The notion that bigger is always better when it comes to farm machinery is ill-conceived and far from the truth. While it’s hard to deny the utility of tractors, you don’t have to buy the biggest one to get your money’s worth. Instead, consider how much horsepower you’re getting.
Horsepower is a measure of how powerful an engine is. It’s obtained by multiplying the amount of force the engine produces by how many feet it moves every second. Tractors with bigger horsepower can handle heavy-duty farm activities effortlessly, while tractors with lesser horsepower struggle to do the same.
Finding a tractor with adequate horsepower is crucial. But how much engine horsepower do you need? Herein is a breakdown of tractor engine horsepower and how much HP you’ll need for different activities.
Contents
What Is Horsepower?
Horsepower (HP) is how much power an engine for tractor produces. It’s the amount of work an engine can do within a specified time.
The term horsepower varies from one region to the next. Horsepower is standard for UK and US, but in other places, it’s also known as:
- Pferdestarker (PS) – Germany
- Cehevaux vapeur (CV) – France
- Brake Horsepower (Brake HP) – EU and US
- Kilo Watt (KW) – EU (mostly for electric cars)
Keep an eye out for these terms and acronyms when you import your tractor. The first two mean the same as horsepower, while the last two are closely related to it. Don’t be afraid to ask your vendor if you find the terms confusing or need further explanation.
What Are the Different Types of Tractor Horsepower?
Tractors have two types of horsepower, the engine and power-take-off (PTO) horsepower. Both determine how powerful your tractor engine is and what tasks it can handle.
Tractor engine horsepower describes how much power the engine produces in a given time.
PTO is the amount of power available to operate various implements and attachments on the tractor. There are different types of PTO, including:
- Independent PTO
- Economy PTO
- Reverse PTO
- Transmission PTO
PTO shafts allow you to collect implements and attachments to your tractor. These implements include excavators, wood chippers, and flail mowers, to name a few. They draw power from the engine to achieve their purpose.
Is Horsepower the Same as Brake Horsepower?
Horsepower and brake horsepower are related but don’t mean the same thing. The former refers to the amount of power an engine produces, while the latter is how much power the engine transmits to the wheels.
Brake horsepower is the fraction of the engine’s power that it transfers to the wheel. It accounts for the friction between the road and the wheels and is directly related to how fast an automobile can accelerate.
How Much Tractor Engine Horsepower Does My Tractor Need?
The horsepower your tractor needs depends on the acreage and the kind of work you have. Heavy-duty farm and construction jobs require significant horsepower, while small-scale farming and less intensive jobs require little horsepower.
Below is a breakdown of how much horsepower you might need for various activities.
15 to 20 Horsepower
Tractors with 15 to 20 Hp are mainly for garden and lawn activities. They can pull small trailers, mow lawns, and plow snow. They’re typically small and don’t have attachments for large farm implements like loaders and rotary tillers. Farm cultivation is beyond such tractors.
21 to 35 Horsepower
If you need something slightly above the 20 HP tractors, a tractor with between 21 and 35 horsepower will suffice. These tractors are typical sub-compact tractors for light farm work. Unlike 20 HP tractors, these have rear-mounted and midpoint PTO attachments and are compatible with light implements.
Tractors with 20 to 25 HP are suitable for small-scale cultivation on soft soil since they’re compatible with backhoes. They’re also compatible with mowers, front-end loaders, and other attachments.
36 to 50 Horsepower
Tractors with 36 to 50 horsepower are regular utility tractors, although some compact tractors are just as powerful. The jump to utility tractors expands the capabilities of these tractors. The extra power means increased compatibility with many implements and improved capacity to handle intense jobs.
Tractors in this range can effortlessly plow fields and bale hay in small squares. They boast incredible versatility and efficiency, making them a staple for farmers countrywide. However, this doesn’t mean they can handle everything.
