Compare/Nichols-Shepard 20-42 vs UTB/Universal 450

Nichols-Shepard 20-42 vs UTB/Universal 450

Verdict: Nichols-Shepard 20-42 vs UTB/Universal 450

The Nichols-Shepard 20-42 and the UTB/Universal 450 are both tractors — here is how they stack up on the figures that matter. Both are rated at the same 42 hp. UTB/Universal 450 is the lighter machine (3,850 kg vs 6,123 kg), which helps on soft ground and transport, while the heavier model carries more ballast for traction-limited draft work. Nichols-Shepard 20-42 holds more fuel (87.1 L vs 54.1 L) for longer stints between fills. Use the full side-by-side spec tables below to weigh the details against your own operation, and confirm with a dealer demo.

Tune the fit score

Tell us about your operation

Acreage600 acBudgetMain crop / use

Fit & specs

Nichols-Shepard

Fit score

Best match

Clear

UTB/Universal

Fit score

Best match

Clear

Rated power

42 hp

Confidence

40%

Guide price

—

Overview

Manufacturer

Nichols-ShepardReference

UTB/UniversalReference

liquid-cooledReference

With 14.9x28 rear tires.Reference

Final drives

bull gearReference

spur gearReference

Differential lock

—

mechanical rearReference

Engine

Fuel tank

87.1 LReference

54.1 LReference

Aux. fuel

22.7 LReference

—

Drawbar (claimed)

31.3 kWReference

—

Belt (claimed)

14.9 kWReference

—

Plows

5 (14-inch)Reference

—

Displacement

16.5 LReference

2.3 LReference

Bore/Stroke

203 x 254 mmReference

95 x 110 mmReference

Compression

—

17:1Reference

Rated RPM

—

2400Reference

Starter

—

electricReference

Starter volts

—

12Reference

Oil capacity

—

16.7 LReference

Coolant capacity

—

11.6 LReference

Transmission

Type

gearReference

partially synchronizedReference

Gears

2 forward and 1 reverseReference

8 forward and 2 reverseReference

Clutch

dry drumReference

279.4mm dry discReference

Dimensions

Weight

6123 kgReference

3850 to 5263 poundsReference

Front tire

38x8Reference

6.50x16Reference

Rear tire

64x20Reference

—

Ag front

38x8 steelReference

—

Ag rear

64x20 steelReference

—

Length

469 cmReference

—

Height

279 cmReference

—

Rear axle

101 mmReference

—

2WD Wheelbase

—

192 cmReference

4WD Wheelbase

—

198 cmReference

2WD Rear tire

—

14.9x28Reference

2WD Standard tires (ag)

—

Front: 6.50x16. Rear: 14.9x28Reference

4WD Standard tires (ag)

—

Front: 9.50x20. Rear: 14.9x28Reference

Lawn/turf front

—

7.50x16Reference

Lawn/turf rear

—

18.4x16AReference

2WD Length

—

295 cmReference

4WD Length

—

311 cmReference

2WD Weight

—

1746 kgReference

4WD Weight

—

2387 kgReference

2WD Ground clearance

—

46 cmReference

4WD Ground clearance

—

39 cmReference

2WD Front tread

—

127 to 195 cmReference

4WD Front tread

—

140 cmReference

Rear tread

—

119 to 190 cmReference

Capacities

Diameter

55 cmReference

—

Width

228 cmReference

—

RPM

500Reference

—

PTO & Hydraulics

PTO (claimed)

—

31.2 kWReference

Pressure

—

147.1 barReference

Pump flow

—

37.9 lpmReference

Rear Type

—

II/IReference

Rear lift

—

1202 kgReference

Rear PTO

—

independentReference

Rear PTO Type

—

540 (1.375)Reference

Engine RPM

—

540@2160Reference

UTB/Universal 450 Height

2WD Hood

—

137 cmReference

4WD Hood

—

145 cmReference

2WD ROPS

—

229 cmReference

4WD ROPS

—

231 cmReference

Speeds

Fit score weighs budget, operation size, crop match and data confidence against the details above. It’s guidance, not advice — always confirm with a dealer demo.