The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Small farm mountain tractors

OK, you bought the farm, and you have moved onto the property, with excitement, and anticipating new activities in your farming ventures.  There are a tremendous number of activities that need to be done on a small farm, regardless of the size.  For the new or beginning farmer, one inevitable hurdle to overcome is how you will power your farm activities? You can farm with a number of power sources, such as walk behind small scale 2 wheel type machines, or with tractors, or you can custom hire work that needs to be done.  If you decide that having a tractor fits into your operation, read on. This article will be the first in a series of how to select, acquire, operate and maintain smaller scale farm machinery. Often people ask me “What tractor should I buy?”, and “How much does a tractor cost?”  As with all things agricultural, the answer is “it depends”. One of the first things that I ask a new farmer is “What do you want and need to do with a tractor, and, how much can you afford to spend?”  Each activity mentioned in this article will require certain machines in addition to a tractor and will be addressed in later articles.

Link to HUILI Machinery

The following is a list of activities which might be occurring on a farm or homestead at any given time of the year and requiring specific tractors and machines:

Brushhogging meadows and pastures for grazing management and to prevent the fields from growing back into forest.  This is one of the most critical jobs on a small farm, as nature can be relentless in working to restore forests. If fields are let to grow for more than about three years, small trees and brush will begin to take over, and then can be extremely difficult and expensive to correct.

Haymaking, which might be either small square bales, or large round bales of dry hay or baleage. The process can require mowing, tedding, raking, baling, wrapping high moisture bales, and hauling and unloading hay.

Tillage activities, such as plowing, disking, harrowing, planting, and of course, picking stones.

Planting crops such as forages, row crops such as corn and cereal grains, fruits and vegetables, and possibly food plots for wildlife.

Pulling a variety of 2 and 4 wheel wagons around on the farm for diverse activities, such as hauling crops and hay, firewood, and giving hayrides to people.

Harvesting crops other than dry hay, such as chopping high moisture hay for haylage or greenchop, and vegetables.

Front end loader work for snow removal, manure handling, feeding animals, moving materials around the farm, and loading and hauling hay and other crops.

Working in the woods skidding logs, hauling firewood, and hauling maple sap to the sugar house.

I am going to make some assumptions before I begin to suggest which tractor might be a good choice for you. Assumption one: right now, you are going to try to do as many operations as possible on your farm with one tractor, while you’re getting started.  As you build equity and experience, you may someday need another tractor or two, because as you will find out, not all tractors are suited to all purposes, but for now, we will focus on getting you this first tractor to do as many things as possible.
Assumption two: you only have a given amount of money to spend, and that you might be looking for a good used tractor.  New tractors can be prohibitively expensive; if you can afford one, good for you.

Assumption three: you may be looking for a smaller to medium size tractor to get everything done; leaving the big tractors for those who truly need them.

So just what should we be looking for in a good used tractor? There are a myriad of features that we need to consider. To accomplish what we need to do, will our tractor have the features listed in Table 1?

Live hydraulics and pto (power take off) are important; older tractors made in the forties and fifties frequently did not have “live” features, which meant if you pushed in the tractor’s clutch, the pto or hydraulics stopped working.  This can be quite annoying when you are in thick crops and have to use the clutch, and have to start up again from a dead stop.

Now that we have all of these features to think about, I will describe my version of a tractor that if I could only have one tractor, this is the type that I would look for, for my first tractor on a smaller farm.

1.  I would want a tractor made in the latter part of the twentieth century, at least from about onward. Older tractors made after World War II still abound, but lack many of the needed operational and safety features expected today. Narrow front ends from that era were very dangerous and lacked many of the safety features that we expect nowadays. These type of tractors can be very dangerous!

2.   I would prefer having a diesel engine; not many farm tractors come with gasoline engines anymore. Older tractors from the sixties and early seventies with gasoline engines can be quite aggravating to keep running smoothly on a year round basis, especially the ones made before the era of electronic ignition.

3.   It is mandatory to have a three point hitch. So much farm equipment exists which requires this feature making it an absolute requirement.  Often you can purchase aftermarket three point hitch assemblies for older tractors but they tend to be expensive, awkward to use, and not very efficient.

4.   I would prefer two sets of live hydraulic outlets (this is required to run many farm machines today).  If your tractor has only one set of hydraulic hoses, a second set can be added if and when your machinery needs dictate.

5.  A front end loader (often the front end loader ties up one set of hydraulic outlets leaving you only one other set to operate equipment).