For instance, pulling a cart full of bales with your baler is too much work for these tractors. Instead, you can divide the work into smaller sessions or spread it out over a long period to avoid overworking the tractor. But if you need a faster turnaround, you can always get a more powerful tractor.
51 to 90 Horsepower
These powerful and stable tractors can handle most, if not all, farm activities. They mostly have rear-mounted PTOs, but some have midpoint PTOs for various farm implements. These tractors can comfortably handle baling, plowing, and have a high haulage capacity for pulling carts and even smaller vehicles.
Aside from farming, you can also use these tractors for typical construction activities like excavation, hauling, and pushing loads. The only caveat is that they cost a pretty penny, with equally expensive implements.
Go with this horsepower if you need a diesel tractor engine with a high loading capacity to handle all farm activities.
90 to 120 Horsepower
90 to 120-horsepower tractors can handle the most extreme farming and construction activities. They can take the full spectrum of farming work, including cultivation, tilling, harvesting, and baling.
They’re ideal for large-scale farms with plenty of acreages or construction and industrial work that require a lot of hauling and lifting.
Tractors this powerful come with a hefty price tag that matches their activity level. You can find them in large-scale farms, construction projects, and industrial complexes. Implements for these tractors are super expensive, and so are the replacement parts.
How To Pick the Right Tractor for Your Needs
Figuring out how much horsepower your tractor needs is only part of the problem. There are several factors to consider when picking a tractor. Some of them include the following:
Your Acreage
The larger your farm is, the bigger the tractor you need to work on it. Ensure you find a tractor that matches the acreage you have.
A large tractor works best for big farms, allowing you to travel quickly and comfortably haul items over long distances. The same tractor would be wasteful for small farms that don’t require much work.
Two-Wheel or Four-Wheel Drive?
A two-wheel tractor will suffice for typical lawn activities like mowing. You’ll likely need a four-wheel drive if you use your tractor for cultivation, harvesting, and more intense farm work.
Four-wheel drive tractors provide the extra traction you need for handling heavy implements like loaders and rotary tillers. They’re also ideal for muddy environments where two-wheel drive tractors might get stuck in the mud.
It’s worth noting that four-wheel drive tractors are more expensive than their two-wheel drive counterparts. However, a four-wheel drive tractor is more affordable than a two-wheel drive with a bigger engine. You’re better off settling for the former than a more expensive two-wheel drive for the same job.
Attachment Compatibility
The kind of tractor you settle for should be specific to your applications. Find one compatible with the implements and attachments you use on your farm, construction project, or industry. Smaller tractors may not be compatible with some implements, but larger ones allow any attachment.
The Amount of Comfort You Want
If you’ll be spending hours on a tractor, it’s crucial to find a comfortable one. Open tractors are the least comfortable since drivers are directly exposed to the elements.
If you’re looking for a comfortable tractor, find a closed one with climate control. That way, you can work comfortably regardless of the weather or season. You can up the ante by getting a tractor with easy-to-reach controls for extra convenience.
How Much You’re Willing to Spend
Tractors can be expensive, but you don’t have to empty your bank account to get a good one. You can find a decent tractor that matches your budget by exploring your options. If you’re on a tight budget, consider buying a second-hand tractor or getting one from auctions. Just be sure to have a licensed mechanic comprehensively inspect it before making the purchase.
Don’t Compromise on Tractor Engine Horsepower
Horsepower goes hand-in-hand with performance, so don’t skimp on your tractor’s horsepower to get the most out of it. Aside from horsepower, ensure the tractor is compatible with attachments you use for day-to-day activities. Consult a professional before purchasing a tractor to get your money’s worth.
Hello! My name is Chris, and I am the founder of Yard Floor. When I was a toddler, my family had a lush green lawn. I was at the center of caring for and maintaining this lawn and even proceeded to take an associate’s Degree in landscaping. I am here to share my years of experience with you – be it repairing your mower/tractor or caring for your lawn.
