Buying a tractor for a farm, or an ATV and other equipment, is exciting, usually necessary, expensive, and not without risk. This post is for new farmers without much experience or knowledge and, while not a complete list of considerations, I hope the suggestions below will help you in your choices and approach to choosing the best tractor for small farm use.
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There is plenty of good information out there on ATV, tractor, and lawn mower safety. Remember, safety is always number one. It can sound easy, but time is time, and sometimes we don't think about safety fast enough. I would like to focus on two issues that apply to a broad spectrum of applications:
Both are vital to your safety. Let's say you buy or lease a farm and there is a field thick with thorns you want to bush hog in the month of July. Do you want to walk through all of it to check for objects or holes? Well not hardly, but walk it you must. Here are some examples of what got me into trouble.
When we first took possession of the farm, it had been heavily logged. There was a lot of undergrowth to put it mildly. The weeds and grass were very tall, and I could not see much of the ground. I was traveling alone slowly in my side by side down my steep, old logging road complete with periodic berms. I was aware that a couple of them were higher than my clearance. For one of these, I went to the left of it and quickly returned to the road. I had no problems and went about my business.
On the return uphill (moving slowly in four-wheel drive) I was careful to retrace my previous route by taking a right around that same berm. But my lack of knowledge led to a big problem: The obscured hole created by how they made the berm led to a sideways roll when I tightly returned to the road. I was sure it was going to turn over on its side.
I didn't think about it rolling down the hill or the fact that I had no cellphone service and my wife only knew I was at the farm. It was terrifying for about a second. And then somehow, I got it back on all four wheels and all was well. I then went back to the site and did what I should have done beforehand: I walked and checked it out.
I am not sure where I thought they found the dirt to make those berms! I learned a lot that day, including that you can't take for granted that all four wheels will always stay on the ground. But I have learned, and I am perhaps a bit too nervous now with my ATV or tractor when not on level and dry ground. Also, never underestimate the danger of soft, wet ground with any machine.
Being a good neighbor is of utmost importance out in the country. And being just that led to a potential problem. I had agreed to bush hog my neighbor's front yard, which I was glad to do. It was indeed way too tall for his standard mower. And I also made an assumption and again I did not walk it. It turned out that there was a small, dry creek bed that I was crossing without problems until guess what? It got deeper and I got stuck with one rear wheel off the ground.
This was no major problem; it was just a question of how much time this was going to take. Then I remembered the small pedal behind by right foot ' the differential lock that shifts all the energy to the dependent wheel and viola, that took care of it. Again, know your equipment. This worked great and saved the day.
Now, the tractor and side by side have good traction. This is not the case with a zero-turn mower. If the wheels did provide great traction, they would tear up your yard (a top customer complaint either way). The problem is that I did not realize that.
Early one morning, I was cutting my grass near an embankment pushing my luck on some wet grass and down it I went ' there was no way I could stop it. So now I avoid that embankment like the plague and I also wait until the grass is dry.
I would like to close with this last bit of advice: always think of how to use your machines rather than your back. It does take some thought, but it can save you a lot of pain and potential injury.
One day, I was trying to manually move an old camper cover that was imbedded in the dirt until I decided that I needed a crowbar. I then thought why stop there? I got the tractor out and used the front-end loader and moved the item to a trash pile like it was a potato chip.
I hope this will help you get started. I am always amazed at how much fun and how satisfying all of this work is around the farm when you have the right compact tractor for a small farm.
Bradley Rankin farms several of the 48 acres at Bobcat Ridge Habitat Farm in rural Kentucky, where he and his wife also manage a woodlot to attract wildlife. When he is not tending woodlands and pasture, Bradley enjoys raised-bed gardening, rock collecting, tree identification, and astronomy.
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Small tractors provide the perfect balance between price and productivity. More and more are recognizing the benefits of small tractors and, as a result, they're more popular than ever. Let's take a look at why this is occurring.
Why Are Small Tractors Popular?
Nothing beats the amazing versatility and utility of small tractors. Investing in a compact or sub-compact model can significantly cut down on labor and maintenance time'all without having to drop tens of thousands of dollars on a full-sized tractor. Below are just a few tasks you can tackle with a small tractor:
Landscaping & Gardening
Driveway Maintenance
Livestock Management
Heavy Lifting & Moving
With the ability to customize your equipment with a variety of attachments, the small-frame tractor is truly a powerhouse for a wide variety of applications. Here are a few of our favorite small Kubota tractors:
How Much Do Small Tractors Weigh?