6.   Not too many hours on the hour meter, preferably under 5,000 hours.  Repairs and overhauls can be extremely expensive!

7.  If not a fully enclosed cab, at least a Roll Over Protective Structure (ROPS) should be mandatory, with a seat belt.  A canopy is a nice addition on top of the ROPS. The ROPS is for roll over protection and can save lives, and the canopy can prevent you from baking in the sun during those hot summer days, and will keep some rain off of you.

8.  It would be nice to have four wheel drive; our long snowy winters and muddy rainy summer months, especially if the tractor has a front end loader, make you able to get into a lot of places you normally would not, and you can easily get stuck.  There are two basic types of tractor operators, those who have been stuck, and those who are going to get stuck.  Getting stuck and having to have the neighbors come pull you out frequently can strain neighborly relations.

9.  Live power take off.  Some older obsolete tractors have “non-live” pto which makes controlling the actions of your equipment awkward and difficult.

10.  How much horse power? There are different ways to describe h.p. but for right now we can simply say that a tractor with between about 45 to 75 horsepower should fit our needs.

11.  How much will this tractor cost? Depending on the age, condition, and features present, you can expect to pay at least $5,000 up to $20,000 for a good used tractor such as I have described in this article. In general, the more features, the more costly the machine will be.

In future articles, I will discuss where we can find good used tractors as well as looking at some of the numerous machines we need on a farm.

If you’re a new homeowner, land maintenance is overwhelming - but the right equipment makes hard projects easy. The best compact tractor for your property depends largely on how you’ll be using it. Regardless of size, most compact tractors can handle everything from landscaping to snow plowing as long as you have the right attachment. It’s really just a matter of how quickly, efficiently, and safely it will get the job done.

Here are our picks for the best small farm tractors:

JOHN DEERE E

Who’s This For?

The E is the perfect introductory package for any homeowner looking to tackle lawn and yard maintenance with their first tractor. The affordable 1-Series, front-end loader and drive-over mower deck combo is an approachable but powerful setup with room to grow as you take on more projects. 

E Compact Utility Tractor

A value-based tractor that covers all the basics. The E provides the versatility and power necessary to become your favorite mini tractor with additional quick-connect features that ‘keeps you moving’ from project to project.

• 22.4 HP Tier IV Compliant Diesel Engine
• 4-Wheel Drive and Power Steering
• Auto-Connect Deck and i-Match Quick Hitch compatible
• Hydrostatic transmission with twin-touch pedal control

Property Type/Size: 5-Acres or less.

The Weekender - Don’t waste hours of your weekend; opt for the Weekender package to streamline your chores. This package includes the E compact utility tractor and the D120 front loader. The D120 front loader can lift up to 570 lbs and provides a lift height of 71.2 in. It’s easy to remove and mount without tools and it also allows easy access for servicing grease points.

The Clean Cut - Looking for an easy way to keep your lawn perfect? The Clean Cut package includes the E compact utility tractor, the 120R front loader, the RC rotary cutter, and the BBL box blade. The loader provides Quik-Park stands for easy attachment and removal, it’s easy to operate, and includes an optional field-installed mechanical self-leveling loader. The rotary cutter will provide fast mowing ability, while the box blade helps with heavy-duty projects.

The Gardener - For those looking to take care of your home garden, the Gardener package is perfect! It includes the E compact utility tractor, the 120R front loader for easy operation, and a 54” mower deck to handle large areas of grass. It doesn’t stop there, you can use the RT rotary tiller that offers better performance with reverse tilling options and the RBL rear blade to provide manually adjustable angles. This package also includes iMatch, a quick-hitch solution to improve the ease of attaching tractor implements.

The Crewman - Looking for your next renovation? The Crewman package includes the E compact utility tractor, the 120R front loader, the AP10F pallet forks, and the 260B backhoe. The front loader is easy to mount or remove without tools, the pallet forks can perform in uneven terrain, and the backhoe provides smooth hydraulics for precise controls.

For more information, please visit Small farm mountain tractors.

JOHN DEERE R

Who’s This For?

Perfect for those that see the weekend (and most weeknights) as prime time for working in the garden, lawn, or field. You spend long hours outside and won’t let inexperience stop you from taking on new projects. With the upgrade to the R and the addition of a backhoe, you get greater power and versatility to fuel your passion for yard work with added comfort to keep you fresh from sunup to sundown.

