Normally you would expect Brian to be the one posting a tractor video, but NO!, today it’s my turn. When our pal RTC sent this one in with the subject reading 850 hp vs 18 hp, of course we had to watch it. Once we did, we knew the horsepower numbers weren’t going to be the important ones here. Torque is the name of the game in the tractor world, and both of these have it in spades. But which one has the most?
Lets look at the two players here. A reported 850 hp (we don’t believe it for a second) gas engine powered John Deere “Drag Tractor” and what appears to be an early Twentieth Century steam powered Traction Tractor. The newer John Deere looks absolutely space age in comparison to the steam tractor. With aggressive rubber tires, dual exhaust stacks, the blatant display of speed, and fancy colors, it clearly is the race car of this face off. The steam tractor on the other hand, which we believe could be a McLaren, has skinny tires, makes a lot of smoke and steam but very little else that makes you think brute force and horsepower. It’s cool because it’s old, but it’s really kind of boring.
Maybe boring is too strong of a word. Maybe we should refer to it as a sleeper. Yeah, that seems more appropriate. After all, compared to the high winding gas engine that needs revs to make power, the steam engine makes max torque at speeds so low you’d want to think about bringing in the defibrillator. Serious, max torque is in the single digit rpm range. It’s awesome. And it shows that modern isn’t always better.
If you are rooting for the underdog, good call. If you are a Deere fan, sorry. It was cute. Click play below to watch.
I’m sure that steamer is carrying a little more weight too!
“Grandpa” spanks the smart as kid!
The JD looks like it’s running a old poly headed Mopar motor.
Don’t send a drag tractor to do a puller’s job.
Very cool video.
I would be interested to see what the old steam engine could do to against a pulling tractor.
weight and the hook up at an angle,
Really ? A Chevy powered John Deere? No wonder it can’t pull anything. Try a diesel powered one.
Interesting way to plow a field though. I might have to try it sometime.
Most expensive garden tiller set up ever!
now thats funny—against an equal weight full on pulling tractor would be awesome–someone needs to set that up–thats a plan
JOHN DEER IS A DIESEL TRACTOR AND 4 WD BUT NOT USING HIS FRONT AXLE, AND HE WAS IN THE WRONG GEAR. THAT’S WHY HE KEPT KILLING THE MOTOR. HE STILL DID’NT HAVE A CHANCE THOUGH.