jmh1783
Silver Member
I need some expertise. I'm looking at a property with about 11 acres of open mostly flat land and I'm trying to figure out what tractor to buy. I don't want to get into a brand discussion. I have narrowed it down to three choices (all hydros):
Tractor A: larger frame, 35 hp, 4000lbs
Tractor B: smaller frame, 3000lbs, 40 hp (6 inches narrower, 12 inches shorter), $200 less than above
Tractor C: same frame as A, 4000lbs, 45 hp, $2K more
***weights are without the loader
The open space is pasture (I don't intend to have animals) but is also exposed to the road. I intend to mow some of it regularly like a lawn and the rest monthly. I want to buy a flail mower to handle both the tall and short grass. No thick stuff to deal with. My other uses for the tractor are: plowing in winter, rototilling, fencing, planting an orchard, wood chipper, wood splitter, driveway maintenance, lots of tree planting over the course of years, other one-off projects.
Here's my real question/concern: Most flail mowers are rated for at least 30 PTO HP. Tractor A has 29 PTO HP. I currently have an underpowered zero turn mower, I'd prefer to not repeat the problem when buying a tractor. Tractor B is smaller and lighter but with more PTO HP. It would be more maneaverable for mowing, easier on the lawn and getting into the woods on the property. With ~35 PTO HP it is up above the minimum, but not by much. Tractor C has lots of PTO HP but is it too much tractor? It is no larger than Tractor A but would consume more fuel doing the same work.
Any thoughts would be appreciated!
Tractor A: larger frame, 35 hp, 4000lbs
Tractor B: smaller frame, 3000lbs, 40 hp (6 inches narrower, 12 inches shorter), $200 less than above
Tractor C: same frame as A, 4000lbs, 45 hp, $2K more
***weights are without the loader
The open space is pasture (I don't intend to have animals) but is also exposed to the road. I intend to mow some of it regularly like a lawn and the rest monthly. I want to buy a flail mower to handle both the tall and short grass. No thick stuff to deal with. My other uses for the tractor are: plowing in winter, rototilling, fencing, planting an orchard, wood chipper, wood splitter, driveway maintenance, lots of tree planting over the course of years, other one-off projects.
Here's my real question/concern: Most flail mowers are rated for at least 30 PTO HP. Tractor A has 29 PTO HP. I currently have an underpowered zero turn mower, I'd prefer to not repeat the problem when buying a tractor. Tractor B is smaller and lighter but with more PTO HP. It would be more maneaverable for mowing, easier on the lawn and getting into the woods on the property. With ~35 PTO HP it is up above the minimum, but not by much. Tractor C has lots of PTO HP but is it too much tractor? It is no larger than Tractor A but would consume more fuel doing the same work.
Any thoughts would be appreciated!