Diesel Tractors

Written By: Brad Sylvester

Diesel tractors are the workhorses of the modern farm. With a wide variety of standardized attachments, the diesel tractor provides more benefits today than it ever has. Whether you're plowing snow, tilling fields, haying or digging, diesel farm tractors can handle the job.

Diesel tractor attachments

If your tractor has a power take off (PTO) and three point hitch, there is a long list of attachments you can get to customize the tractor for your application. Here's a partial list of commonly available attachments:

• Backhoes
• Bucket loaders
• Mowers
• Rotary tillers
• Rotary cutters
• Manure spreaders
• Snow throwers

• Aerators
• Blades
• Disk harrows
• Seeders
• Sprayers
• Balers

Keep in mind that you don't need to purchase every attachment you might want when you first buy a tractor. Start with only the essentials: the attachments you'll use on a regular basis. If you only need a certain attachment once or twice a year, renting the attachment can be a good choice.

Diesel tractors also can provide sheer muscle for tasks like hauling logs, pulling trailers, and even pulling stumps. Few wheeled machines can match a 4-wheel-drive tractor with deep tread tires.

Advantages of diesel tractors

Diesel tractors have several advantages that might be important for your application. If the terrain where the tractor will be used is hilly, a diesel might be a better choice. Diesel engines will maintain their torque through a much broader range of speeds than a gasoline engine. This means no significant loss of power to the drive train or PTO when moving up a hill or facing a particularly difficult task. Diesel engines also will tend to have more longevity and reliability than gasoline engines. With no carburetor, spark plugs or ignition points to worry about, maintenance is easier as well.

Purchasing a tractor

Diesel tractors are available in a wide variety of sizes and horsepower ratings, so it's important to understand your needs before choosing one. You can buy or lease tractors from most dealers. Many will offer a lease-to-buy program as well. This allows you to put the tractor through its paces for an extended trial before deciding to convert the lease into a purchase.

The smart way to get a good deal is to visit several dealers to compare diesel tractors before purchasing. To find reputable tractor dealers in your area, use BuyerZone's free request for tractor price quotes. Answer a few quick questions and we'll connect you to multiple dealers so you can find the right tractor for your needs.