why so many horsepower options? Many tractor models offers a wide range of horsepower

[Bentrim]

The fuel screw may have been tightened down----but any other changes?
When White introduced the 2-135 and 2-155 externally they appeared exactly the same except for decals. Same engine, over/under, transmission, axles and wheels hitch etc. But it was what you could not see that was changed. The transmission gears in the 155 were wider and heavier than the 135. Be sure of any changes it may be none or it may be important ones.

 

[CliffordK]

I usually do the opposite. I buy the largest heaviest tractor with the smallest HP. I never feel like I need more power, mostly more weight. Both my tractors follow this method.

Thanks for each of your responses. Much appreciated. We started out with a weight goal (14000 to 17000 lbs) and turn radius target, then chose dealers within 60 miles from us. Each dealer offered a model with multiple HP choices 145 155 165 and 180, but everything else seems equal, just the HP changes). Ya, the other big decision is 4 or 6 cylinder. We're thinking 4 cylinder for better fuel economy. Our most demanding load is the no-till or min-till drill, and big discbine.

One of my considerations is to try to purchase equipment that I can tow, which is currently around 8,000 to a max of about 10,000 lbs.

Thus... I don't have any equipment with 150 HP.

However assuming the OP has a good equipment trailer, use that rating (and the pickup or truck) as part of the consideration of what to purchase.

What if you need to haul equipment to another field? Have an emergency repair needed in the middle of Hay Season?

 

[Sid Post]

The fuel screw may have been tightened down----but any other changes?
When White introduced the 2-135 and 2-155 externally they appeared exactly the same except for decals. Same engine, over/under, transmission, axles and wheels hitch etc. But it was what you could not see that was changed. The transmission gears in the 155 were wider and heavier than the 135. Be sure of any changes it may be none or it may be important ones.

While things may appear to be the same on the outside, without really digging in beyond most people capabilities, you will never know what internal changes are part of the package in addition to the hood decal.

 

[CliffordK]

While things may appear to be the same on the outside, without really digging in beyond most people capabilities, you will never know what internal changes are part of the package in addition to the hood decal.

The basic specs should be available if one digs deep enough.

# Cylinders
Bore
Stroke
Displacement
Perhaps Compression ratio.

Frequently manufacturers lump several models under the same repair manual, without necessarily specifying the differences, although they may include spec tables.

If you can locate a parts manual, that would tell you the parts numbers between the models.

I can't say what games tractor manufacturers play.

For vintage cars, one might have the "Small Block Chevy", from 265 ci to 283 ci to 305ci to 327ci to 350ci. Specs all over the place, depending on the era, carburation, injection, etc. Even main bearings may differ from one application to another. And, of course, they were hotrodded. Iron rods vs aluminum rods, balance, valves, cam, valve springs, etc. Some of the horsepower differences are simply related to pushing higher RPMs at power.

 

[Sid Post]

The basic specs should be available if one digs deep enough.

# Cylinders
Bore
Stroke
Displacement
Perhaps Compression ratio.

Frequently manufacturers lump several models under the same repair manual, without necessarily specifying the differences, although they may include spec tables.

If you can locate a parts manual, that would tell you the parts numbers between the models.

I can't say what games tractor manufacturers play.

For vintage cars, one might have the "Small Block Chevy", from 265 ci to 283 ci to 305ci to 327ci to 350ci. Specs all over the place, depending on the era, carburation, injection, etc. Even main bearings may differ from one application to another. And, of course, they were hotrodded. Iron rods vs aluminum rods, balance, valves, cam, valve springs, etc. Some of the horsepower differences are simply related to pushing higher RPMs at power.

Gear ratios, material differences, parts dimensions, etc. can all be different on the inside. And no, it's not just the number of cylinder, bore and stroke dimensions, that are different. Does the rear end run on 2 bearings or 4? Do the transmission gears and clutch all have the same part numbers and specifications?

And the list of potential differences on the inside goes on ...