Farm tractors serve as a multipurpose power unit on the farm. They have a drawbar for drawing tillage tools and a power takeoff device for driving implements or operating a belt pulley. Tractor models vary in such details as power generated, weight, ground clearance, turning radius, and facilities for operating equipment. Tractor selection is dependent on the acreage to be worked, type of crops grown and the terrain.


Tractor engines operate at relatively low-speeds, ranging from slightly more than 1.6 km/hr to about 13 km/hr in high gear. One of the most important considerations is the power rating which is the horsepower delivery at the drawbar and at the belt. Power rating runs as low as 10 (7.5 kW) on small models and up to 130 (98 kW) on large models.


When purchasing a tractor, make thorough research and comparison on prices and important features such as:

• Engine Size
• Weight
• Blade Length
• Air Cooled Engine
• Foot Pedals for acceleration
• Levers for steering
• Steering Wheel for steering
• Wide and stable tractor stance
• Tire size
• Cruise control
• Spin on oil filter
• Fuel tank size
• Mulching feature
• Grass bag sizes
• Option for a 12 volt outlet
• 2 or 4 wheel drive

If quality and warranty are of concern, go for the popular brands which have a local agent and which have readily available spare parts.

• Allis Chalmers
• Avery Case
• Caterpillar
• Cockshutt
• Craftsman
• Cub Cadet
• Deutz
• Euclid
• ExMark
• Ford
• Husqvarna
• International Farmall
• John Deere
• Kubota
• Massey Ferguson
• Minneapolis Moline
• Murray
• New Holland
• Oliver
• Snapper
• Troy Bilt
• White
• Zetor