Your property’s chore list is growing, and you find yourself considering your options for a new tractor. It’s likely that a compact tractor could suit your needs, thanks to its versatility and ability to tackle an abundance of jobs with ease - from gardening and lawn mowing, to moving logs, small hay bales and big snow piles. Whether you’re ready to upgrade, put your smaller tractor out to pasture, or need some help harnessing your current tractor’s versatility, we’ve put together a list of five simple things to help your understand and get the most out of your compact tractor:
Assess Your Acreage + Applications
Operating the right tractor for your property is ultimately dependent on the tasks that need to be completed, along with the number of acres needing maintenance, and overall property size. Contrary to popular belief, many compact tractors offer a smaller compact size without compromising on horsepower. Take the Kubota LX20 Series for example: The LX offers Special Utility models that pack both value and offer deluxe quality features into a comfortable, easy to operate, and hard-working compact tractor. Running at up to 40hp, compact tractor models like these can allow for a greater variety of performance-matched implements – including the added benefit of having a mid-PTO as a standard piece of equipment.
Build with Tires
Once you’ve pinpointed your applications and acreage, then you can roll into tire selection. Depending on the job at hand and type of ground you’re working on, there are different tire options available to help match your tractor to the task. For example, if you’re working on established lawns and prefer minimum turf damage, turf tires are the best fit. Whereas, industrial tires are great for excellent traction and moderate ground disturbance, and agricultural tires are ideal for maximum traction applications. Looking for a variance? Hybrid tires combine the traction of agricultural tires with the minimal ground disturbance of turf.
Cab vs. Open Air
Another detail to think about when selecting the best tractor for your needs is a tractor with a cab vs. one without. For work in extreme elements, a cab will enhance both your experience and performance, offering year-round comfort. On the other hand, open tractors are a more affordable option, but you will become more exposed to less desirable variables, like intense weather.
Determine a Dealer
Oftentimes overlooked, the quality of your dealership is an important item to take into consideration. Your dealer relationship will extend well beyond the point of purchase – from customer service, to parts, to ongoing knowledge and support. Having a local dealer you know and trust is key to a positive tractor owning experience for many years to come. Find your local Kubota dealer here.
Explore Electives
There are a number of choices when it comes to tractor attachments, implements, and elective options. Some of the most popular attachments and implements are front loaders, rotary cutters and box blades, due to how they are used for material handling, ground maintenance and road maintenance, ultimately increasing efficiency. Other premium operator features include quiet-to-operate hydrostatic transmission (HST), auto-throttle, and dual engine memory switches, allowing the operator to preset their preferred RPMs and have the engine match that speed at the push of a button. As you review your list of applications, you can begin to choose attachments and add-ons that best fit the size and scale of the job. Exploring these options can also help decide on horsepower and lift capacity requirements and make it easier to hone in on the best compact tractor model for you.
No doubt, selecting the perfect tractor for your acreage can be a daunting task. Whether you think you might be ready to upgrade, or if you have yet to push your compact tractor to its limits, consider these tips as your guide to assess what’s possible to move your property to its fullest potential with a powerful machine.
For more information about Kubota’s full line of compact tractors click here.