What size tractor am I looking for? This is one of the first questions any new tractor owner asks. It's a good question and one that can be difficult to answer. Each brand and model of tractors have its own specifications and capabilities, so knowing what specifications you're looking for before you go to look it up may save you some headaches in the future. Here are a few things to consider:
The first question to answer is - what size tractor do I need? There are different types of implements for different uses, and some models are designed to haul heavy equipment and operate as a small car. A few examples include: grain elevators, sprayers, hand sprayers with tumblers for light debris. The following list describes some common uses for commercial grade tractors, as well as a few examples of smaller machines you might not have heard of.
Agricultural Tractors is usually used by small farms to plant and harvest produce on small plots of land. These tractors vary in size, but most can be driven by a gasoline engine. Many are powered by a diesel engine and can reach speeds of around 10 miles per hour. One consideration is how powerful you want your tractor to be, and how fast you want it to go (there are many classifications for small farm tractors, and they range from zero to about three tons).
For starters, let's define a general class to distinguish what size tractor you need based on the number of acres you have to cross (yards per day, in acres). This will also be a rough estimate, since actual distances may vary depending on what you're planting and how quickly you have to cover that distance. Some common general types of agricultural tractors are: small field tiller, which can be powered by a small gasoline engine; a combine harvester (which can also be powered by a gas engine, although it has less power than a combine tiller); and a pick up truck (which has the advantage of a small engine, can transport goods and materials in one smooth motion, and has the ability to fit into tight places where other machinery may not be able to easily maneuver). If you're only planting a few small acres, you can get away with using a smaller tractor with a smaller capacity engine, such as a diesel engine.
Four-wheel Drive Tractors is more popular for large-scale farming, such as dairy, beef and poultry. These tractors are powered by one or more traction engines. Typically, tractors are powered by a small electric engine (generally mains powered), with the remainder being powered by a series of chains and gears (driven by a front end motor) around the axle. As with a two-wheel drive tractor, the main advantage with four-wheel drive tractors is that they can be driven directly onto the land and do not require a trailer.
Besides what size tractor do I need, you'll also want to determine what size of "tractor" you are going to purchase. There are two major types: live axle and dead axle systems. A live system drives the implements in a straight line up to the tiller, while a dead system holds the implements in place until the tiller is freed for work. Usually, these systems have a higher horsepower rating than their live counterparts, but they are typically heavier, with less maneuverability.
Once again, the type of machinery you purchase depends on what tasks you'll be doing with it. Heavy duty utility tractors can be used to pull plows, clear the land, harvest or process grain, haul wood, transport vehicles and perform many other chores. Most utility tractors have between three and ten horse power. You should know how much more work on your machine will be able to handle before you start shopping by considering the weight of your daily chores.
The last factor in choosing what size tractor do I need is your budget. Each machine will require different amounts of money for fuel, maintenance and upkeep. Make sure that your starting price includes all the implements you plan to purchase, as well as the cost of operating and maintaining the machine. Remember, your goal is to find the right mix of price, efficiency and power!
