Tractor Sizing TRACTOR WEIGHT as a SINGLE CRITERION IN TRACTOR SELECTION

[k0ua]

At a 1100 pound advantage or over 50 percent heavier the L2501 would be the clear winner.

It would be pulling the little BX backwards, screaming all the way. it would be an interesting video.

 

[k0ua]

Gutless wonder tractors still beats a tractor too light for the job. My L3240 pulled a box blade or plow slow. The L3800 is a lot higher power to weight ratio but when the going gets tough it sits there spinning its wheels. The l3240 was the smallest engine of that frame and more power would have definitely been better but a smaller tractor with equal power is worse.

Agreed. The best of all worlds, is a heavy tractor with lots of HP.. :licking:

 

[jeff9366]

As someone who is looking for a loader tractor right now, bare tractor weight is unimportant to me.
I want something that has a diesel engine and at least 40HP at the PTO.

Is there any compact tractor with at least 40HP at the PTO that weigh less than 3,700 pounds, bare tractor weight?

 

[RickB]

Is there any compact tractor with at least 40HP at the PTO that weigh less than 3,700 pounds, bare tractor weight?

Kubota MX4800 2wd shuttle. The MX4800 4WD shuttle is 27 lbs over.
The L4701 gear is 39.3 PTO hp and well under 3700 lbs.

 

[aczlan]

Kubota MX4800 2wd shuttle. The MX4800 4WD shuttle is 27 lbs over.
The L4701 gear is 39.3 PTO hp and well under 3700 lbs.

All much newer and lighter than what I am looking at (Massey 150, International 575, Ford 3550, to name a few).

Aaron Z

 

[RickB]

All much newer and lighter than what I am looking at (Massey 150, International 575, Ford 3550, to name a few).

Aaron Z

Jeff’s question was not age restricted.

 

[kthompson]

Comment on used Cat II implements are hard to find in their area: of course this does vary across areas but now and the last few years there has been a good bit of Cat II for sale if you really look for it. Reason, UPSIZING. Now rear blades may not be so as much as farm implements. Watch for equipment auctions and for equipment people have sitting they will sell just had not realize they are no longer using it. Also look every way you can to find used equipment sellers. They are out there but easy to miss.

One good thing with drop in scrap metal prices implements, older ones, will be less scrapped out.

 

[jeff9366]

Hmmm, the first part above (in bold) directly contradicts the second part below (in italics), unless there is a gearing change as well.
Larger wheels mean a higher ground speed and less torque on the ground for the same axle RPM, if a tractor has larger wheels, it generally gets different gears to increase the torque at the axle and make up for the larger tires.

Aaron Z

Tractor weight provides most tractor "grunt" defining tractor capability in pulling applications.
Heavier tractors are built with thicker steel and thicker axles to withstand the stress of heavier loads.

Heavier tractors have larger diameter wheels/tires. Larger rear tires have a larger tire "patch" in contact with the soil, improving traction. Larger wheels and tires and a longer wheelbase permit heavier tractors to bridge holes, ruts and tree debris, increasing traction and reducing operator perturbation. Therefore, heavier tractors with large diameter wheels/tires have more tractive power pulling ground contact implements and tree trunks, pushing a loader bucket into dirt and pushing snow. Larger wheels and tires increase ground clearance, increasing the height at which crops may be cultivated.
Larger wheels and tires increase ground clearance, lengthening the period which row crops may be implement cultivated.

Heavier tractors have FEL lift and Three Point Hitch lift in proportion to weight.

When considering a tractor purchase, bare tractor weight first, tractor horsepower second and (narrowly) rear wheel ballast third. Ample tractor horsepower is needed for PTO-powered implements such as Bush Hogs and snow blowers, but remains subsidiary to tractor weight in defining tractor capability.

 

[MossRoad]

You forgot to mention....

Tire width and flotation VS traction.

 

[jeff9366]

You forgot to mention....

Tire width and flotation VS traction.

Tractor weight largely defines tractor capability in pulling applications.
Heavier tractors are built with thicker steel and thicker axles to withstand the stress of heavier loads.

Heavier tractors have larger diameter, greater breadth wheels/tires. Larger rear tires are often ballasted internally with liquid, placing weight directly over the tire tread; larger tires have a larger tire "patch" in contact with the soil. Both improve traction. Larger wheels and tires and a longer wheelbase permit heavier tractors to bridge holes, ruts and tree debris, increasing traction and reducing operator perturbation. Therefore, heavier tractors with large diameter wheels/tires have more tractive power pulling ground contact implements and tree trunks, pushing a loader bucket into dirt and pushing snow. Larger wheels and tires increase ground clearance, lengthening the period which row crops may be implement cultivated.

Heavier tractors have FEL lift and Three Point Hitch lift in proportion to weight.

When considering a tractor purchase, bare tractor weight first, tractor horsepower second and (narrowly) rear wheel ballast third. Ample tractor horsepower is needed for PTO-powered implements such as Bush Hogs and snow blowers, but remains subsidiary to tractor weight in defining tractor capability.