Sizing Them Up: Small-Farm Tractors and Implement Compatibility

Though we may not sell tractors here at Tractor Tool Direct, we know tractors. And we know that compact tractors do real work. Let’s take a look at the types of tractors that keep small farms running – the types of tractors that are most compatible with the equipment we sell.

We like to separate “small” tractors used on American small farms into four categories. These are sub-compact, compact, utility, and large utility tractors. The decision as to which type might be used on a small farm usually comes down to these considerations:

• Acreage – how much of your property will you be working?
• Terrain – is your property hilly, flat, rocky, wet?
• Tasks – are you mowing, hauling, baling hay?
• Attachments – will you be running a mower, a baler, a chipper?

Sub-compact tractors are the smallest of the four types of small-farm tractors. Typically used for lighter workloads, they have engines at or under 25 horsepower, measure around 4 feet wide, and weigh between 1000 and 1600 pounds. They are easily maneuverable and their tight turning radius makes them perfect for tasks in the small paddocks and fields of a small farm. Though small, they are still mighty. With right-sized attachments, they can be used to perform a variety of small-farm tasks ranging from clearing snow and mowing to hauling feed and landscaping. Their small size allows them to be easily stored in the corner of a barn or in a garden shed.

Compact tractors are just slightly larger versions of sub-compact tractors and are used for similar tasks. Their engines typically run between 20 and 30 horsepower. They are usually around 5 feet wide and they weigh between 1500 and 3000 pounds. Their added weight and wider stance can make them a better choice than sub-compacts for heavier attachments and implements, especially if being used on hillier terrain. They are still super maneuverable and easy to store. With lower price points than utility tractors, they are a budget friendly option for operators who have small farms, but big to-do lists.

Utility tractors are versatile, general-purpose machines that can be used for a variety of heavier-duty agricultural and landscaping tasks. With horsepower ranging from 25 to 50 and weights exceeding 2500 pounds, these tractors tackle tough jobs like hauling heavy equipment and livestock and larger scale mowing, plowing, and baling. However, their wider width (5 to 6 feet) may make them unsuitable for some smaller attachments and tight spaces. Their larger fuel tanks allow them to operate for longer periods of time and their higher lift capacity adds to their productivity and efficiency. They tend to require more extensive maintenance and a larger space for storage.

A large utility tractor is typically the largest type of tractor used on a “small” farm. The most powerful of the four types, these tractors’ engines run from 50 to over 100 horsepower. It’s not uncommon for these tractors to have multiple hydraulic hookups and a spacious cab with adjustable seating and temperature controls. They require regular and extensive maintenance and have high fuel requirements. They can tackle all small-farm tasks but may outsize most small-farm attachments. The tendency here is to have too much tractor for too small of a farm.

With that basic overview of small-farm tractors, let’s look at how we here at Tractor Tools Direct make picking the right size of implement for any tractor a breeze. Our simple naming prefixes – TX, TS, TM, and TL as shown in the chart below – indicate the smallest size tractor that can be used to operate any of our implements. Added to that, the number following the letter prefix tells the working width of the implement in inches – no metric conversions necessary!

To choose an implement for a tractor, first use this chart to determine the size range of the tractor. A tractor must meet or exceed both the PTO horsepower rating AND the minimum tractor weight to fit the category. Then when shopping for an implement or package, check its name prefix (TX, TS, TM, or TL) and make sure the tractor is in the same or a larger category. Be sure to note that some implements, like the Ibex TX45 Drum Mower, will not work on tractors bigger than a certain size, due to the dimensions of the implement. Be sure to check item specifications to confirm compatibility.

For more information on tractor compatibility by brand, please visit our website here or give us a call at 260-225-3429. A team member will be more than happy to help!