recommended pto hp power

[rap14]

New to the hobby farm business. I have a new Kubota B7800 tractor with about 23 PTO HP. Great little tractor but I did not realize all the extra activites that I know I am capable of doing or never thought of doing so I know I bought too small. However, I am planning on planting several plots with a total of about 3 acres, corn, tomatos etc. do I have enough PTO power. I believe that if you plant more then you should have a mininum of 60 PTO HP or so I was told but this would jump me up to a much larger tractor. Any thoughts or recommedations? Thanks

 

[Farmwithjunk]

You just have to size your implements appropriately to what power you have available. 3 acres isn't a vast prarie. Your tractor can easily take care of a garden patch that size. You'll no doubt plant things in stages. That'll give you the opportunity to work small parcels of your 3 acres instead of all at one jump.

I farmed over 200 acres with 60 hp as my biggest tractor for years. When I first started, I did it with 47 hp for a few years. You just have to go at it with a plan.

I've got a good friend who gardens about 2 acres WITHOUT a tractor, just a rear tine tiller and a lot of energy.

Personally, I prefer tractors in the 40 to 45 hp range for MOST of what I do. I have 45 acres now. That size allows decent sized CAT I implements that are reasonable priced and readily available. Bigger means bigger implements, higher cost, decreased mobility and limited use in smaller, confined areas. 60 HP would be a reasonable size for larger acreage, haying operations, ect, but 60hp (and the size/weight that goes with it) would be a MONSTER in a 3-acre garden plot.

 

[hotchkiss]

I think FWJ is right on target. We have about 850 acres and four tractors. The largest is only 105hp, and for years our farm manager planted 100 acres of corn with a Ford 4000 which is approximately 50hp. At that time, it involved plowing 100 acres, discing 100 acres, and planting 100 acres.

You have plenty of tractor to work three acres with smaller implements and by not getting in too big of a rush.

60hp on three acres reminds me of the farmer who won the lottery and was asked what he planned to do next - - - -- - - "Buy a tractor that is so #*#*#* big that I can't turn it around in my field".

 

[N80]

I would think an L3400 would be perfect for a garden that size. Maybe a little more than you need, but still small enough and nimble enough to work in smaller areas. Big enough to pull 5 or 6 foot implements, and a one or even two bottom plow depending on the soil.

 

[Gittyup]

Your tractor will handle a 60" tiller. That should be plenty for a 3 acre garden plot.

 

[MarkV]

Rap welcome to the forum. There are not that many PTO implements involved in gardening. My garden is only around 1/2 acre, because I don't want to deal with any more weeds, but I could easily till 3 acres with a 14 PTO hp tractor. Many here on the forum garden with a plow and disk never using a PTO implement in the garden. You will be fine if you can keep up with the weeds and the tractor isn't much help there once things start growing.

MarkV

 

[jbrumberg]

Rap welcome to the forum. There are not that many PTO implements involved in gardening. My garden is only around 1/2 acre, because I don't want to deal with any more weeds, but I could easily till 3 acres with a 14 PTO hp tractor. Many here on the forum garden with a plow and disk never using a PTO implement in the garden. You will be fine if you can keep up with the weeds and the tractor isn't much help there once things start growing.

MarkV

rap14:

Welcome to TBN ! I agree with MarkV. I maintained my 12+ A's for many years with an even smaller tractor. Like previous posters have said- bigger tractor = bigger attachments, less manuverability, and higher costs . Your B7800 will meet your needs . Use your new tractor safely and well and send pictures. We like pictures. Jay

 

[Soundguy]

I also think that your hp is fine for that small area.

soundguy

 

[rap14]

New to the hobby farm business. I have a new Kubota B7800 tractor with about 23 PTO HP. Great little tractor but I did not realize all the extra activites that I know I am capable of doing or never thought of doing so I know I bought too small. However, I am planning on planting several plots with a total of about 3 acres, corn, tomatos etc. do I have enough PTO power. I believe that if you plant more then you should have a mininum of 60 PTO HP or so I was told but this would jump me up to a much larger tractor. Any thoughts or recommedations? Thanks

Thanks for all the advice. I'm starting small but have a lot more acres I can plant. It all depends on time and ambition.

 

[ToadHill]

I work 87 acres with a 35hp Kioti and a Ford 8N. For many years all I had was the 8N. Just plan your work and work your plan. Those little machines can do a lot more work than you think.
Some people find it hard to believe but I placed my neighbors 45ft x 12ft trailer on its pad with the 35hp Kioti. First gear low range and solid ground and it went in without a hitch.