump trailer. He had a dump trailer with
high sides and I don't think most smaller tractors could
fill it without going to both sides, if that.

(You know wood's not as forgiving as sand it likes to
stay where it's dropped)

They would throw a tarp over the trailer when done and that
way they always had a load ready to go. When they got ahead
of the game and had to pile it he would just have his 10
year old son put the pile one by one on the belt.Conveyor
was a nice unit as protected as the short conveyors they
use at the check out counter at the grocery store.

Or course he couldn't grade his driveway like he could with
a tractor. He used a big iron beam drug behind his truck when
that needed to be done.

del

 

[PeteInNH]

Thanks for all the advice. I bought a used bobcat 753. Works awesome, what blast to drive!! It's got a kubota diesel to /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif.

Pete

Go Patriots!!