Power(hp)/weight ratio?

[neverenough]

Not really sure where to post this so hopefully this is the spot.
My question is, is there some type rule of thumb for a workable power/weight ratio? My issue is I'm leaning towards a very small tractor (Like a Kubota B7800 with 30hp and 1,741 lbs) in both stature and weight and can see how you can get similar power in a tractor that weighs significantly more (Like a Kubota L2800 with 29hp and 2,600 lbs). Could they both pull the same size implements for example?
I realize a LOT of this theoretical question deals with soil type/condition and tire type but this is a 'all things being equal' question.
My desire to have a lighter smaller tractor deals with the obvious transporting and manuevarability advantages but I realize there is probably a trade off somehwere.
What is it?
Thanks in advance.

Being a farmer, I have everything from a 12 hp lawn mower to 200+ hp tractors, so I just grab what I need to get the job done. With that said, If I moved to a small 10-40 acre "hobby farm" I was going to purchase just one tractor, I would get a 35-45 hp tractor with FEL. The "smaller chassis" tractors (I have an even smaller one, a John Deere 585) are perfect for the "estate" owners. If you just have a large lawn, a large garden and/or some flower beds to till in the spring, and snowblow the driveway in the winter.

Having 3-4 acres, it really depends on how much seat time you want to spend "working the land". Really, you could spend a weekend and work the whole 3-4 acres with a large garden tractor like my 585, or you could buy a bigger tractor and be done in a few hours. It all depends on time and $$$.

To answer the specific question on the two different tractors, no, they will not "work" the same. The smaller chassis tractor will only be able to handle smaller implements. For example, the smaller tractor might only be able to use a lighter duty tiller, where as the bigger tractor would be able to use a commercial size tiller. Weight of the tiller is the key. The smaller tractor may not plow as well becouse it won't hold the line and the plow might give too much feedback (3pt plow). I've never plowed with a small tractor, 3200lb tractor was the smallest, but I can see it possibly being an issue with a 1700lb tractor. 3pt disc is along the same lines as the tiller. The heavier the disc, the better it will work. If you can't put a heavy disc on the small tractor, you may have to make a couple passes to smooth out what you just plowed. Again, back to how much time do you want to spend doing the work.

Going on the limited info you gave, I will give an opinion that renting a tractor and plow to turn over the sod, then buying a "small chassis" 30-35 hp tractor with a 55-65 inch tiller to keep working the soil from then on might work just fine. Now, if you plan on getting a FEL, get the "large chassis".

 

[Soundguy]

(If I moved to a small 10-40 acre "hobby farm" I was going to purchase just (one tractor, I would get a 35-45 hp

Wow.. I can just see mowing 40ac with a 40hp machine.. and a ? 7' mower... Talk about a career!!!

Soundguy

 

[neverenough]

(If I moved to a small 10-40 acre "hobby farm" I was going to purchase just (one tractor, I would get a 35-45 hp

Wow.. I can just see mowing 40ac with a 40hp machine.. and a ? 7' mower... Talk about a career!!!

Soundguy

Well, if you lived on 40 acres, and all you did was mow the whole thing, what else would you have to do with your time??? Most people I see want to have horses or other animals on their "hobby farm". Figure when all is said and done your left with 20-25 acres on a 40 acre plot. Between the house, lawn, shed(s), pens, corral, pasture, garden, trees, ect... 7'-9' haybine and a square baler will make short work of 20 acres of hay/alfalfa. Now, if you want bigger to go faster, then it sounds more like my job of farming then a "hobby" to enjoy after you put in your 40 at work. Everybody sees things a little differently I guess.

 

[GeauxLSU]

I guess I should have highlighted more a few things.
1) I only have just over 8 acres and only about 4 of it is cleared and would be needed to be maintained/planted.
2) I've got PLENTY of time. It's a weekend getaway place and I have no problems driving the tractor a few hours here and there to keep it maintained.
Now yes it's "possible" I may have more one day or want to use it on my neighbor's 140 acres to help him out or who knows what. But the only immediate need is to maintain and plant (probably twice annually) approx 4 acres.
Sorry, I guess that is an important detail.

 

[Soundguy]

My '40' at work is really about '78' as I have 2 jobs.. same as the wife... We each get 1 day off a week.... That's 4 days a month. That's why I mow with a 15' mower.. so i can get it done in a couple hours and still have 90% of the day ahead of me.. etc... or do it on a day I don't work a double, after my day job.. and then enjoy my 1 day a week off fully.

Soundguy

 

[Soundguy]

Yep.. when it comes to sizing a tractor.. size of the acerage and intedned chores do matter.

Soundguy

I guess I should have highlighted more a few things.
1) I only have just over 8 acres and only about 4 of it is cleared and would be needed to be maintained/planted.
2) I've got PLENTY of time. It's a weekend getaway place and I have no problems driving the tractor a few hours here and there to keep it maintained.
Now yes it's "possible" I may have more one day or want to use it on my neighbor's 140 acres to help him out or who knows what. But the only immediate need is to maintain and plant (probably twice annually) approx 4 acres.
Sorry, I guess that is an important detail.

 

[slowrev]

According to a show I watched on RFD last night the ideal weight ratio is 100 lbs per hp.
Ben

 

[GeauxLSU]

According to a show I watched on RFD last night the ideal weight ratio is 100 lbs per hp.
Ben

That's what I was hoping existed. Interesting. Thanks.

 

[bdog]

http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/library/ageng2/mf588.pdf
This should answer all your questions. My 2 cents, get the heavy tractor.