Newbie

RanchMan · Jul 1, 2004

That's a kindof subjective question.

Tiller:
I'd estimate 30/40 PTO HP is a good range for a 5' tiller based on mfg. ratings.

BH:
I have found my 4110 (41hp/34hp) entirely adequate for a 6' BH. Chances are you'll break your shear pin long before you run out of HP to turn the cutter, so somewhere in the 30-40 PTO HP range should be plenty.

Disk:
This is a little harder question because you have speed vs. soil type vs. width. Generally speaking, 40 hp (4wd) would be adequate for a 6' disk at a "decent speed" for the soil on my place. (I run a 6.5' disk w/ 41hp).

Now, the faster you want to go, the more HP you'll need to prevent from loading the engine too much at speed. IMO although 50 hp would be better, 40 hp is entirely adequate for a 6' disk (and many people get away with less hp than that.)

Hope this helps.

honeyb · Jul 1, 2004

Thanks RM this helps out a bunch, my place is basically sandy loam and it is not too difficult to work. I am going to go test drive some of the Mahindras on Friday so this will help also. I will talk to the dealer and see what his opinion will be be. I will update you with what I find out.

Smithla · Jul 1, 2004

HoneyB,

I have a Mahindra 4005, 40 HP, 2WD, FEL, and yes I would love to have 4WD, I purchased this used, so didn't have a choice at the time. I pull a 6' BH, 6' disk, and wish I had a tiller, but that will come later. I have the rear tires loaded, and have never been lacking for power. I will mow low speed, 3rd or 4th gear in waist deep weeds, and have never stalled. I did plow some new ground with a double 16" turning plow, and that gave me fits, clay and rocks, but the 40 HP wouldn't give up, wheels would spin sometimes, so I'm recommending that you get the 4WD. I bet that the dealer would rather discount by $500 bucks rather than loose a sale.

Good Luck,

Les

Charlie_in_TX · Jul 1, 2004

Smitty, if it makes you feel any better, I don't think 4wd would have helped with the plow. The front end is unloaded when pulling a plow. The most important time for 4wd is with the FEL.

MicroPilot · Jul 1, 2004

I found out last evening another reason to have 4WD. I was mowing my yard and have an area that has a decent slope. Steep enough that I don't run the tractor across. Anyway I had been mowing in 2WD to keep from tearing up the turf, and got to the point of going down the slope (I save this area till I'm nearly finished). Well the rear end started to want to be the front end!!! Luckily this slope is only about 15' or 20' so I was able to ride it out. Switched into 4WD and made another pass down and this time no problems!!!

RanchMan · Jul 1, 2004

<font color="blue">I don't think 4wd would have helped with the plow. </font>

This is not the case with a disk based on my experience. I have used my disk while in 2wd, but it is much harder on the machine and traction is much harder to come by. I notice a huge difference when pulling my disk in 4wd instead of 2wd. Even though the front can be "light," you still gain significant traction when 4wd is engaged. If the front end is not so light (weights or FEL installed), then 4wd makes an even bigger difference. Again, this doesn't mean a 2wd can't do a lot of the work, it just does it less efficiently and has more difficulty doing it.

Chet · Jul 1, 2004

Ditto what Ranchman said about the options and the 4500 4WD will easily handle those implements you listed. Mine has the FEL and you will never regret getting the 4WD if you decide to add the loader later. I have pulled a 6" hog through some heavy stuff and the tractor never even strained. Also runs a drum mower and square baler with ease. Chet

Travis_R · Jul 1, 2004

I would DEFINITELY get the 4500 4WD over the 5500 2WD if you had a choice between the two. It makes more sense. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

jwcinpk · Jul 3, 2004

Another vote for the 4500 4x4. I have the 6000 4x4 and I'll never have another 2wd tractor. You can do so much more with those extra 2 pulling wheels. For what you are talking of doing the 4500 will take it like a walk in the park. You could even step down to atleast the 4110.
While you are comparing new 4x4 tractors to these older Fords keep in mind how far technology has come in that many years. You can do more with a smaller, more compact, less HP tractor now than you could ever do with some of the older ones. JMO. Not trying to knock anyones older tractor it's just technology keeps allowing you to do more.
When you go to the dealer see what you can get every thing you want for. Don't take his first offer. Take some time and shop around. In my case I had a dollar amount in mind I could spend and when I realized I couldn't get evrything I needed for that amount I took advantage of the low financing for the other stuff I needed. Hope this helps. You already have some good advice here.

coronelli · Jul 3, 2004

I've had my Mahindra 5500 4wd for about 3 weeks now and I love it. The tractor is very easy to drive and very powerful. It does a pretty good job pulling up my many ceadr trees, the bucket carries a lot of material and it has enough power to burry my 9 blade ripper to the hilt and pull it through hard packed ground without trouble. I though about 2wd and was set on it but decided to switch to 4wd for several reasons. Exrta traction for pulling, dirt work and ease of manuvering on hills and rocky areas.

For the Mahidra tractors there is another reason to get 4wd.....shuttle shift. On the 4500/5500 you are looking at only the 4wd models have shuttle shift. Now that I have it, I could not imagine life without the shuttle shift. It makes a big difference, especially with the FEL.

No matter if you choose 4wd or 2wd I would seriously suggest geting the 5500 over the 4500. The price difference is minimal and you gain 9hp, extra lifting capacity (264 over 260 FEL) and get an all around larger tractor. The 4500 4wd is a little underpowered in my opinon for teh weight. For the small amount of exrta money now you will have a bigger more powerful tractor forever.