A 4WD is particularly useful in slippery ground conditions simply through providing that little bit of extra traction via the front wheels, which is often all that is required when rear-wheel traction starts to falter.įor hill-country properties a 4WD is very strongly recommended. While two-wheel drive (2WD) tractors have served agriculture well in the past, modern technology has made 4WD drivetrains much more reliable and affordable. Most modern compact tractors are four-wheel drive (4WD). If you are comparing two tractors that quote similar horsepower figures but different stated engine speeds, the tractor that delivers the power at the lower engine speed is likely to be of more use, as it will have more torque. The manufacturer’s data sheet will specify which one applies. Sometimes the figures quoted for tractors are the horsepower as measured at the PTO, these being approximately 75% that of the gross values. Horsepower ratings quoted by manufacturers of compact tractors are normally gross horsepower values for the engine running at a stated engine speed, for example, 30kW at 2800 rpm. For those one-off jobs requiring more horsepower, it makes more sense to hire a contractor. Tractors at the 50kW end of the compact range can readily handle tasks found on farms 100 times this size. This can labour the engine and transmission and force you to operate in low range.įor very small holdings, say of 4ha or less, a suitable tractor is certainly likely to be found in the 15kW to 25kW horsepower range. Don’t fall into the trap of purchasing an oversized implement for your tractor thinking it will get the job done quicker. It is however important to match the size of the implement to the tractor, to ensure that both the tractor and implement operate at the optimum speed. It often becomes more an exercise in determining how much time you wish to spend doing a job, and choosing the appropriate implement and tractor to do it. The size of tractor you require is really determined by the job you want it to do, and the size of the implement that can do the job. These are essentially small tractors of 15kW (kilowatt) to 50kW (20hp to 70hp) that have many of the exact same features that are found in larger, more expensive tractors. It will also have a Power Take Off (PTO), a three-point linkage and external hydraulics capability.įor most small-farm operations, all your requirements can be found within the Compact Utility (compact) range of tractors. Unlike most ride-ons, a real tractor is full unit construction where the engine, transmission and rear drive train are all housed in rugged castings. However, if you need to cultivate soil, spread some fertiliser or feed out some large round bales, then you are likely to require what I like to term a ‘real tractor'. If it is just to mow an acre or two, or to cart a few small bales of hay, then a ride-on mower or quad bike with a tow bar may be all you want. Will a compact tractor suffice and how important is tractor size?Ī good starting point when choosing a small-farm tractor is to be clear just what you want a tractor for. We have now successfully added SAGE PAY to our payment system, this now allows our customers to pay by credit/debit card over the telephone.If you're not familiar with farm tractors, choosing one that’s suitable for a small farm can be a daunting task. Full instruction given on all our machines where required.Īt smalltractors we have a full welding and fabrication facility on site enabling us to adapt or manufacture equipment to fit your existing tractor. Nationwide delivery available using our own lorry and/or trailers. We also supply new and secondhand parts for uk and imported compact tractors. We have a large range of new and second hand equipment including toppers, posthole borers, mowers, harrows and rotavators in stock. Having large stocks available we can sell to trade or retail buyers. With over 20 years of experience in the industry we pride ourselves in matching the customer with the tractor or machine that is right for the job they require it to do. Small Tractors is a family run firm based in Leicestershire.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |