For those who are not familiar with farm tractors, selecting one that is appropriate for small farm is challenging. A good way to start choosing a small-farm tractor is to be clear about the purpose of buying the same.
If you need it for mowing an acre or two, or to cart a few small bales of hay, a mower or a quad bike with a tow bar is all that can successfully serve your purpose. On the contrary, if you have to cultivate soil or feed out large round bales, then you certainly need a real tractor. As opposed to many ride-ons, a tractor is full unit construction having the engine, rear drive train and transmission, all enclosed in rugged castings. It also comes with Power Take Off (PTO), three point linkage as well as external hydraulics capability.
If you need to carry out small farm operations, a compact utility range of tractors can serve your purpose. These are basically small tractors of 15KW to 50KW, having same features as you would find in a larger tractor.
Is tractor size crucial?
Determining the size of the tractor is really important since that influences the way the job is performed. It usually becomes more of an exercise to find out how much time would you wish to spend on a job, further choosing a right tractor that can help you in the process. This is when it is essential to match the size of the implement to the tractor to make certain that the implement and tractor function at optimum speed. Don't go for the tractor that is bigger in size, considering that it will help you accomplish the job more quickly because in such a case you might have to operate in low range.
Contrast horsepower ratings
When a compact tractor manufacturer quotes horsepower ratings, he actually describes gross horsepower values for the engine running at stated engine speed. At times, the figures quoted are the horsepower as evaluated at the Power Take Off, which are nearly 75% that of gross values. If two tractors have same horsepower figures, but differ in engine speeds, choose the one that delivers power at lower engine speed since it will possess more torque.
Power Take Off
Fitted at the rear end of a tractor, Power Take Off is a splined shaft that is operated by the engine of the tractor. Using a drive shaft attachment, diverse farming implements such as rotary hoes can be easily connected to it. There are a few tractors that come with a PTO located mid section for purposes such as mid-mounted mower decks. Power Take Off can be either of standard type or live-drive type. The second option is preferred as it can function irrespective of whether the tractor is in motion or the clutch is engaged.
You need to be careful and well-informed at the same time, so as to purchase the best farming tractor for yourself. Since the one you choose is going to be with you for many years to come, make certain to explore all the options available prior to zeroing in on the tractor.
If you need it for mowing an acre or two, or to cart a few small bales of hay, a mower or a quad bike with a tow bar is all that can successfully serve your purpose. On the contrary, if you have to cultivate soil or feed out large round bales, then you certainly need a real tractor. As opposed to many ride-ons, a tractor is full unit construction having the engine, rear drive train and transmission, all enclosed in rugged castings. It also comes with Power Take Off (PTO), three point linkage as well as external hydraulics capability.
If you need to carry out small farm operations, a compact utility range of tractors can serve your purpose. These are basically small tractors of 15KW to 50KW, having same features as you would find in a larger tractor.
Is tractor size crucial?
Determining the size of the tractor is really important since that influences the way the job is performed. It usually becomes more of an exercise to find out how much time would you wish to spend on a job, further choosing a right tractor that can help you in the process. This is when it is essential to match the size of the implement to the tractor to make certain that the implement and tractor function at optimum speed. Don't go for the tractor that is bigger in size, considering that it will help you accomplish the job more quickly because in such a case you might have to operate in low range.
Contrast horsepower ratings
When a compact tractor manufacturer quotes horsepower ratings, he actually describes gross horsepower values for the engine running at stated engine speed. At times, the figures quoted are the horsepower as evaluated at the Power Take Off, which are nearly 75% that of gross values. If two tractors have same horsepower figures, but differ in engine speeds, choose the one that delivers power at lower engine speed since it will possess more torque.
Power Take Off
Fitted at the rear end of a tractor, Power Take Off is a splined shaft that is operated by the engine of the tractor. Using a drive shaft attachment, diverse farming implements such as rotary hoes can be easily connected to it. There are a few tractors that come with a PTO located mid section for purposes such as mid-mounted mower decks. Power Take Off can be either of standard type or live-drive type. The second option is preferred as it can function irrespective of whether the tractor is in motion or the clutch is engaged.
You need to be careful and well-informed at the same time, so as to purchase the best farming tractor for yourself. Since the one you choose is going to be with you for many years to come, make certain to explore all the options available prior to zeroing in on the tractor.
