What’s in a name? What is the difference between a tractor and a compact tractor?

Tractors typically weigh more and have more frame structure than compact tractors. Today’s compact tractors are defined as small agricultural tractors equipped with a 540-rpm PTO and a three-point hitch designed for Category 1 implements. Compact tractors generally have a mass of fewer than 4,000 lbs and use less than 40 PTO hp to run their attachments.

What is a compact tractor used for?

Whether you’re considering Bobcat, Kubota, and other brands, it’s good to understand what your machine can do! All that aside, here are some jobs you can do with your compact tractor and the attachments you can use:

• Mowing Grass – Compact tractors are good for mowing grass with a rotary mower attachment making it easy to get through stubborn patches of thick weeds.
• Lifting and Moving – With a front loader attachment, your compact tractor can pick up, lift, and spread materials around. When winter hits, you can use the snow bucket attachment to quickly and easily plow the snow from any area. You can also use the fork attachment which is good for moving pallets, and other landscape materials.
• Digging Holes – Using the backhoe you can dig holes for pits, ditches, and trenches!
• Pushing and Leveling – Using blade attachments you can grade, level, spread materials, or move snow.
• Blowing Snow – With the snowblower attachment you can easily get large amounts of snow out of your way.
• Tilling – With tiller attachments, you can get your garden ready in no time!
• Clearing Debris and Brush – Using a grapple bucket you can push brush into a pile and lift it up to haul it away.

What is a 3-point hitch?

The 3-point hitch is a mechanism in the rear of the tractor that offers three points of contact with an attachment to allow lifting and towing. A compact tractor with a 3-point hitch allows you to use and change out a variety of attachments quickly and easily.

Should I buy or rent a compact tractor?

To purchase a compact tractor, you’ll either need a sizeable amount of cash or decent credit. While a purchase requires a larger upfront cost, it could save you money over time, especially if you plan on using the machine frequently. Use this general rule of thumb: if you use the machine more than 65% of the year, a purchase makes sense. If you use it less than 65% (or less than eight months in a year), then you should rent. There are also possible tax advantages of buying as well as the potential return on investment, ask your accountant what makes sense for you.

Is 35HP enough for a tractor?

If you are mowing and doing work with a front-end loader, a tractor between 25HP-35HP may be all you need.

What size tractor is good for clearing land?

A tractor with 25HP-35HP can easily tackle clearing small trees (less than 6” diameter) and brush.

What kind of attachments can I get for my compact tractor?

Front loader, pallet forks, rear blade, land leveler, rotary cutter, and landplane.