What to Keep in Mind When Buying a Compact Tractor
Tractors are the foundation of agricultural work, and for smaller or more precise jobs, compact tractors are a windfall. These smaller rigs bear a lower price tag and are easier to store and maneuver, making them a valuable tool for all sorts of agricultural or property maintenance tasks.
However, the variety of compact tractors available can make it a bit hard to find what you need. To help you, we here at Nova International have put together a few tips to narrow down the search. If you have any questions or you’re ready to find a compact tractor on sale, stop on by any of our locations in Windsor and Aylesford, Nova Scotia, or Salisbury, New Brunswick.
Horsepower
One of the most important variables is the amount of horsepower you’ll need. Think about the jobs you’ll be using the tractor for and aim for enough power to be productive, but not so high that you’re paying for potential you’ll never need. The middle ground is probably your best bet.
You also want to think about the tractor’s lifespan and how your operations are projected to change over the years. If you’re using the same model for a decade, you’ll want to make sure it has enough horsepower to keep up with your work in 10 years. For businesses that are growing steadily, you’ll want to plan ahead for your tractor to take on more and more work. Future-you will thank present-you for the consideration!
Weight
Compact tractors are, naturally, smaller than regular tractors, but they still come in a range of weights. Lighter models are well-suited for easier, faster projects like lawn care. Heavier models are better for pulling and towing tasks. Think about the work you’ll be doing and settle on a weight that suits your projects and your ability to control the machine.
The Property
Examine the property you’ll be using the tractor on and note any obstacles, like tight spaces or sharp inclines. Make sure the compact tractor you get has the right dimensions, agility, torque, and other factors that will help it navigate the environment you need.
Remember to account for the size of the property, as well, particularly the acreage that your compact tractor will actually be traversing. If the property is a larger one, you’ll want a tractor with a bit of speed and good fuel efficiency to optimize how long it takes to get started and how long it can work for. For smaller areas, you have more flexibility and can likely save money with a smaller model.
Storage Needs
Compact tractors are far smaller than their more heavy-duty cousins, meaning that storage is much easier to arrange. Make sure you know the dimensions of any storage spaces you have available and that your tractor will fit into them.
Your Operator
Whether you’re the one using the tractor or someone else, the tractor needs to fit the operator. Make sure the operator is able to see the work area while seated inside or on the tractor—visibility is a major safety concern for the operator, the equipment, and anything around them. They also need to be able to fit in the driver’s seat. If the operator is shorter or taller than average, factor that in and aim for adjustable seating options. Make sure to have the operator hop on to verify the tractor you’re looking at will work out.
Comfort is also a major concern. As much as it may sound like a luxury, operator comfort makes a big difference in how long they’re able to work. Discomfort can accelerate fatigue, impacting both productivity and safety. The longer the tractor will be used each day, the more important comfort becomes. Make sure you get a compact tractor with the necessary features or with the capacity for upgrades like climate controlled cabs.
We hope this helped you refine your search for your next compact tractor! If you want to know more or you’re looking for compact tractors on sale, stop on by Nova International. We proudly serve Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and the entire Atlantic Canada region—let us serve you today!