Sub-compact tractors typically weigh anywhere from 1,300 to 1,600 pounds. However, sizes of small tractors vary, with some reaching more than 4,000 pounds. For example, Kubota's Grand L60 Series compact tractors weigh about 3,400 to 4,300 pounds, while Kubota BX Series sub-compact tractors weigh in at 1,300 to 1,600 pounds.
What size tractor is right for you? Answering this question may require some research, as there are endless different models of small tractors to meet the diverse needs of all types of customers. However, the BX series sub-compact tractor is one of our top sellers at Bobby Ford Kubota due to its unique size and great use for small properties. Visit our Angleton, TX, showroom or browse our online inventory to see what we have in stock today.
Benefits of Compact and Sub-Compact Tractors
Performance
' Whether you use your vehicle for agricultural or industrial purposes, you can certainly count on small tractors to handle every job with enhanced performance and efficiency. With state-of-the-art features such as large fuel tanks, smooth hydraulic power steering, range selectors, PTOs, powerful diesel engines, and hydrostatic pedals, these models are designed for optimal functionality.
Ease of Operation
The company is the world’s best Small Multi-purpose farm tractors supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.
' The best small tractors are ultimately designed for operator comfort! You can enjoy a comfortable ride even on rough surfaces with sub-compact and compact tractors. Accessible controls, smooth steering, spacious foot room, and fully padded, adjustable seating all make these tractors ideal for any driver.
Fuel
Efficiency
' As expected, small tractors are fuel-efficient! Unlike full-size tractors, compact and sub-compact models won't eat up your gas. Plus, with gas prices on the rise, this feature is a significant advantage.
Cost
Effective
' Compact and sub-compact tractors are significantly cheaper than larger models. Additionally, the widespread availability of affordable attachments allows you to get even more capabilities out of your initial purchase.
Adaptability
' Due to their small frame,
compact and sub-compact tractors
are capable of maneuvering tight spaces, unlike full-size machines. They fold quickly and without tools, which can be very advantageous in low-clearance areas. Not to mention, small tractors can be easily stored in garages and sheds.
Tips for Driving Small Tractors Effectively
Regardless of size, tractor driving is very different from standard transportation practices. The following steps will provide some assistance in knowing how to safely drive a small tractor.
Study the Operator's Manual
Educated drivers are safe drivers! Familiarize yourself with the owner's manual to learn specific tractor features and operating instructions. Knowing the purpose of all gauges, controls, and indicators will allow you to quickly adjust to adverse conditions and emergency situations when needed. If you still have questions, reach out to your local tractor retailer for additional information about equipment safety.
Carefully Inspect Your Equipment
Before you get behind the wheel, inspect your vehicle to ensure that it is in safe operating condition. Your complete inspection should include the tires, lights, Power Take-Off (PTO) shaft hitch, oil, and fuel levels.
Use Tractor for Intended Purposes Only
Despite their smaller size, compact and sub-compact tractors are multi-use machines that can be used for a variety of jobs: digging, landscaping, hauling, lifting, maintenance, construction, transportation, and more. However, it's important to know what your machine can handle, as improper use can result in an accident. Do not exceed the weight limit, drive erratically, or operate your tractor in any other way that puts you or others at risk.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
As a rule of thumb, you should always be aware of your surroundings while behind the wheel. Responsible drivers should pay attention to any and all people, animals, and objects nearby. When you're driving, take your time and always check the terrain to ensure the path ahead is clear of hazards.
Learn how to drive a Kubota tractor in this step-by-step guide.
Finding the Right Small Kubota Tractor
Are you ready to own one of the most convenient small tractors on the market? Lucky for you, we have Kubota sub-compact tractors for sale that will meet all of your needs.
Bobby Ford Tractor and Equipment is a trusted Kubota dealer in the Greater Houston Area. Our knowledgeable and experienced staff will assist you whenever you're ready to purchase your new Kubota tractor.
Contact us online today to request a quote or schedule an appointment to see our compact and sub-compact tractors in action!
The content on this site reflects my own opinions and does not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of my employer or Kubota Tractor Corporation.
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