Technology continues to influence the construction of tractors, and there are some with onboard computers and even GPS navigation systems. Unmanned tractors have also made their appearance, in huge farms.

Today, there are tractors dedicated to specific tasks. For instance, construction activity needs a particular type of tractor, which can be fitted with accessory engineering tools to assist in its work. Whether it's demolition, or digging holes, or paving roads, or plowing a field, tractors are used for a wide variety of activities, each with its own special tool requirements. Even armies use tractors to move artillery.

It's difficult to imagine how a modern-day farm owner would cope without a tractor.

Take a good look at your agricultural property before you decide which tractor to buy.

A bigger tractor is not always a better choice. In fact, smaller machines are more maneuverable, and help save time. And if you're not hard pressed for time, and your tractor is not in use all the time (the % utilization, as they call it, is low), you may normally be able to make do with a lower HP model, by using the tractor for longer durations.

An important, often overlooked, factor is torque. You should look for a tractor with enough torque, rather than higher HP. Buying more HP will prove expensive as it will entail greater fuel used by your tractor, apart from adversely impacting the environment, not to speak of soil compaction.

Typically a tractor buyer looks to plant and maintain pasture, dig postholes, stretch fencing, move manure, bale hay, plow snow, and do light earth moving, or even hauling a hay wagon.

If you think you need to have a lot of money to buy a brand new tractor, reading the following will help you buy one without having to dole out big money. Modern manufacturers' expertise in precision engineering has helped them to develop tractors which boast quality at competitive prices.

Tractors which are available in a wide range of HP ratings, such as 20, 25, 30, 40, 60 and 82 HP categories, among the most popular, are built compactly to give you some advantages, even in the higher range.

Cabbed tractors are safer. Not only does a cabbed tractor protect you from the weather, it also reduces the chances of injury from accidents resulting from the nature of your terrain. In the cabbed category, you usually get higher HP models, some of which boasts a hydraulic steering system for convenient operation, apart from a comfortable, air-conditioned cab with glass doors and windows, an overall streamlined appearance with a steel hood.

Choose the HP based on the need rather than a blind faith that the more HP, the merrier.