Finding the Best Compact Tractor for Your Property: 5 Insider Tips

Are you a homeowner with a lot of acreage, a farmer, a landscaper, or a grounds maintenance expert? If so, you may benefit greatly from having a do-it-all workhorse like a compact tractor.

These machines are perfect for plots of land that are 50 acres or less. In terms of their size, compact tractors generally range from 42 to 66 inches in width, with a wheel diameter ranging from 30 to 42 inches.

The smaller size of these tractors allows them to maneuver even the tightest spaces. Yet they still have the horsepower and lift power to tackle tough jobs, making them incredibly versatile.

With common uses such as grass cutting, landscaping, snow clearing, and animal management, this impressive little tractor is equipped to handle operation in essentially any terrain. This is one of the most significant reasons why they are a great multipurpose machine to have on hand.

Important Factors to Consider When Purchasing a Compact Tractor

If you are thinking of buying a compact tractor to use on your property, there are plenty of advantages that you can look forward to. Before you go all-in on such a purchase, though, there are some important factors to consider.

Since there are many different models, sizes, and styles of compact tractors on the market, it is necessary to consider these factors so that you can narrow your options and find the best machine for your needs.

The following are some of the most important factors to consider when purchasing a compact tractor for your property:

1. Your Property Size And Terrain

When deciding on the size of compact tractor you need, it is important to consider the acreage of your property. If you are more than just a hobby farmer, or you have a lot of acreage and a rougher terrain, you may want to get a larger utility tractor with more power and stability.

However, if you have a relatively small property and mostly flat terrain, a compact tractor should serve you well. After all, when there is more land to cover, it helps to have additional power and features like a larger fuel tank, as this facilitates more efficient work.

2. Horsepower & Rear PTO

A compact tractor’s ability to perform certain types of tasks will largely depend on its horsepower. Typically, the more horsepower a tractor has, the more big and tough jobs it can handle.

Therefore, it is crucial to consider the types of jobs you intend to use your tractor for when deciding on horsepower, as compact tractors can range from 15 to 50 horsepower.

If you intend to use your compact tractor for heavy-duty tasks, such as tilling large fields or moving heavy loads, it will be necessary to get a more powerful one. On the flip side, if you only need your compact tractor for light property maintenance, then a lower horsepower should be sufficient.

Rear PTO (power take-off) is a standard on all tractors and is an important factor in operating many implements like backhoes or rear snowblowers. When choosing the right compact tractor, it’s important to pick one that has a rear PTO that’s higher than the recommended PTO of the implement you’re planning on using.

3. Transmission Type

With compact tractors, there are typically two main types of transmission to choose between: hydrostatic and manual. The hydrostatic transmission uses fluid power to transfer torque, which makes it easier to operate, but also increases the average price.

On the other hand, compact tractors with a manual transmission require that you manually shift gears, which is more fuel efficient, but takes some time to get used to.

It is essential to consider both the types of work you will be doing with your tractor and your skill level when deciding on the transmission type. If you are new to tractor operation, it may be worth it to go for a hydrostatic transmission. If you are comfortable operating machinery, however, you should have no issue with a manual transmission.

4. Attachment & Implement Compatibility

While compact tractors can handle a lot on their own, if you want to unlock the full potential of your machine, the best way to do so is through the right attachments and implements. The more attachments you have for your compact tractor, the more versatile it will be.

Thus, it is necessary to examine the types of attachments and implements that are best suited to your tasks. When you are looking at different compact tractor options, make sure to consider their compatible attachments and how easy it is to attach and detach them.

For instance, if you’re using a compact tractor to help put up a fence, an auger attachment will be essential for fence poles. Further, if you need a compact tractor for general grounds maintenance, you’ll want to look into mid-mount mowers, snowblowers and or buckets. Picking a compact tractor compatible with various attachments and implements will leave room for flexibility if your use of the machine changes over time.

5. Cab Comfort

If you will be using your compact tractor a lot, make sure it is comfortable to operate. Generally, you can get compact tractors either with or without an enclosed cab. So, it is important to consider the conditions in which you will mostly be using the tractor. If you will be operating it in rainy or snowy areas, the enclosed cab may be worth the higher price tag to get year-round use of your machine.

An enclosed cab with air conditioning will help keep you cool on those extra-hot summer days. You can also boost your comfort by finding a compact tractor with features such as a suspension seat, ergonomic controls, and cruise control.

If you’re going to be working on projects that have you getting in and out of the driver’s seat often, then an open cab option will not only be faster but more efficient in the long run.

How Oaken Equipment Can Help You Find the Perfect Compact Tractor for Your Property

If you are searching for Bobcat equipment for sale in Ontario, and especially if you are looking to find a compact tractor that meets all the criteria mentioned above, Oaken Equipment can help.

Bobcat is legendary when it comes to construction and landscaping equipment. Their machines are of the highest quality and provide all the power and durability that you could possibly need, no matter what applications you intend to use them for.

As Canada’s largest Bobcat equipment dealer network, we have a huge inventory of top-notch Bobcat machines, including many Bobcat compact and subcompact tractors, ranging from 21 hp to 58 hp.

The tractors that we carry in stock are easy to operate and will serve you well regardless of the types of projects you need them for on your ranch, farm, or acreage.

We also carry a huge stock of attachments with varying applications that you can use to level up your compact tractor and enhance its versatility. We stand behind all of our equipment and are confident that you will be happy with the Bobcat equipment you purchase from us.

For more information about our Bobcat equipment for sale in Ontario, or to learn more about the types of compact tractors that we currently have in stock, call Oaken Equipment at 1-888-861-1447 or contact us here.