Would a sub-compact tractor or garden tractor better suit your needs?
The answer depends on many factors, from your property size to your preferred fuel type. The following guide can help you determine which piece of farm equipment is a better match for your lifestyle.
Definitions
A garden tractor is farming equipment designed to be used on a property, typically on a garden. It will usually be more powerful and/or more versatile than rear-engine riding mowers or lawn tractors.
A sub-compact tractor is farming equipment designed for light farm work. It’s usually the smallest available tractor, compared to options such as a compact or utility tractor. But it can still handle a wide range of implements and tasks. This smaller size allows the vehicle to fit into tight spaces and have a better turning radius, which makes navigating around obstacles easier.
Similarities
Both pieces of farm equipment can be paired with certain implements. These allow the agricultural equipment to take on a wider range of tasks. In some cases, you can buy an implement as an alternative to a much more expensive piece of farm equipment.
Both tend to have engines with less than 25 horsepower. The exact horsepower will depend on the given make and model, but it’s usually on the lower end. That’s why these pieces of farm equipment tend to be popular among those with smaller properties and smaller budgets. There’s no need to pay for performance potential that you don’t need anyways!
The Engines
Garden tractors will usually have a gasoline engine.
Many sub-compact tractors will have a diesel engine, which is more fuel efficient and has a longer lifespan than a gasoline engine.
The Cutting Widths
The exact cutting widths will depend on the given model. Generally speaking, sub-compact tractors tend to have larger cutting widths. They often range from 54 to 60 inches compared to 50 to 54 inches.
The Implements
Many sub-compact tractors have PTOs and 3-point hitches. This leads to a wide variety of potential implements, which makes the vehicle more versatile. This design also leads to an easier time attaching and disconnecting the implements.
The Suggested Land Size
Garden tractors are often recommended for properties that are around 3 acres. Sub-compact tractors are often recommended for properties that are up to 5 acres.
The Common Tasks
Both pieces of farm equipment can be used with property maintenance tasks.
Garden tractors are well-suited for towing heavy loads, plowing dirt, tilling, and furrowing.
Sub-compact tractors can often handle additional tasks, such as graveling a driveway, digging a ditch, and building a fence.
Choosing Between Sub-Compact Tractors and Garden Tractors
Sub-compact tractors are generally the winner in this comparison. They offer higher performance potential and greater versatility, which can be especially helpful for a farm that’s growing in size.
If a sub-compact tractor is the way you want to go, head over to your local Mahindra® dealership. The expert staff can help you pick the perfect Mahindra sub-compact tractor for your budget and property.
