Suggestions on my first tractor purchase...

JINMA224XR · Aug 5, 2005

Question for you pros... if I go with a 4WD, does that mean I can back off the PTO HP some or should I still stay with 40-45HP?


Hey Sonnie,

First off, I'm not a professional, by any stretch, but this one is not that difficult.

First off, 4Wd: Some will dissagree with me, but this is my point of view. Given 2 tractors identical except one is 2wd and the other 4wd. The 4wd will outperform, hands down, over the 2wd in pulling, pushing, front end loader work, slippery, soft or muddy ground, hilly ground. So you can get a smaller 4wd, that will do the same work, that a larger 2wd can do. However there are advantages of having a 2wd, but for the life of me,, I don't know what they are anymore. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

PTO Hp: You need to determine, what is the largest PTO, operated equipment that you ever wish to use and then get at least that much in PTO HP. You can get a larger 2wd, with more pto hp, and save some money's over the 4wd, but that is such a sacrifice, in overall performance of the tractor. I don't see that a 4wd, will affect, the Pto hp, one way or the other. The rated pto hp, is either their, or it isn't.

IMO, 4WD, is the way to go, no doubt about it. Don't even talk about 2WD to a dealer, as he wants to get rid of them as fast as he can. When or if, it comes to resale, the used 4wd, will be much easier to resale, than a used 2wd.

If budget is beginning to play a larger role, then do yourself a favor and check out the Chinese Tractor Prices, you can get what you want, with all of the bells and whistles and may save enough money's to get most if not all of your equipment needs.

Get your tractors running &
Have a nice day,
Joe /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

MikePA · Aug 5, 2005

if I go with a 4WD, does that mean I can back off the PTO HP some
No.

Spiffy · Aug 5, 2005

I'm not an expert on 4WD either, but I'm wondering where your HP loss is.

What I'm saying is that PTO HP is PTO HP, just like Mike points out.

However, if you were figuring some serious HP consumption due to the rear end getting bogged down in wet spots, you might make up a few HP going 4WD. Of course, then you'd want 4WD anyway, just for negotiating in these areas easier.

So, if you already sized PTO HP to the bushhog, then decided to go 4WD to get into more areas; your PTO HP stays the same. [Assuming the types of weeds in these spots take the same HP as your dryland weeds]

Clear as your muddy wet spots? /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

SonnieP · Aug 5, 2005

lol

I was just reading a few other posts and noticed a few comments as to reducing HP when going from 2WD to 4WD. It makes sense that it would not effect the PTO HP though. Maybe they are referring to non-PTO work... 4WD would give you more power to work non-PTO implements thereby requiring less engine HP...???

SonnieP · Aug 5, 2005

I just got a great qoute on a Brown 472 Cutter of $1490. He also quoted me $300 less on a 431 if I decide to go with 2WD.

Bird · Aug 5, 2005

( if I go with a 4WD, does that mean I can back off the PTO HP some )

I see you've gotten some answers to this question, but thought I might add a little bit. Farmers in my area told me that the 4WD is the equivalent of approximately 25% more horsepower, but that's pulling power. I would expect PTO horsepower to stay about the same.

SonnieP · Aug 5, 2005

I believe I'm pretty much sold on 4WD.

It looks like it may come down to these two tractors… other makes are going to be out of my price range when I jump from a 2WD to a 4WD…. generally speaking they are $2-3K more. I’m only willing to go 4WD because I believe I’ve come up with enough to pay cash for at least the tractor. I will finance the extras with my banker.

Farmtrac 555DTC 4WD @ $16950 vs. Mahindra 5500 4WD @ $16820

Here are the differences that I can discern from the specs…

Engine HP = 50 vs. 54
PTO HP = 44.7 vs. 44
Cylinder = 3 vs. 4
Cubic Inch = 192 vs. 186
Alternator Amps = 55 vs. 36

Transmission = Constant Mesh 8 + 2 vs. Full Synchromesh 8 + 8 Shuttle

PTO Clutch = Live vs. Independent
PTO RPM = 540 @ 1800 vs. 540 & 1000 @ 2100 (I don’t understand the 540 & 1000 rating???)

Brakes = Dry Disc vs. Wet Disc

Lift Weight = 3080lbs vs. 3968lbs

Overall Width = 76” vs. 77.4”
Overall Length = 129” vs. 150”

Total Weight = 4950lbs vs. 6230lbs

Ag Tires Front = 9.5 X 20 vs. 9.5 X 24 (The front tires on the 5500 look huge!)

There may be other differences that I don’t understand.

On the surface it appears the Mahindra wins the battle hands down, but I know nothing about this company really. I understand this model Farmtrac is basically the same as the old Fords, or are at least built by the same company that built Fords, which have a proven track record. I guess what I’m trying to say is the Mahindra just almost sounds too good to be true. This is a lot of extra for basically the same money.

GEB · Aug 6, 2005

Take a look here Sonnie http://www.bransontractor.com/20Series/4720.html
I needed all the tractor I could get for the least amount of money.
If there's a dealer anywhere near you by all means,
go take a look!
Surly what ever you end up with will serve you well.
After looking at the Big 3-4 and others I found for myself
that Branson was the big bang for the buck.
Good luck!
Gene

GEB · Aug 6, 2005

BTW if you have any intrest,
Shortened Long Link

Gene

SonnieP · Aug 8, 2005

I checked out the Branson's but I don't see them quite stacking up to the Mahindra's.

I'm leaning heavily towards the Mahindra 5500 4WD w/ the 265 FEL (w/ Quick Attach) at $20,745 delivered. I'm waiting on one other dealer to call me back.

I just can't find anything that comes close to what I will get with this setup and price.