will i notice 5 hp?

[twoodard04]

I'm still looking and running numbers on machines to fit my needs. Right now the new mahindra 1500 series has me looking hard. Now there is a 33 HP and a 38 HP option on the same frame. Same loader same weight etc. The price is about 3000 more for the 38 HP. Question is will I need that extra or not. Needs for PTO equipment would/could be tiller and brush hog with slight ppossibility of a snow blower. This model has a mid PTO option as well as a 72" mmm. Considering that as well. Other tasks would be general loader work and snow removal by bucket/ and or blade on a 800' drive. So anyone see this as a requirement to get the extra hp? By the time I'm able to buy (wedding this year and house work- lots of house work) the price difference might not be a issue. I'ma buy it once type of person so iI know what way I'm leaning , but the info on this site is second to none. Let me know thanks

 

[varmint]

On one hand, $600 per hp seems pretty high, doesn't it? On the other, maybe there are some other, un-mentioned improvements? Don't know about the 1500 series, but as they say, you can get the same job done, only a bit slower. 33 hp will burn less fuel, fwiw.

 

[Turbys_1700]

Both tractors weigh around 3200#. The 33 will be adequate for anything you need to do. But I would opt for the 38. I run a 1720 NH. It weighs in at around 2800# and has 28 HP. Most manufacturers will have HP to weight ratios from 80# to 125# per HP of tractor weight. My NH is right at 100# per HP and to me that is a good match. I used to run a YM1700 Yanmar that was in the 1550# range with 17 HP at the PTO and 20 at the engine. It was real peppy for its size. It's your money. I've never know someone to complain about too much HP.

 

[Gary Fowler]

If both tractor weigh the same, then the extra HP (if that is truly the only difference) is likely wasted money. Most CUT's run out of traction before running out of power. For PTO work, there might be times that you could use the extra 5 HP but for most work, you wont know the difference. That size can run a 6 foot bush hog with ease in either of the HP configurations. Likely the higher HP has a turbocharger on the same size engine to boost the HP. I prefer to stay away from turbos if possible as they are just another item to wear out.

For $3000 difference, I would for sure go with the smaller HP tractor. But you have to confirm that you are not getting other amenities on the larger HP tractor, like extra remote hydraulics, draft control with position control rather than just position control, telescoping lift arms, higher hydraulic pump flow, etc. These can add thousands to the price of a tractor.

 

[Dave M7040]

You will notice it when blowing snow which is not a tractor issue but pure power.
Dave M7040

 

[Clay45]

Any time you're in doubt, just get a reel push mower and cut some grass. Then get a reel mower with a 5hp engine on it. It'll pull you smartly while you try to keep up with it while its cutting grass.

 

[tman1020]

Are you going to get hydrostat or gear drive? The hydrostat will eat some of the hp especially on the pto. If hydrostat is what you are after check the spec on the hydro relief settings for each. if it is the same most likely you will only benefit from the extra hp at the pto. I have 27 hp and a heavy tractor it does all I ask but when cutting tall grass or running a chipper I would not complain about more hp. But I don't think I would pay 3 grand to get it.

 

[EddieWalker]

Yes, at that HP range, another 5hp is HUGE!!!!! Especially if you are going to get a 6ft rotary cutter. That sized cutter is right at the edge of being too big for a 33hp tractor and just about perfect for 38hp. I have a 35 hp tractor and really wish I had 5 more hp!!!!

I doubt you will notice the difference in fuel consumption. I doubt there is anything that either one isn't capable of doing, but the more powerful one is going to be able to do it faster and easier. If you tend to push your equipment and plan on working it hard, then you really want the most HP you can afford.

Eddie

 

[powerscol]

Get the extra 5 HP. You can run better PTO equipment and the resale is better. YOu can also runn a slightly lower RPM's too in doing some work.

 

[meos1]

Yes, 5 HP will be noticed.

 

[whis]

if haven't ran either one you will never know the difference

 

[bigtiller]

That is a 15% increase. If most of your work will be using the PTO then get the extra HP. I'm glad I did just that with my JD 2720.

 

[big bubba]

if you are considering spending that kind of $ on "extra" hp, have you looked at the next model up? what is the hp increase? what is that price increase compared to 3K? what might be your future needs compared to current? checking out all the ops is wise before jumping into the lion's den of purchase. wise to post here as you have done best

 

[oldpilgrim]

Most CUT's run out of traction before running out of power.

yup


Will you notice the extra HP? Maybe, a little, but not enough to justify $3000 in my mind.

 

[Gary Fowler]

As has been said, if you haven't ran either machine, you wont miss what you never had. You will never get enough HP that you wont tax the engine in some circumstances. I run a 7 foot bush hog behind my LS P7010 (70 HP engine) and if I push it thru heavy grass, it will stall the engine down a few hundred RPM requiring me to clutch it till it picks back up. So the old 5 HP per foot rule can always be broken if you run fast enough.

 

[TripleR]

There is a point at which a few extra HP is a non issue, but I don't think you are at that point yet. In that size tractor 5HP is a pretty significant difference and I would go with more HP, over the lifespan of a new tractor a few dollars really isn't going to matter that much in my opinion.

As mentioned, you might want to expand your search as $3000 should get you more than just a bit more HP.

 

[big bubba]

twoodard04: lots of good advice here. in some ways, i agree that on the same model body, you may never know the 5 hp difference...otoh seems you have the bug for "more power" so this is the time to explore options (as triple r said) NOT after the fact (as i have done in the past) keep in mind, as you look to increased hp, other variables (esp in cut) come into play such as chassis weight & wheel size...both of those can make a huge difference in improved task performance. it all gets complicated esp when the wallet is involved. my suggestion is to take your time and not jump too quickly into the buying frenzy. been there too many times myself

 

[WM75Guy]

I would pay for the extra HP. My TC40DA has 33HP PTO and my Boomer 8N has 40HP PTO. That's 20% more on the Boomer 8N and I can tell a big difference with my 6' Bushhog. Especially when it's been too wet to mow and now everything is waist high.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Lots of variables, but in my mind it is always best to get the maximum available horsepower in the frame size that you have chosen. (that is if $$$ is not a problem) Have to say, I have NEVER heard that a person really likes their tractor, but they wish that they had bought the lesser HP model. I always figure better to have it and not need it :thumbsup: than to need it and not have it.

You mentioned that you are a do it once type of guy. Do yourself a favor and do a LOT of research. Look at tractors with both smaller and larger frame sizes, just so that you know or at least think that you know that you are getting the right machine for you and your conditions.

Very common for people with little or no tractor experience to get the wrong machine the first go around and typically it is a tractor that ends up being to small.

Keep asking questions and good luck.

 

[paulfun9]

There is a point at which a few extra HP is a non issue, but I don't think you are at that point yet. In that size tractor 5HP is a pretty significant difference and I would go with more HP, over the lifespan of a new tractor a few dollars really isn't going to matter that much in my opinion.

As mentioned, you might want to expand your search as $3000 should get you more than just a bit more HP.

Basically my thoughts and experience on the subject as well.