What Horsepower are you Actually getting?

Think one tractor’s horsepower rating is the same as the next? Maybe, or maybe not. All horsepower isn't created equal, so you need to know how a tractor's horsepower is measured before you can compare tractors of similar power ratings.

So how do you know what you are actually getting?  Different manufacturers use different approaches which is where the confusion can often begin.  Some manufacturers are trying to be clever with their horsepower numbers by reporting with higher engine RPM’s which gives them higher numbers to advertise.  But in most cases, you wouldn’t operate your tractor at those higher engine speeds. Your tractor implements will end up running much harder at those higher RPM’s and cause the gearbox and drive line to wear out much faster than necessary. Not only that, you will burn a lot of fuel in the process.  This is why John Deere rates horsepower at PTO rated engine speed.  That’s the speed recommended by the manufacturer when you run your PTO powered equipment.  This is real usable horsepower which is best for your tractor’s engine, equipment and gives you the best fuel economy.

The next time you compare tractors and horsepower, make sure you know horsepower at PTO rated engine speed.

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The John Deere Gator XUV 825i