Rule of thumb for figuring HP needs?

[Bunyan]

I'm curious what math/process/rule of thumb people use to figure out what HP will be needed from a tractor (other than trial and error or general guessing).

For instance: I've got 3 loader wagons (1 stock, 2 mods) that all call for 200 hp...but with different fill levels at 50,000...53,500...and 71,500. Obviously full they will call for different hp's.

Or, even more general, for the tippers...what hp do you need for a (full) tipper of 21,000L vs 31,000L?

Anybody have the in-game math figured out for choosing the right hp to fit the need?

[mattgo]

I'm pretty sure what it says in-game is for when it's full.

[Valgarn]

Your way over thinking this. If it dont lay down on you goin up a hill your good. If it does buy a bigger one next season.

[Chipmunk197]

i have at least 300hp for my loading waggons due to weight and the hill i go up to get to my grass field

[exlin]

But how about combining two different devices, let's say combining mower and tedder. Should used tractor have HP whichever is higher requirement or are they summed up directly or with some sort of formula?

[Bunyan]

Originally posted by mattgo:

I'm pretty sure what it says in-game is for when it's full.

You are right, but those are minimum power requirements. Those work fine for a while, but can get really annoying the 5th or 10th time you are hauling a load at 3 mph.

[Bunyan]

Originally posted by exlin:

But how about combining two different devices, let's say combining mower and tedder. Should used tractor have HP whichever is higher requirement or are they summed up directly or with some sort of formula?

You need the total of whatever power requirements you will use at the same time. So, if mowing and tedding at the same time, then you need a tractor with a power level that meets or passes both the mower and tedder combined.

IF you just have them connected on your tractor but are not using both at the same time, then you just need to meet or pass the higher power requirement of the two.

[Bunyan]

Originally posted by Chipmunk197:

i have at least 300hp for my loading waggons due to weight and the hill i go up to get to my grass field

That's pretty much what I have done for some. My rule of thumb has been to go at least 50-100 hp higher than the minimum requirement, but I'm still curious what others do just as a normal course.

[mattgo]

I try to go a bit above and to whatever tractor that's a bit above the cheapest out of the ones with the fastest speed. For Tippers, I use the biggest one (and also a modded one with a capacity of 200,000) and use a truck rather than a tractor - because they are MUCH faster. BTW the 200,000 tipper handles better than in game one's - it's not like driving on ice when using it.

[AdrianBrown]

I use a 300HP tractor for pulling two trailers, a 33K and 21K tralier, on some uphill roads it can get a little heavy.
When it comes to pulling equipment, like a baler or a cultivator, I always go for 50-100HP over the recommendation. Example - Square Baler: 180HP to have it running + 100 to pull it.

[Bunyan]

Originally posted by mattgo:

I try to go a bit above and to whatever tractor that's a bit above the cheapest out of the ones with the fastest speed. For Tippers, I use the biggest one (and also a modded one with a capacity of 200,000) and use a truck rather than a tractor - because they are MUCH faster. BTW the 200,000 tipper handles better than in game one's - it's not like driving on ice when using it.

I have the same tipper and love it...you are right, the physics on that are great.
Ever try the semis from Hobbs farm? They are like driving rocket-propelled vehicles...crazy fast acceleration and speed (up to 130 I think)...but I've found they are actually TOO fast at times since it makes them hard to control...fun though!