Would a compact tractor meet my needs or should I go for more horsepower?

[Farmwithjunk]

Plows aren't "tough on a tractor" unless you have too much of a plow (wrong size) . The right plow SHOULD pull with relative ease.

There are a number of "plows" that work deeper than a moldboard plow. (ie chisel plows, deep rippers, subsoilers, ect)

Others have different opinions, I'm sure, but I never was a big fan of "rare" import models.

I've heard far more people complain about buying too small of a tractor, very few complain about too big.... The margin for error (in sizing implements) is much smaller with a very small tractor. Availability of older (less expensive) implements sized correctly for tractors in the 35 to 45 hp range is FAR better than would be the case with a smallish tractor.

My smallest tractor is 23hp. (cuts grass mainly) Largest is 140hp. The one I USE 90% of the time is around 45hp. That is BY FAR the handiest size IMHO.

 

[SPYDERLK]

You need both HP and the weight to conveniently be able to couple the needed force to the ground. Yanmars are heavy I think. Is that a 4WD? Is that 18PTO HP? The diesels are typically a little more tractable than equivalent gas because the torque curve is usually flatter. This lets them continue to pull well as rpm declines and can be the difference between powering thru or having to shift in a tuf section. The fact that they are burning a lubricant can also give a little safety margin where long use at full power is required. I have no experience with Yanmar, but what I hear about them piques my interest. Not the best built but pretty good. Lots of useful features - esp multi speed PTO. Youll be a little low on HP @ 18PTO, but certainly doable if I gauge what I read on the forum correctly.
larry

 

[Figato]

Yanmar is a no go.
Guy sold it before I could get there. Jackass.

 

[Figato]

MF 165 with bush hog in the works.
That should be enough power eh?

 

[Soundguy]

Heard it but never quite understood it. I've heard it used to mean "agriculture" in general.
Also heard it used as a term to describe weeding.

?

I think you are confusing the term 'cultavating' for the term I used.. IE.. 'cultavision'


yes.. I'd get larger than a lawnmower sized tractor...

soundguy