Tractor Data- Invaluable important resource

[Hay Dude]

Let’s say you are buying a tractor and you are comparison shopping.You ask opinions on TBN, talk to dealers, but do you check Tractor Data and Nebraska Tractor Tests? Do you read the tests carefully?

I have found Tractor Data to be the most indispensable piece of information when buying. Not all XX or XXX tractors test the same for hydraulic capability, PTO HP, Drawbar performance, Max Pull, Fuel used per hour, etc.

I am a disciple of Tractor Data and always check when I am comparison shopping. Trust me when I say to you that all XX or XXX horsepower tractors are NOT the same. Use their comparison tools on your “candidates“ before you buy!

I was comparing a Case-IH Puma to a Challenger MT545B and the Challenger had noticeably better test results in that particular model. Some manufacturers “under rate” their tractors. You think you are buying a tractor with 25 PTO HP and it tests out at 30 PTO HP. You’ll be surprised at what you find.

 

[LD1]

Definitely a good source of information. I often here people say it isnt to be trusted and say there are a lot of errors....but I have found them few and far between.

The nebraska tests are nice for larger and/or older stuff. But unfortunately most of the newer stuff, utility and smaller, arent tested. So the most frequently debated tractors on here like 25-30hp compacts.....just arent tested by an independent party like the nebraska tests.

 

[Roadworthy]

I find their information incredibly informative and Peter is very open to making corrections if you find erroneous information on the site. He is personable and responsive.

 

[rScotty]

I've also found the tractor data site to be helpful and accurate.
It's a remarkable help to the tractor community.

It would be nice if real world testing like the Nebraska testing was done with today's machines - but I can't imagine any industry accepting the expense... or taking the risk.

 

[Thomas]

Overall Tractordata been helpful over the years.

 

[Hay Dude]

I was really surprised to see how the tractors I’m using test out.
Last 3 I have bought 2 test at the top of the group. 1 tests a little below top. I attribute this to Tractor Data research.
I am now searching for another and narrowed it down to a few specific models in my price range, according to loader lift capacity, drawbar pull performance and PTO HP (I probably should be looking at fuel economy lol)
Unfortunately, I have pretty strict budget limits, which preclude me from being able to afford anything green (Fendt or Deere). So they are typically out of consideration.

 

[Cahaba Valley Farm]

It would be nice if real world testing like the Nebraska testing was done with today's machines - but I can't imagine any industry accepting the expense... or taking the risk.

Scotty, clue some of us in on why the tractor tests have stopped.

 

[rScotty]

I've also found the tractor data site to be helpful and accurate.
It's a remarkable help to the tractor community.

It would be nice if real world testing like the Nebraska testing was done with today's machines - but I can't imagine any industry accepting the expense... or taking the risk.

Scotty, clue some of us in on why the tractor tests have stopped.

The Nebraska Tractor Tests haven't stopped. They just don't test compacts and utility size like they used to do. I was speculating on why that part of their testing was stopped. They still test new larger tractors and have been working on their website. You can check it out & see what you think. There's various links including some of the history of tractor testing.

Nebraska Tractor Test Laboratory | Nebraska

tractortestlab.unl.edu

In fact, they have a search engine and post a list of everything they have ever tested. Try it; it's new and it's fun.

TEST REPORT SEARCH | Tractor Test Lab | Nebraska

tractortestlab.unl.edu

Back in the 1980s the Univ. of Nebraska included some compact and utility size tractors in sizes that are more interesting to TBNers, but they don't seen to now. Back then we bought two tractors based partly on their tests. Maybe some other countries that use Nebrask's testing protocol are now testing smaller tractors. That would be worth finding out. The whole point of the Nebraska Tractor tests was to have a standard that everyone could believe.

rScotty

 

[LD1]

Under 100hp they don't even test drawbar pull unless requested.

They just test 3ph lift, and pto power basically.

And in the last two decades, I haven't seen anything smaller than 50hp "utility" class machines tested. Deere 5/5000 series, nh workmaster 50, Kubota M5, etc.

I'm not sure the logistics of who/what/why they choose to test what they do. And who foots the bill. But honestly, in the compact category....testing them is futile. Few would even look at or care. Everyone just compares mfg's paper specs.

And in this day in age....mfg's aren't likely to fudge numbers. Too easy to end in a lawsuit which would cost them exponentially more.

 

[EddieWalker]

When I was looking at used tractors, I used Tractor Data website a lot. Mostly to figure out what HP a tractor has when the listing just has a model number. But in the end, I bought a new tractor based on the most HP that I could get and not have to use DEF.