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Writer's pictureBeckside Machinery

What is a compact tractor?

Updated: Jul 6, 2022





Compact tractors are in fact multi-purpose and have been designed to manage multiple tasks at once. These tractors are designed to come in all varied sizes and shapes for different types of customers, usually 15 HP (horsepower) to 60 HP (horsepower). Currently, most reputable tractors for sale come with power steering and a 3 point hitch so they can be fitted with different attachments. These implements are usually powered by a rear power take-off (PTO), some of them having a dual-speed feature to allow you to alter their RPM (revolutions per minute) as needed. Compact tractors usually have either 'manual' gear drives or hydrostatic transmission to improve your experience. Research is key before making a big investment, as every design has different advantages and disadvantages.


How do compact tractors help?

A compact utility tractor has the advantage of being versatile, in the sense that you can use it for a wide range of tasks. There are lots of distinct kinds of compact tractor attachments available that can be used for all sorts of things, like mowing and picking up grass, tilling the ground for planting, spraying and spreading materials, handling timber and chopping, and even sweeping and winter maintenance work. How big the tractor implement should be depends on how big the tractor is and how much power it has. The most popular compact tractor attachments for sale are:


· Front loaders

· Tipping trailers

· Post hole borers

· And so on…


Many of the higher specification compact tractors for sale also come with a mid-mounted PTO, which lets you install a mowing deck below, which is useful for people mowing a paddock. You should also check out the tractors lift capacity for use with front loaders. You want a powerful lift to be able to transport materials.


What's the difference between compact tractors and sub-compact tractors?


Sub-compact tractors are like a middle ground between a ride-on mower and a compact tractor. The owners of small holdings, horse centers, contractors, and equestrian centers rely on them, but there are limitations and they aren't suitable for all situations, which is a common misconception. The two tractors differ mainly in two ways. The first is their size. Most sub-compact tractors have 20-26 horsepower, and they're usually smaller than standard agricultural tractors with the same horsepower rating. Obviously, they're a little smaller, have a smaller fuel tank, etc., so they can fit through tighter spaces. They're also lighter, so they're kinder to grass and don't leave a big footprint. The wheels of sub-compact tractors typically are smaller, which means they have less ground clearance and a lower lifting capacity, besides the fact that the tractor is physically smaller and less stable.


What are the factors to consider when choosing a compact tractor?


In order to make the right choice, you should seek professional advice from the dealership closest to you. It is common for customers to ask for a price on a particular model tractor only to find out the model they are asking for is not the one they require, possibly resulting in a costly mistake. The best thing you can do is to provide the salesperson at the dealership with as much information as possible, i.e. your budget, what you want to do with the machine and the kind of terrain you will work on. They will then let you know what tractors offer the best for you in terms of performance and they should also know all of the details such as diesel engine manufacturer, wheel drive, hydraulic system and so on.


You should always ask the sales representative of the dealer to conduct a site visit so that you can gain the best value for your money and receive the best advice. Generally speaking, a ‘manual’ tractor is better suited to ground preparation work such as cultivating or spraying, mainly due to the fact that you can control your work speed far better, which is vital when you are working in confined spaces or planning to lay out sand or fertiliser and need to understand how much you are going to spread. Occasionally, a tractor will be referred to as a 'hydro tractor'. A hydro tractor is more suitable for mowing and loading operations as it offers speed and ease of use through a pedal system that allows transition from forward to reverse with ease without the need to change gears.


What's the best tractor brand?


Most people have heard of the John Deere compact, Massey Ferguson and Kubota tractors. They are considered good investments. In recent years, Kioti and Branson Tractors have become their main competitors. Their quality, warranty, and specs often outperform Deere and Kubota.


When should you buy from a dealership?


You should really buy from a reputable tractor dealer, whether you're looking for a new or used compact tractor. Look up their ratings on the internet and try to call them to get an idea of their size and reliability. This will tell you if it's a good or bad dealership pretty fast. You can save yourself some money and a lot of hassle in the long run by paying a little more upfront if you get a good product and service. Compact tractors for sale in the UK can be found at dealers like Beckside Machinery. Check out their website and give them a call on 01673828965 if you're interested in purchasing a compact tractor.




Click here for info about compact tractor weight.


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