R Compact Utility Tractor

For those that love the utility and simplicity of the 1-series family but are looking for just a bit more power and comfort in their tractor. The R comes equipped with all the features of the E, plus cruise control and a premium operator station that includes a cushioned seat, armrests, and rubber mats for ergonomic support when spending long hours in the driver's seat. 

• 23.9 HP Tier IV Compliant Diesel Engine
• 4-Wheel Drive and Power Steering
• Premium Operator Station with an ergonomic seat, armrests, and fender lights
• Auto-Connect Deck and i-Match Quick Hitch compatible

Property Type/Size: 5-Acres or less. 

The Prospector - Improve your home with the Prospector package. It offers the R compact utility tractor, the 120R front loader, the 260B backhoe, the AP10F pallet forks, and the RBL rear blade for a versatile approach. You’ll be able to work in different terrains, adjust angles, deliver precise controls, and so much more.

The Yard Goat - Worried about overgrowth on your property? Tackle it head-on with the Yard Goat package. It includes the reliable R compact utility tractor, the easy-to-attach 120R front loader, the MG20F mechanical grapple with impressive lift capacity, the RC rotary cutter for quick mowing, the RT rotary tiller, and the easy iMatch quick-hitch.

The Mountain - Are you dealing with snow? The Mountain package is for you! It includes the R compact utility tractor with cab, the 120R front loader, the 54SB snow blower, the AF10F pallet forks, and the iMatch quick-hitch. You’ll be able to handle big snow-removal jobs with easily-mounted attachments that can work in different terrains.

JOHN DEERE R

Who’s This For?

Meant to find the sweet spot where more power, speed, and implement capacity meets the intuitive and easy-to-use controls found in the 1-series.  The 2-series is built with property owners, small farm owners, and equine owners in mind while providing enough versatility for commercial operators and vegetable producers. The latest model in the series, the R, is perfect for those that want to squeeze a bit more out of their compact tractor to tackle their ever-expanding to-do list.

R Compact Utility Tractor

An upgrade to the R is perfect for those that find themselves needing further versatility and power but love the ease of use that comes from the 1-series. Equipped with a slight uptick in HP, and auto-connect and comfort features, this compact tractor will keep you comfortable and efficient throughout any project. You may never want to leave the driver’s seat again.

• 24.2 HP Tier IV Compliant Diesel Engine
• 4-Wheel Drive, cruise control and folding ROPS
• Standard Light Package equips you with four lights for improved visibility
• Auto-Connect Deck, loader Quik-Park Loader, and i-Match Quick Hitch compatible

Property Type/Size: 4-8 Acres.

The Landscaper - Make your garden look the way you’ve always dreamed of with the Landscaper package. You’ll get the reliable R compact utility tractor, the capable 120R front loader, the flexible AP10F pallet forks, the durable 60D mower deck, and the impressive RT rotary tiller. Best part? It also comes with the iMatch quick hitch to seamlessly switch between attachments.

The Outlander - With intuitive features that don’t compromise on performance, the Outlander package is built for you. Included in this package are the R compact utility tractor, the 120R front loader, the 260B backhoe, and the BB box blade. The loader delivers impressive lift capacity, the backhoe will deliver smooth hydraulics, and the box blade offers a fixed tailgate for extra durability.

JOHN DEERE R

Who’s This For?

Need better stability, faster and easier implement hookups, and greater comfort and convenience? Then the hefty but compact R may be right for you. As with the rest of the 2-series lineup, this tractor is designed to provide the utmost versatility while retaining the familiar setup of smaller models. Perfect for those looking to test out various implements and ease-of-use features as they venture into the unknown, finding additional use-cases and taking on new projects.

R Compact Utility Tractor

Breaking the 30 HP barrier, the R is a beast of a machine. This model can handle implements that are just a bit bigger allowing for greater capacity and stability than smaller models. Personalization and quick attach features at every turn; it’s designed with customers who need to do a little bit of everything in mind. 

• 30.6 HP Tier IV Compliant Diesel Engine
• 4-Wheel Drive, cruise control, and a smart eThrottle control
• Capable of working with the rear, mid and front-end implements installed simultaneously
• Auto-Connect Deck, loader Quik-Park Loader, and i-Match Quick Hitch compatible

Property Type/Size: 5-10 Acres.

The Ranch Hand - Power up your next project and become more efficient with the Ranch Hand package. It includes a R compact utility tractor, a 220R front loader, the RT rotary tiller, the PHD200 post hole digger with a 9” auger bit, the AP11F pallet forks, and the iMatch quick hitch. You’ll find versatility, strong performance, and thoughtful designs to ensure your next project goes seamlessly.

