How to choose a tractor for your small farm
From Overwhelmed to Overjoyed: My Quest for the Perfect Small Acreage Tractor
So many tractors to choose from, so little time!
Okay, folks, let me tell you, buying my first tractor has been quite the adventure. I recently purchased a small acreage property – about 10 acres of usable land with the rest being beautiful, untouched woods. It's a dream come true, but also a bit daunting. Suddenly, I'm not just a homeowner, I'm a landowner, and that comes with responsibilities. One of the biggest? Maintaining the property. And for that, I needed a tractor.
Now, I'm a bit of a gearhead. I love machines, learning how they work, and the satisfying feeling of using them to accomplish a task. So, while the sheer variety of tractors, horsepower options, and implements initially felt overwhelming, I was also incredibly excited. It was like being a kid in a candy store, but instead of sweets, it was shiny new tractors!
This article isn't written by a seasoned farmer. I'm a newbie, just like many of you probably are. These are simply my observations and experiences as I navigated the tractor-buying process. Hopefully, my journey can help you make an informed decision when choosing a tractor for your small acreage.
What Size Tractor Should I Get for Land 10 Acres and Under?
This was my first big question. I knew I didn't need a massive farm tractor, since I plan to only have about 5 acres in production, max! I also didn't want something too small that couldn't handle the work I needed it for, which was mainly:
Moving round bales
Towing a small trailer
Lift heavy pallets, rocks and hay bales
Transporting gravel, dirt, hay, manure etc.
Scraping driveways and leveling dirt
My research pointed me towards two main categories: subcompact and compact tractors.
Subcompact tractors are great for very small properties, think under 5 acres, and tasks like mowing, light tilling, and snow removal. They’re maneuverable and easy to store. However, for my 10 acres, I felt they might be a bit underpowered and limited in implement compatibility.
Compact tractors, on the other hand, seemed to be the sweet spot for my use case. Something between 35-65hp. They offer more horsepower, greater lift capacity, and can handle a wider range of implements. They're still maneuverable enough for smaller properties, but have the muscle to tackle tougher jobs. After much deliberation, I decided a compact tractor was the right choice for my needs.
What jobs do I need to do with the tractor?
To cut down on the options (and there are many!) of features and implements to help narrow down the models, I figured I would start with a list of what I needed to do with the tractor first. That would help me decide what features I needed now in accordance with my budget and what I could add on later.
Jobs to do:
Nice to haves:
Dragging a bush hog or mower
Towing chicken tractors and other portable animal housing
Dig trenches
Dig postholes
Must haves:
Moving round bales
Towing a small trailer
Lift heavy pallets, rocks and hay bales
Transporting gravel, dirt, hay, manure etc.
Scraping driveways and leveling dirt
Pros and Cons of the Most Popular Brands of Tractors for Small Farms
Once I knew what kind of tractor I wanted, I had to figure out which tractor. The market is full of reputable brands, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Here’s a brief overview of some of the most popular ones I looked at:
John Deere: Known for their reliability and extensive dealer network. Parts are readily available, and they hold their value well. However, they tend to be on the pricier side. John Deere Website
Kubota: Another very popular brand, Kubota is known for its quality and durability. They offer a wide range of models and have a strong reputation for customer service. Kubota Website
Mahindra: Mahindra tractors are known for their value. They often offer more features for the price compared to other brands. They may not have the same level of refinement as some of the other brands, but they're workhorses. Mahindra Website
New Holland: New Holland offers a good balance of performance and price. They have a wide range of models and are a well-established brand. New Holland Website
Massey Ferguson: With a long history in agriculture, Massey Ferguson offers a variety of tractors suitable for small farms. They often focus on innovative features. Massey Ferguson Website
Bobcat: Bobcat Compact Tractor Website
I also heard Kioti, Yanmar, or LS tractors are good values. I’ll have to do more research on these.
This is by no means an exhaustive list, and each brand has its loyal followers. The best way to decide is to visit your local dealers, talk to owners, and of course, test drive some tractors.
Old vs New?
One of the biggest decisions I faced was whether to buy a new or used tractor. Both options have their pros and cons. A new tractor comes with the latest technology, a full warranty, and the peace of mind of knowing its history.
However, it also comes with a higher price tag. Used tractors, on the other hand, can be significantly cheaper, allowing you to potentially get a larger or more capable machine for your budget. The downside is that you're buying something with an unknown history. It might have hidden problems, require more maintenance, and the warranty might be limited or non-existent.
