Tractor ?

[MA ELite]

What is the smallest tractor I can get to move round bales? I plan to use it for discing/plowing also just small plots for gardens or food plots.

[M16]

What is the smallest tractor I can get to move round bales? I plan to use it for discing/plowing also just small plots for gardens or food plots.

I'd go at least 50 hp. 70 hp would be better.

[BrianL]

My 38hp won't, so I would guess at least 50HP. Need to check the loader breakout weight. Need about 2500#.

[Jaspro]

My 38hp won't, so I would guess at least 50HP. Need to check the loader breakout weight. Need about 2500#.

How old is your tractor? Might wanna have the hydraulics checked. A 38hp tractor should have no problem picking up and moving a round bale of hay.

But I agree I wouldn't want to use anything less than a 50. You'll always wind up wishing you had gotten bigger no matter what size you get.

[Big_gun]

you talking on a front end loader OR with a 3 pt hay spike on the back of the tractor? what size round bales? 4x6 / 5x5 / 5x6? could probably pick up a bale at back of tractor heavier then with a front end loader? I would start at 50hp at least something with enough counter balance for a roud bale on back or front.

[BrianL]

How old is your tractor? Might wanna have the hydraulics checked. A 38hp tractor should have no problem picking up and moving a round bale of hay.

But I agree I wouldn't want to use anything less than a 50. You'll always wind up wishing you had gotten bigger no matter what size you get.

2004 Kubota 3830. Lift capacity is 1150# at 20" on FEL. Round bales COG is further out than 20" and mine bales are usually between 1500-1700 lbs. If someone had those little 4x5 bales it would probably pick them up.

[MA ELite]

I would prefer front end so I can put it over the fence without driving in the pasture. If I have to go with 3 point fork I fine with that also.

[Jaspro]

2004 Kubota 3830. Lift capacity is 1150# at 20" on FEL. Round bales COG is further out than 20" and mine bales are usually between 1500-1700 lbs. If someone had those little 4x5 bales it would probably pick them up.

Should have bought a bigger tractor.

We've got an old ford 3000 at home and thats what we use to move our hay around with. Its a 38 hp. Our bales are generally 1300-1400#

[Jaspro]

I would prefer front end so I can put it over the fence without driving in the pasture.

Thats not going to be the time or work saver you think it will be. trust me

[Jrmhunting]

I would prefer front end so I can put it over the fence without driving in the pasture. If I have to go with 3 point fork I fine with that also.

Gonna end up fixing fences that way.

Agree with 50hp, we move hay with a 45hp and just baled is a strain but moves them with ease in the winter.

[MA ELite]

Will 50hp disc 5 acres with out stressing the tractor out?

[Texans42]

Will 50hp disc 5 acres with out stressing the tractor out?

No but depends on the disk..

[BrianL]

Yes, just make sure to match your equipment size to your tractor. attachments are scaled to HP ranges. Don't go to the upper end if that range.

[aggie2000tx]

We have a ford 3000 as well with a front end loader on it and have no problems picking up and moving large round bales with it. They are are to find used though.

[cas077]

I wouldn't go any smaller than 50hp. If your going to put a front loader on to move bales, I would def not go smaller than 50hp. You need a tractor with some weight and muscle to move hay. A 50hp tractor can drag a 5' or 6' disk fairly easy, but your soil type could change that.