Even if you need a heavy duty tractor, optimal use of a light/ compact tractor could do away with the need of a big muscle tractor, saving you a lot of money in the process. The torque of the machine has to be adequate enough to haul big loads. Once you narrow down on the HP go for other details like the price you have to pay, insuring that maintenance expenses will be negligible.
The size and location of your ranch or farm is important when you decide on HP.
A compact tractor with 4 wheel drive will not only help in pulling out of mud and snow and other agricultural activities, but also prove effective in hauling bigger loads.
There are both subcompact and compact tractors available in the market. Subcompact and light-duty compact models range from 20 HP to 30 HP. Canopy and cab models are available, equipped with ag-tires for rough terrains.
Heavy duty tractors are handy if you want to plow land, pull stumps or bale hay, and other agricultural activities, such as digging shallow holes, cutting furrows, breaking up the soil or digging a rock using the bucket.
Heavy duty tractors are available in HP ratings of 40 HP and above. These include cab tractors. These are typically equipped with an air-conditioned cab with glass doors and windows, and a steel hood.
Cab tractors are additionally useful in that they offer protection from rain and snow. You are less vulnerable inside the cab, reducing the risk of injury from accidents, resulting from rollovers.
Once you have narrowed down on the HP you need, and whether or not you want a cab, you must think of how much of recurring costs you will have to bear. For instance, does the tractor use petrol, or diesel, for fuel. Diesel is by far the cheaper option.
Are spares available conveniently? How expensive are the spares? Are all accessories available? How expensive are they? This will depend on how many outlets the manufacturer of the tractor has. You should opt for a manufacturer who has a country wide spread of outlets, or who offers toll free technical support, and free shipping of spares, so that it doesn't matter where the dealer is located.
