Tractor Buyer's Guide

Basics of choosing a tractor

Start choosing a tractor by determining if one is actually right piece for you. Tractor capabilities overlap with those of skid steer loaders, mini excavators, and loader/backhoes. There are two main points to consider when choosing which type of equipment is right for you:

Flexibility. Skid steer loaders and tractors are designed to power many kinds of attachments, while excavators and loader/backhoes are dedicated to the specific tasks of digging and loading. As a result, the specialized machines are more efficient at their specific jobs, but the generalists are useful in more ways.

Surface impact. Skid steers and excavator tracks can wreak havoc on grass or loose surfaces. In contrast, even fairly substantial tractors equipped with the right tires can work on these types of surfaces without doing noticeable damage.

Coverage area. Since they can move at faster speeds, tractors are more appropriate than skid steers for work that involves covering a lot of ground: mowing or plowing large fields, for example.

If a tractor doesn't seem like the right machine for you, read our Skid Steer Loaders Buyer's Guide or our Mini Excavators Buyer's Guide.

What is your application?
Once you decide that a tractor is the right purchase for you, think through the specifics of what you'll need it do and the environment you'll be using it in. Some points to consider:

• What kinds of surfaces will you be using it on? Landscaped grass, loose gravel, muddy fields, pavement?
• Will it be used mainly on flat ground, or hilly terrain?
• What attachments will you use? (More on choosing attachments in Features.)
• Are there any limiting factors on the size or weight of the tractor? (Gates, garage doors, narrow paths, small bridges, trailers.)
• Do you need to drive it on open roads or over long distances?
• Will the tractor be used day or night? In cold, hot, rainy, or all weather conditions?

Knowing the answers to these questions will help narrow your choices as you begin to talk to tractor dealers.

Mentioned In...

See Also...

Advice & Tips

Construction News