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Tractor - Buying By Size

Aug. 11 2021 Buying Guide By Desert Greens Equipment

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Tractors are the backbone of any modern agricultural, industrial, or construction project, but they aren’t all built the same. Size is the one of the many ways that tractors can differ with one another, and buying the right size is vital. We here at Desert Greens Equipment want to help you get the equipment you need, so we’ve put together a guide to the different sizes of tractors and what they’re best for. To learn more, or to see the tractors we have for sale, contact our stores in Albuquerque and Belen, New Mexico, today!

Tractor Sizes, Defined

The main measurement used to define tractor size is horsepower (HP). Different manufacturers have slightly different definitions for what HP or range of HP each size can have, but we’ve put together a generalized guide to simplify your life a little. Just keep in mind that those definitions can change based on the tractor’s make and model.

Less Than 25 HP: Sub-Compact Tractors

Sub-compact tractors are the smallest variety, typically best used for light farm work on small properties or on complex and narrow areas. Their small size helps them navigate all sorts of tight spaces and around obstacles easily, but it limits their uses and the number of attachments they can use. Still, they’re the most affordable and the easiest tractor size to store by far.

Typical sub-compact tractor specs:

  • Weight: 500-1,200 lbs
  • Rear wheel diameter: less than 30”
  • Tractor width: less than 48”

25-60 HP: Compact Tractors

The middle child of the family, compact tractors are still fairly small, but can typically handle just about any farming job. They pack just enough power for most projects without sacrificing a lighter build and high maneuverability. They also have a decent number of attachment options. The largest compact tractors often come with a turbocharger on the engine, further boosting the tractor’s performance.

Typical compact tractor specs:

  • Weight: 1,500-6,000 lbs (depending on whether it’s got an enclosed cab)
  • Rear wheel diameter: 30-36”
  • Tractor width: 42-54”

60-140+ HP: Utility Tractors

The hulking machines you probably think of when you hear “tractor” are called utility tractors. They’re perfect for sprawling properties or large commercial projects. The larger size and higher HP means utility tractors can take on the big jobs, making good use of multiple hydraulic hookups and PTOs at the front, back, and sides. Utility tractors with enclosed cabs tend to include adjustable seating and climate control, keeping the operator fresh for far longer.

Typical utility tractor specs:

  • Weight: 3,000 lbs or more
  • Rear wheel diameter: 36-60” or more
  • Tractor width: 54-72” or more

With that, you just need to consider the size of the property and jobs you need done, what attachments you need, and how much weight the tractor has to handle. If you’re still not sure which size to go for, or if you just want to browse our tractor inventory, contact us at Desert Greens Equipment. We proudly serve the people of Belen, Santa Fe, and Rio Ranchero, New Mexico—let us serve you today!