Which would you choose

[rScotty]

The 494 is a little over 9 inches wider, but it also has larger tires so some of the width increases comes from that.

Tire size and tractor width have always been important in our tractors for clearance and stability. There haven't been many times that I can remember HP being a limiting factor for our work - which is more like rough country landscaping than level land Agriculture. But the increased ability & stability from larger wider tires is something we appreciate every day.
rScotty

 

[finn1]

Frame size is something you will have to decide for yourself. I went through the same questions when choosing between a NX4510 and CK 4010 Kioti (The DK wasn’t available with a hydrostatic transmission at the time).

I really liked the higher weight and power and, especially, the larger cab of the NX, but the smaller CK series seemed easier to fit in the available space for snowblowing around the house, and took up less valuable storage space in the garage, plus, there was a significant price advantage. And less weight for more capability working on soft, wet lakefront areas.

The smaller more agile tractor won out, but it ended up being rather ineffective working near the lake, and sort of marginal for any dirt work. I ended up buying a CTL for that work, an expensive solution, but I think it was the correct decision in my case.

 

[kthompson]

Larger tractor, larger tires, more weight should ride better if that is of value. Also more stable for fel or heavy rear loads. If working in tight spaces those same things could hurt you.

 

[searcyfarms]

most all has been said for weight and the positives, i will go this direction, the rare and ONLY time i have wanted lighter is working in/around my yard, w/out exception i get the biggest machine acceptable for any given task.

 

[nrosario]

... For me, buying less HP has not been a problem, I used my tractor for fun. Saved money to spend on every implement imaginable.

For some reason I really like that portion of your comment.
Kudos
Enjoy and be save.

To the OP, just get the largest machine you can afford without disrupting too much your budget, make sure you have resources to acquire all must have implements.