Compact tractor buyer's guide

Buying a tractor is a big decision, get it right and you could be making your working life a lot easier, but get it wrong and it could be the opposite and be costly too.
If you’re considering purchasing a compact tractor, this buyer’s guide will provide you with important factors to getting it right.

What is a compact tractor?

In essence a compact tractor is a machine designed to provide all the features you would find in a larger tractor but in a more compact package. They come with the advantage of being more moveable but still able to carry out a wide range of tasks with the addition of a vast array of rear, mid or even front mounted attachments. These compact machines come in all different shapes and sizes, usually starting at 15 hp and rising up to 50 hp. Across this range will be a number of options to suit different customer types and their specific requirements and budgets.

All compact tractors should come with the following key components: rear three-point linkage, rear PTO and hydraulic spool valves. These are all key features which allow the tractor to be used for a vast array of tasks. Some manufacturers will offer these as optional accessories, so be sure that when you specify your tractor that these items are part of the overall package.

Determine your needs and intended use

Knowing what you want out of your tractor is key to finding the right machine for you.

The first step is to assess the size of your property and the application you need the tractor for – more acreage might mean you need a more powerful tractor to be able to run larger/wider attachments to cover the ground more effectively. Also consider any space restrictions you might have on your property such as narrow pathways, tight spaces or other obstacles that might play a role in which tractor you ultimately opt for.

The next step is to determine what tasks you intend to use your tractor for. Compact tractors are a great tool for tasks such as mowing or towing, but there also are a whole host of other things you can do with a compact tractor such as front loader work, moving dirt, levelling ground, rotavating soil ahead of sowing seeds and leaf clearance in the winter.

Compact tractors really are a good investment when you want a machine to carry out a lot of different tasks across the seasons. So while it’s important to consider your immediate needs you should always give a little thought to some of your future needs and investigate whether these can be utilised with the use of a compact tractor.

Finally, consider your budget. A tractor can be a big investment for your home or business. Taking the time to find the right tractor that best suits your needs both now and in the future will save you both time and money in the long run.

Horsepower

Most, if not all, compact and subcompact tractors are diesel-powered, unlike lawn or garden tractors which will often have a petrol engine. They typically have a horsepower ranging from 15 to 50hp, but the specific horsepower will depend on the make, model and size of the tractor.

Smaller compact tractors typically have a lower horsepower range, usually around 15 to 25hp. These tractors are designed for lighter duty tasks and are well-suited for small properties, gardening and landscaping jobs rather than large high acreage work. Farmtrac offers a number of models in this range: from the entry level FT22, FT25G all-electric tractor and finally the FT26 and FT26HST.

Mid-size compact tractors generally fall in the range of 30 to 45hp, offering increased power and versatility on a slightly larger platform. These models allow for a wider range of attachments to be used including hedge cutters and backhoe loaders, further enhancing the tasks that can be carried out around your property.

Larger compact tractors, sometimes referred to as a compact utility tractor, will have horsepower ranging from 50 to 60hp. These tractors are capable of handling heavier implements and attachments making them even more suitable for more demanding tasks such as towing trailers, scrapping out barns and some field work. In this range, Farmtrac offers the FT6050 with 47hp diesel engine, the largest model in its compact range utility range.

Evaluating your specific needs to find the right balance between power, efficiency and overall size of the machine is key to making an informed decision about your tractor purchase.

Electric tractors

Though diesel engines are most common when it comes to compact tractors, they’re no longer the only option available. Farmtrac introduced the industry’s first all-electric tractor back in 2020 with the FT25G. This small compact machine is powered by a 72V Li-ion Battery pack and 18kw drive motor in place of the more traditional diesel engine. This model has all the functions and features of a typical diesel compact tractor but with the benefits of clean green electric power.

Designed for a whole host of different applications including greenhouse work, municipalities and equestrian centres. The FT25G can be ideal for domestic home owners too as it provides a quieter and cleaner operation for buyers looking to reduce their carbon footprint.

Transmission and drive system

Compact tractors are typically offered with the option of either a manual transmission or a HST (hydrostatic) transmission. Choosing the right one is an important factor when buying a tractor with both types having both pros and cons.

A Manual transmission tractor is great in applications like spraying or soil engaging tasks such as aeration or cultivation where a set fixed forward speed and engine rpm is critical.

On the other hand, for tasks such as mowing or using the tractor with a front loader, a HST transmission is the better option. This transmission is much simpler to use as it operates without a clutch pedal, with forward and reverse speeds governed by a directional drive pedal. Without a clutch pedal, direction changes can be done quickly and easily with less operator fatigue.

Lift capacity

Lift capacity refers to the maximum weight a tractor can lift safely using the rear three-point linkage. When purchasing a compact tractor, understanding the lift capacity is crucial to ensure it can handle both the attachments you currently have and those you intend to buy in the future.

Manufacturers provide in the product specifications a rated lift capacity for the tractor, typically specified at a particular hitch point. This rating indicates the maximum weight the tractor can lift safely on the rear of the tractor.

To ensure safe and efficient operation, it’s advisable to choose a compact tractor with a lift capacity that exceeds your actual needs. Allowing for a safety margin provides flexibility and helps avoid pushing the tractor to its maximum capacity. Having that additional capacity will also help with any future needs you might have.

Attachments and implements

Determine the range of attachments and implements you’ll need for your specific tasks. Compact tractors can be fitted with a whole selection of different attachments from a simple rear-mounted mower, rotary tillers or more complex machines such as a hedge cutter. When considering which tractor to buy, it is also worth ensuring that your tractor can be fitted with a front loader. Most will be compatible with this option but not always so it’s always best to ask your dealer.

A three-point hitch is a standardised system across the tractor market and is widely used as a way to mount attachments to the rear of your tractor. Be aware that while the lifting system itself is universal the hitch points at the end of the lift arms come in two different sizes on compact tractors. Most small machines will use a CAT 1 hitch which use smaller attachment pins, while higher horsepower tractors will be fitted with a CAT 2 linkage that accepts a larger attachment pin.

Comfort and ergonomics

The design of a machine goes beyond its physical performance capabilities. Operating a compact tractor often involves spending long hours in the seat. When considering tractors, look for features that prioritise operator comfort, such as a comfortable seat, well-placed controls and ergonomic pedal layout. These can contribute to operator satisfaction, reduce fatigue and enhance productivity.

Where to buy

Buying a tractor from a trusted local dealer gives you the chance to view or demo a machine before you buy it, sometimes on your own property, ensuring you can make the right choice. A dealer will also be able to offer assistance in the buying process and after-sales care. Professional equipment and machinery is about more than just the item itself, customer care can help to prolong its life and deliver the best value for your investment over the long term.

Distributors such as Reesink go a step further with its dealers, not only offering sales and support to help customers make good decisions when buying and maintaining machinery with service and back-up, it offers a robust five-year warranty on select models in the Farmtrac compact range too.