Using a tractor that is Too Large for an implement

[Arkansasdawg]

I have an MX5400 and have found a finishing mower that is a pretty good price. the problem is, when i look at the specs for the Mower, it says for tractors with 15-40 HP. Obviously my MX5400 is bigger than that. So my question is, when i see an implement that is rated for a smaller tractor, what would happen if i were to buy and use it? Does it mess up the implement or does it in some way damage the tractor? I see the rating on most implements and have never seen a description of the problem that the mismatch makes

 

[pokey1416]

I would think you’d be fine 540 rpm on the PTO shouldn’t matter. Only thing to maybe consider when using it is to have the implement dictate conditions rather than the tractor. Assuming your tractor is CAT 1?

 

[rc51stierhoff]

I have an MX5400 and have found a finishing mower that is a pretty good price. the problem is, when i look at the specs for the Mower, it says for tractors with 15-40 HP. Obviously my MX5400 is bigger than that. So my question is, when i see an implement that is rated for a smaller tractor, what would happen if i were to buy and use it? Does it mess up the implement or does it in some way damage the tractor? I see the rating on most implements and have never seen a description of the problem that the mismatch makes

I think the HP size rating is really a range and normally for smaller machines getting an implement to large to run appropriately. You MX will more than lift a cutter for a smaller machine and it has sufficient power. I am not aware of any issue under normally mowing…size the PTO shaft correctly hook up and go.

 

[mikester]

In your case nothing. If you hit a stump or a big rock and stop the blade you might break something in the mower like spindle or gear box.

It isn't like you are running 1,000 rpm pto with 100hp.

The issue with pto powered implements is the gear box. Smaller units are built to handle less power. Finishing mowers aren't like tillers or bush hogs with high shock loads.

 

[woodman55]

My main concern would be making sue it is wider than the tractor.

 

[SDT]

I have an MX5400 and have found a finishing mower that is a pretty good price. the problem is, when i look at the specs for the Mower, it says for tractors with 15-40 HP. Obviously my MX5400 is bigger than that. So my question is, when i see an implement that is rated for a smaller tractor, what would happen if i were to buy and use it? Does it mess up the implement or does it in some way damage the tractor? I see the rating on most implements and have never seen a description of the problem that the mismatch makes

No law against such and frequently done.

Can damage implements in some cases when used with excessive power/weight.

 

[Arkansasdawg]

Thanks for the replies. That was my suspicion but haven't been able to get an answer before

 

[chim]

In your case I wouldn't be concerned except as woodman says - make sure the cut is wider than your tractor. Many years ago my little Ford 1210 was down and we had a snow storm. I borrowed a larger Case tractor ( forget the model) but I used some creative bushings to make the tiny 5' TSC rear blade fit it. It kinda worked but the tires were a lot wider than 5'. Plus, had I snagged anything the tractor would have treated the blade like a piece of tin foil.

 

[TheOldHokie]

I have an MX5400 and have found a finishing mower that is a pretty good price. the problem is, when i look at the specs for the Mower, it says for tractors with 15-40 HP. Obviously my MX5400 is bigger than that. So my question is, when i see an implement that is rated for a smaller tractor, what would happen if i were to buy and use it? Does it mess up the implement or does it in some way damage the tractor? I see the rating on most implements and have never seen a description of the problem that the mismatch makes

It is a finishing mower and not ground engaging - absolutely no problem. Just dont hook it on something immovable...

Dan

 

[Flintknapper]

I your case nothing. If you hit a stump or a big rock and stop the blade you might break something in the mower like spindle or gear box.

It isn't like you are running 1,000 rpm pto with 100hp.

The issue with pto powered implements is the gear box. Smaller units are built to handle less power. Finishing mowers aren't like tillers or bush hogs with high shock loads.

^^^^^

This pretty much covers it.