Tractor Sizing One Size Fits All

[tkcomer]

Ok, here goes. I posted on another section about trying to replace an old Murry mower that I used to trim around buildings, fences and on hillsides. It has a 46” offset deck that I can stick under fences. It is a super trim mower but it is on its last legs. I also have a 25 horse Poulan Pro that I use to finish up the rest. It does a super job mowing if the grass is fairly dry. If it’s wet, forget it. I also have an International 484. I have a Landpride rear mower for it, but you can’t get this combo anywhere near a fence. And this is what I’m trying to keep cleaned up: http://www.pixagogo.com/7000025205 You can click on the pic to make it bigger. Click on original to see the weeds. Now then, I was wondering if some of the compact 4WD tractors could replace all three of these machines. I noticed they now have compacts that you can install a mid mount mower on. Just an example, the NH TC33DA. It’s hydrostatic drive which the wife will like, but does it have a Cat II hitch on it? All my equipment is Cat II. Another thing, would this tractor be capable of running a 1300 International 7-foot sickle mower? At 7 MPH. I also have a 9” Shaver post driver I run on the back of the 484. Would one of these tractors be capable of handling that? It’s just a thought. Not sure if I can find a tractor to replace all three.

 

[MikePA]

<font color="blue"> but does it have a Cat II hitch on it? </font>
The 3ph on most (all?) compact tractors is a Cat 1.

<font color="blue"> Another thing, would this tractor be capable of running a 1300 International 7-foot sickle mower? At 7 MPH. </font>
Depends. What is the hp requirement of the mower?

<font color="blue"> I also have a 9” Shaver post driver I run on the back of the 484. Would one of these tractors be capable of handling that? </font>
I run a post driver on my TC25D. The issue with a driver is not the hp of the tractor but the gpm of the hydraulic pump. Even then, the gpm of the pump only affects how fast the driver rises. If your driver works with the Cat 1 3ph, it should work on a compact tractor. However, you might have to reinstall the 3ph pins on the driver to fit a Cat 1 3ph. I had to with my driver. The pins were facing out. I had to remove and install them so they were facing in.

 

[tkcomer]

The sickle mower is my main concern. It doesn’t take much horsepower to run it, but this thing will drag the front of the tractor around if you don’t stay somewhat alert. You always have the wheel turned just a little bit to the left. I cut about35 acres a year for hay. I only put about 20 hours on the 484 a year. Most of the time this tractor just sits. I have a 685 Case-IH tractor for the rest of the farm. I’m a newbie when it comes to these compacts. That’s why I came here before I even started looking.