I’ve seen plenty of good mixers made miserable by the wrong tractor. Too little power and it bogs on bales, overheats and wears the driveline. Way too much and you’re burning fuel for nothing. Here’s how to match feed mixer tractor horsepower properly.
What drives power demand
- Tub size and auger count. Bigger and more augers need more power.
- What you’re processing. Cutting round bales and straw takes far more than blending silage.
- Start-up under load. Starting a full tub is harder than keeping it turning.
- Gearbox design. Gear ratios and stages affect how power is delivered.
- Ground and travel. Hills, mud and a full load on the road all add demand.
Use the manufacturer’s number, under real conditions
Every mixer has a recommended horsepower range. Ask whether it’s for blending or for processing bales. Then ask what tractors other customers run with the same model and ration.
PTO speed
Run at the PTO speed the machine is designed for. Most mixers are built around a standard PTO speed. Running too slow under load strains the driveline and makes for a poor mix.
Weight and braking
A loaded mixer is heavy. Your tractor needs enough weight and braking to control it on the road and on slopes. Check the hitch rating too.
Signs the tractor is undersized
- Engine lugs down hard when processing bales.
- Shear bolts break often.
- Mix times are long.
- You’re avoiding full loads.
Starting a full tub
If you need to restart a full mixer, use a low throttle and engage gently. Some machines have two-speed gearboxes to help with start-up and processing. Ask about it.
Fuel
The right size tractor at the right engine speed uses less fuel per load than a big one idling or a small one maxed out.
Why horsepower numbers vary
Power needs depend on tub size, auger count, ration, load size and how much processing you do. Blending silage takes less than cutting a dense round bale. Spec sheets usually give a range for this reason. Ask where in that range your work will fall.
PTO speed and driveline
Run the PTO at the speed the mixer is built for. Too slow and the mix suffers. Too fast and you risk damage. Engage gently. Many mixers have a two-speed gearbox, low for starting and processing, high for blending and unloading. Use it.
Hitch and weight
A full mixer is heavy. Check your tractor can handle the loaded weight safely, especially braking on slopes and roads. Check drawbar or hitch ratings. Ballast the tractor if needed.
Hydraulics
Doors, conveyors and some restrictors run on tractor hydraulics. Check your tractor has enough remotes and flow.
Fuel use
An undersized tractor works harder and often uses more fuel per load. An oversized one may burn fuel it doesn’t need. Match the tractor to the work and you’ll get the best fuel use.
Using an existing tractor
Most farms already own the tractor. Start there. Pick a mixer size that the tractor runs comfortably, rather than buying the mixer first and then finding out the tractor struggles.
Signs the tractor is too small
- Engine bogging when processing.
- Slow unloading.
- Hard starting with a full tub.
- Tractor moving around under the load.
Quick questions
Can I run a mixer on a tractor below the recommended range? You might get it to turn, but bale processing and start-up will be hard on both machines. Don’t.
Does a two-speed gearbox lower my horsepower need? It helps at start-up and in processing. Check with the dealer for your ration.
Is four-wheel drive needed? On muddy yards and slopes it makes life a lot easier and safer.
From the show floor
The question I hear most at shows is, “Will my tractor pull it?” The honest answer is usually, “On flat, dry ground, yes. Show me your yard in March.” Think about your worst day, not your best.
Quick questions
Does a bigger tractor mean less fuel? Not always. A well-matched tractor working steadily often uses less per load.
Should I check PTO shaft length? Yes. Wrong length can cause damage on tight turns.
What about older tractors? Check the PTO, hydraulics and brakes are in good condition before hooking up a heavy mixer.
Who can help me check the match? Your dealer, with your tractor model and your ration in hand.
Our range
The VT twin auger and heavy-duty TMR mixers each list recommended power. Ask your dealer what other farms near you run with them.
Bottom line? Match the tractor to the work you do on your worst day, not your easiest.
