Tractor size and HP

[Kubotafan]

I heard or read that when buying a tractor that buying bigger didn't necessarily mean more power. For example, a L4060 may not seem to have more power than a L3560 because the L4060 is a bigger frame and heavier tractor. I was told that if buying a larger frame tractor you should get the most HP available in that size frame. For example the L4060 and the L4760 are the same frame size, so you should buy the L4760. Can anyone give help from experience.

 

[murphy1244]

Never heard such thing

 

[ericher69]

I heard or read that when buying a tractor that buying bigger didn't necessarily mean more power. For example, a L4060 may not seem to have more power than a L3560 because the L4060 is a bigger frame and heavier tractor. I was told that if buying a larger frame tractor you should get the most HP available in that size frame. For example the L4060 and the L4760 are the same frame size, so you should buy the L4760. Can anyone give help from experience.

No really heavier but yes if money is no object get the most hp in that size frame

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[s219]

Buying bigger usually means heavier and more traction for a given amount of HP. For example, I think the 32HP in my L3200 is a lot more usable due to the weight/traction than 29HP was in my B2920, even though the B2920 weighed about half as much. Per weight, the L3200 would seem underpowered compared to the B2920, but the weight makes it more of a workhorse for traction-dependent uses or ground-engaging tasks.

 

[xring100]

I've never regretted getting the M8540 V the M9540. Just buy more horsepower than you think you'll need if you can afford it. Weight and loader capacity would be what I'd be more concerned about. The hydrostatic transmissions seem to suck up a lot more power than a gear trans though.

 

[jeff9366]

I had a Kubota B3300SU (33-hp). Sold it to buy a Kubota L3560 (37-hp). Not much difference in horsepower but the L3560 has much more pulling power due to its weight.

That said, buy all the engine power and frame weight within your budget.

 

[Ken45101]

A lot depends on how you are using it. What tasks will you be doing that requires maximum power?

I also suspect that the use of the word "power" may be confusing. Is the issue traction? Or actual ground engaging traction? Or PTO power? It's different if you are pulling a 3 bottom plow vs. a bush hog. Or lifting with a loader. Or drilling post holes.

In some of the "pairs", it's the same engine (displacement), just apparently tuned a bit different.

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

I live on hillside land. Have owned several BXs, Bs and one L.
I owned a B7800 (31/32HP) 1700 lbs and traded it to a Grand L3240 HST (32HP) 3400/3700lbs. The HP was about the same but at the steepest point on my hillside the L was running out of steam so it didn't have more power. The B7800 never slowed with the same Landpride 6' rear finish mower on it going up the hill but the RFM would swing the B7800 around when I got to the bottom of the hill but it never steered the L.
Weight usually means more traction. Diesel HP is Diesel HP and I'm doubting a Kubota 32 HP in one tractor with more weight has more power than another Kubota 32 HP in a lower weight tractor. Kust call me a skeptic.
I also am not a believer that bigger is better, it's just bigger, unless there is a need for bigger. If there is a need for bigger then bigger is better but if there is a need for smaller then smaller is better. Everyone has different needs and requirements and any time someone, thinking of their own situation/experience/belief system/believer of other peoples needs, posts the bigger is better "theory as fact" brings forth those of us that have experienced the actual experience of going up and down in tractor size ownership and experience. We, us owners of several size tractors over several years, don't as a group believe that bigger itself makes it better but just makes it bigger. It compares to a 3500 series pickup truck is better than a 1500 series pickup truck. Yes the 3500 is bigger and maybe even stronger if it has more HP but if it doesn't have more HP then it isn't stronger. Remember the Ford Lightening pick up trucks with like 500/600 hp in the small truck? Stronger but not usable except for drag racing.
Match the tractor size and HP to the jobs that need to be done or as Tim the Toolman says, MORE POWER!!!:cool2:

 

[Kubotafan]

In some of the "pairs", it's the same engine (displacement), just apparently tuned a bit different.

I have noticed that and wonder what is added to make the price difference.

 

[TripleR]

Well, yes, no and maybe...sure wish there was such a thing as "universal truths" when buying all tractors but I'm not sure there are many. I have run into a lot of "This" is better "if" and "that" is better "if"...

One thing is going to be more important for pulling and another for PTO and then some need both. You really have to decide what you are going to do to determine what you need as to frame size, weight and engine. There are guys on here who can write pages on this, discuss the right amount of tire slip etc. for the best traction and fuel efficiency, how to properly ballast your machine and so on.

JONTHOMAS put it pretty much like I would and I often use the "bigger is not always better..." myself.

I bought an L5740, but would have bought an L5240 if I had found one, I am happy with our M8540 though the M9540 is the same tractor except has ten more HP; didn't need it. We have tractors from 22 to 85 HP, SCUTs to UT/Ag and they all have their place.