The Homestead - With everything you need to handle projects and routine maintenance, the Homestead package helps you automate your landowner needs. It comes with the R compact utility tractor, the 220R front loader, the 270B backhoe, and the RC rotary cutter. The mechanical self-leveling loader option delivers easier operations with the front loader, while the backhoe provides upgraded value from smooth hydraulics. The rotary cutter also allows you to adjust the cutting height.

JOHN DEERE E

Who’s This For?

Are you looking for a step up in the number of features, compatible implements and power under the hood without breaking the bank? Then the 3-series, possibly adding a Rotary Cutter and Box Blade to your fleet of tools as well, is right for you. Full-size power, capabilities and a best in class turning radius housed in a tractor that still fits neatly in the garage, combined with implements that simplify tasks across any terrain, welcome to the Big Leagues.

E Compact Utility Tractor

The mighty 3E Series is designed for simplicity, comfort, and performance all for a reasonable price. The E is a natural step up for those upgrading to a larger property, or that find themselves needing a broader selection of compatible implements for an ever-expanding list of tasks, like maintaining a long gravel driveway, taming acreage of brush, or working on hilly terrain. It still retains the approachable controls and ease of use found in the 1-Series, while dipping into the greater power and performance of larger tractors.

• 24.7 HP Tier IV Compliant Diesel Engine
• Hydro transmission with Twin Touch pedals and optional cruise control 
• Category 1, 3-point hitch compatible 
• Tightest turning radius in its horsepower class
• Two hydraulic pumps, most competitors have 1

Property Type/Size: 5-10 Acres.

The Legacy - Interested in top-of-the-line equipment? The Legacy package delivers the E compact utility tractor, the 300E front loader, the RC rotary cutter, the RT rotary tiller, and the iMatch quick hitch. The front loader offers a curved boom design to improve visibility, the rotary cutter offers easy maneuverability, and the rotary tiller offers forward and reverse rotating tines.

The Sodbuster - Plant effectively and efficiently with help from our Sodbuster package, featuring equipment for the outdoors. It includes the reliable E compact utility tractor, the 300E front loader for better visibility, the 370B backhoe with upgraded hydraulics, and the AP11F pallet forks, which deliver a heavy-gauge steel frame.

The Northwest - Handle your yard the true Pacific Northwest way with our iconic Northwest package. It includes the E compact utility tractor, the 300E front loader, the RT rotary tiller, the PHD200 post hole digger with a 9” auger bit, and an RB rear blade. You’ll be able to lift 845 lbs with your front loader, utilize forward and reverse rotating tines with the rotary tiller, ensure reliability with a post hole digger, and handle tough jobs with the steel from the rear blade!

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU BUY

Warranty – Papé Machinery offers an exclusive 10-year powertrain warranty on all new subcompact and compact tractors. Learn more about our warranty offers at any of our dealerships.

Measurement – Don’t forget to measure your gates, narrow passages, and the barn or garage where you plan to store the tractor. This may prevent you from having to make changes you didn’t plan for when allocating space for your new equipment.

New vs. Used – In some cases, used equipment can be a great deal. If you come across a used utility tractor for sale with low hours, think about it; but be sure to have a qualified expert inspect the machine before you buy. Tractors are generally worked hard, and you’ll want to be sure the piece of equipment is in good operating condition.

Comfort – If you plan to use your tractor year-round, a cab can greatly increase comfort. You may not need it now but come January you may feel differently. John Deere’s standard cab features include heating and cooling, headlights, windshield wipers, and more.

Attachments – Even if you aren’t shopping for all of the tractor attachments now, it’s a good idea to buy a model that is compatible with a variety of implements you might decide you need later on. Most small property owners find that a loader, a mower deck, and a box blade or backhoe are a good setup to start with.

Whichever compact tractor model you choose, know that you can count on top quality and customer feedback-driven design from John Deere. Contact your nearest Papé Machinery location in Washington, Oregon, Idaho or California for help choosing the best compact tractor for your homesteading needs and to learn more about current specials and financing options.

Interested in seeing some of the equipment mentioned today in action? Check out the Papé Machinery Agriculture & Turf YouTube Channel for walkthroughs and reviews of both 1-Series Tractors and the E, as well as tutorials for the drive-over mower deck, front loader and much, much more!

Be sure to subscribe for future videos on the remaining compact utility tractors in this list.

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit dump Farm Tractor.