Tractor Sizing TRACTOR WEIGHT as a SINGLE CRITERION IN TRACTOR SELECTION

[sd455dan]

So if you ballast the bejeezus out of the BX, it will pull as much as a L2501? Tire diameter is also a major factor. Again, I start with what frame size is suitable for my tasks. That generally gives you a balance of size, hp and weight. YMMV

Good point.

Playing devils advocate,:stirthepot: I would also add that a person that has specific FEL jobs in mind as the #1 duty would check the FEL specs 1st then probably tractor weight and frame size.

as an example if the perspective buyer needs to unload 1 ton pallets from say pickup bed height,

Start with FELs lift to full height at pins that should meet the required pallet from bed lifting- lets say 2500lbs.

A Lot of CUTs regardless of horsepower were Flat eliminated, If the user needs to use the FEL to stack hay bales a certain height some more just got kicked out.

Prospective buyer 2 plans on barely ever using his FEL and will be doing a lot of mowing large fields and doesn't want to pack down the ground.
maybe run a good sized chipper and a wide snow blower in the winter.
Almost opposite needs, more HP regardless of FEL needs, and weight needs to be low to minimize ground compaction when mowing.

Now combine both scenarios...


After a tractor has been purchased due to unforeseen circumstances...


Buyer 2 is screwed... his FEL will not lift the new pallet that showed up or stack the heavy bales.

Buyer 1 is at a disadvantage, but can probably get most of the jobs done, his tractor will compact the ground more for sure, if the tractor has much less HP it will have to mow slower, snow blow slower and may be way under powered for chipping not to sure on this one may even be a no go.

buyer 1 can at least get most of the jobs done without buying another tractor.

 

[4570Man]

So if you ballast the bejeezus out of the BX, it will pull as much as a L2501? Tire diameter is also a major factor. Again, I start with what frame size is suitable for my tasks. That generally gives you a balance of size, hp and weight. YMMV

Starting at 50 percent base weight difference is probably a bit extreme but the smaller tractor will never perform equal. It has a weaker loader, smaller physical size, smaller tires, and weaker 3pt hitch and probably lower flow hydraulics. This whole ballasting your tractor idea to the weight required is pretty impractical. A ballast box takes away the ability to use a rear implement. Fluid or iron weighs is done. You aren’t going to be taking those on and off.

 

[MossRoad]

:thumbsup:

see post # 3...

Yes, we had the answer about a year ago, yet it persists...

 

[murphy1244]

For me it was the FEL- weight and height. I needed to put hay bails in my loft the rest was just lucky I guess.

 

[MossRoad]

Another interesting article regarding HP.

"Since most requirements for small tractors depend on pto horsepower to do the work (mowing, tilling, post-hole digging, etc.), that number is very important. Don't buy engine horsepower thinking you are buying pto or drawbar horsepower. The tractor sales associate can talk about engine horsepower, but the pto horsepower does the real work."

What Horsepower Ratings Mean to Work on Your Farm