Your lawnmower has broken down again, the yard projects are piling up, and the idea of getting a compact tractor is sounding better and better. If this sounds familiar, there are several things you should consider before you go out and buy a new piece of equipment. Thinking it through will make sure you get the right tractor for your needs and possibly help you avoid buyers’ regret down the road.
1. How Maneuverable Do You Need to Be?
Does your property have wide-open spaces or are things a bit more cramped? If things are pretty tight, you will want to look at smaller sub-compact tractors. They are available from most major tractor manufacturers like Kubota, Yanmar, and John Deere. With a lighter and more maneuverable design, you can take a sub-compact tractor into many of the places you would a standard lawn tractor. If things are more open, consider going for a slightly larger compact tractor. They are heavier, more powerful, and capable of a wider range of tasks.
2. How Will You Use It?
Are you looking for a glorified lawnmower, or will you genuinely use a compact tractor? There can be a substantial difference in cost between the two, so decide upfront if you need to make the switch. In addition to mowing, some tasks that these little diesels can tackle are moving large items around the yard and barn, helping to clean pastures, hauling tree limbs and other debris, and digging trenches or ditches.
3. What Attachments Should You Add?
You can find a whole host of attachments for smaller framed tractors. If mowing will be your primary task, look for mid-deck or pull-behind models. You will find some that are designed specifically for turf, while others are for rougher finishes like in a pasture. You may also want to think about having turf tires put on your equipment so the heavier standard tires don’t damage your lawn.
For hauling, there are several front end options. A loader is a very common attachment, and you can also add forks or a bucket to the base to lift or carry stuff. Pay attention to the lifting capacity of each model when you are shopping to make sure you’ll be able to lift what you need. Look also for excavators, augers, and other useful accessories that can be added to your tractor.
4. Where Will You Store It?
This may seem like something that can wait until after you buy a new tractor, but really should be part of the purchase decision. If your new equipment is much larger than what you had before, you may need to find a new storage solution to keep it protected. Adding an outside SteelMaster building can be an affordable long-term solution if you have space. Otherwise, you may find yourself cleaning out the garage so your tractor can displace your car.
The new compact and sub-compact tractors on the market are relatively light, maneuverable, and easy to handle. If you are looking for something a little more versatile than a lawn tractor, they could be a great solution. Just keep these key factors in mind when shopping to help you make the right decision for your yard and equipment needs.
Article Submitted By Community Writer