For me, as a first-time tractor owner, the peace of mind of a new machine and a solid warranty is worth the extra cost I think. I also liked the idea of starting fresh and knowing exactly how the tractor has been treated.
However, I did extensively research used tractors and saw some compelling deals. If you're mechanically inclined and comfortable with inspecting used equipment, a well-maintained used tractor can be a fantastic value.
Just be sure to do your due diligence, get a pre-purchase inspection if possible.
Transmission Options: Manual or Hydrostatic?
For small acreage landowners, the choice between manual-shift and hydrostatic transmissions in compact tractors often boils down to ease of use versus efficiency.
Hydrostatic transmissions, like an automatic car, offer smooth, variable speed control and effortless direction changes, making them ideal for tasks like loader work and navigating tight spaces. However, they can be less fuel-efficient and may not deliver as much power to the implements as manual transmissions.
Manual transmissions, with their gears and clutch, provide more direct power transfer and are generally better suited for heavy-duty tasks like tilling or mowing large areas. They offer more precise speed control for consistent work but require more operator skill and can be less convenient for tasks involving frequent changes in direction or speed.
Ultimately, I think I’ll go with a hydrostatic transmission.
Guide to Tractor Implements that are Helpful for a Small Acreage Land Owner
Don’t buy more implements than you need
Choose the main tasks for your tractor today and gather the tools you need along the way.
Now, the tractor itself is just the beginning. The real versatility comes from the implements you attach to it. For my small acreage, I considered the following must-haves:
Mower (Mid-Mount or Belly Mower): Essential for keeping the grass under control. I opted for a mid-mount mower for its ease of use and maneuverability.
Loader (Front-End Loader): Invaluable for moving dirt, gravel, mulch, and just about anything else you can fit in the bucket. This is a game-changer for landscaping and general property maintenance.
Backhoe: A backhoe is incredibly useful for digging trenches, moving rocks, and other excavation work. While it's a larger investment, I felt it was worth it for my property.
Rototiller: For preparing garden beds, tilling up areas for planting, and general soil cultivation.
Box Blade: Great for leveling ground, spreading material, and backfilling.
Other implements I'm considering for the future include a rear blade for snow removal, a chipper/shredder for clearing brush, and a post-hole digger.
Feature and Implement must haves
Here’s a list of implements I thought I would need:
At least 35 HP compact tractor (get the biggest tractor I can afford)
Towing hitch
Front End Loader with 1800 lb lift capacity
Lifting rocks, hay, gravel
Need to be able to lift round bales (about 1200lbs each)
Digging
Box Blade
Scraping and grading ground
Backhoe
There are inexpensive towable backhoes on the market. I think I’ll just get one of these instead of the tractor mounted ones which are around $9000!
5 foot brush hog
42 inch pallet forks with open area above the forks (for better visibility) and a “headache rack” with a flat top, not a tube top with 23 degree forward rake mount.
European bale spikes
Tractor Size and Maneuverability Considerations
Nimble, yet powerful
For my 5 acres, maneuverability was a key factor. I have some tight spaces around trees and other obstacles, so I didn't want a tractor that was too large and cumbersome. Compact tractors offer a good balance of size and capability. I also paid attention to the turning radius, which is crucial for working in confined areas.
Tips for a First Time Tractor Buyer
Do your research: Read articles, watch videos, and talk to other tractor owners.
Visit multiple dealerships: Get quotes from different dealers and compare models.
Test drive tractors: Don't just sit on them; actually drive them and try out some implements.
Consider used tractors: You can often find good deals on used equipment, but be sure to inspect it carefully.
Factor in maintenance costs: Tractors require regular maintenance, so factor that into your budget.
Think about future needs: Consider what tasks you'll be doing with the tractor in the long run.
Useful Books and Resources
Websites:
Books:
Haying Independence: The Ultimate Guide to Small-Farm Hay Production with Your Compact Tractor
Operation, Care, and Repair of Farm Machinery: Practical Hints For Handymen
This journey has been both challenging and rewarding. I've learned so much about tractors and land management. I'm excited to continue learning and sharing my experiences with you. Remember, I'm not an expert, just a fellow landowner figuring things out. So, if you're in the market for a tractor, do your homework, ask questions, and don't be afraid to get your hands dirty!
