Compact Tractor Section

The first Farmall tractors were introduced in 1923, and it quickly put a lot of horses out of work. Although they were called Farmall Regular tractors, they had a revolutionary narrow design and higher ground clearance, which allowed farmers to put it to work in taller row-crops without pushing down plants. The original design allowed implements to be mounted on the front and back, further expanding its versatility. Case IH has revived this legacy brand in its line of compact tractors, re-launching the Farmall brand in 2004.
Case IH currently offers the Farmall B Series as its compact tractor line. The series offers four different models: Farmall 30B, Farmall 35B, Farmall 40B and Farmall 50B. The Farmall B Series tractors feature a robust, four-cylinder diesel engine that’s quiet and fuel efficient. Two transmission choices are available, either synchronized shuttle shift or a foot-controlled hydrostatic transmission. A high-capacity, dual-pump hydraulic system that comes standard on all four Farmall B models results in a faster steering response time.
The Farmall B boasts outstanding forward visibility with a sloped hood and enhanced lighting package, making operators more productive and safe, no matter how early or late they are working. A comfortable operator environment with adjustable seat and steering wheel ensure that the Farmall B is easy to operate, while a large, uncluttered operating platform provides plenty of legroom. Whether operators choose the synchronized shuttle shift transmission that doesn’t require people to stop when shifting from forward or reverse, or the foot-controlled hydrostatic transmission, they can always count on a smooth ride in the Case IH Farmall B tractor, says the company.
The Case IH Farmall B is a flexible tractor because of its compact size and pure physical abilities. Whether it’s moving mulch with a loader or mowing a lawn with a mid-mounted mower deck, the Farmall B is able to get you in and out of tight spaces and easily maneuver around obstacles. Four-wheel drive gives extra traction when needed, and when the going really gets tough, the differential lock foot pedal locks both rear wheels together for additional traction. The Category 1 three-point hitch and independent, electro-hydraulic 540-rpm rear PTO matches dozens of accessories, implements and attachments to help get the job done.
Case IH offers 16 different attachments for Farmall tractors, from loaders to mowers to snowblowers. The Case IH Farmall B is compatible with the L300 Series loaders. The L300 Series loaders are equipped with curved boom arms that let you easily see to the top of the bucket and around the front tires while providing greater strength with less weight when compared to traditional dog-leg designs. The L300 Series loaders are built tough to take the twisting forces of heavy-duty loader work, including: heavy-duty cast reinforcements for greater strength; large, rectangular loader torque tubes for better durability; and construction-grade, 1-in., non-rotating pins for easy servicing. The loader mounting brackets are fully compatible with other Case IH attachments.
Contact Info
Case Construction Equipment
621 State St.
Racine, WI 53402
(866) 542-2736
Web: www.casece.com
When the product category was first launched in the early 1980s, the compact utility tractor was targeted toward rural homeowners who were not large-scale farmers. The small, affordable tractors were ideal for mowing, tilling, moving material and other tasks that these weekend warriors needed to perform. Over the last 30 years, technology has changed, making compact utility tractors even more versatile and easy to operate. The transmissions have evolved from manual to hydrostatic and a variety of attachments and implements have become available. While rural homeowners are still the primary customer, John Deere compact utility tractors have found uses in light commercial, landscaping, municipal and other non-residential environments.
Small, affordable and easy to use, John Deere compact utility tractors are popular because of their versatility. With the right implement, these chore tractors can dig, transport material, mow and remove snow, doing the work of several pieces of equipment. Because of their resourcefulness, John Deere units are often referred to as the Swiss Army knives of tractors.
The beauty of these tractors lies in their versatility. With more than 300 attachments available, John Deere compact utility tractors allow a professional to complete nearly any task at hand. The more commonly used attachments include a loader, a mowing deck and a backhoe, allowing John Deere compact utility tractors to quickly transition from material handling to mowing to digging tasks. Additional attachments allow Deere tractors to be used for tasks like snow removal, landscaping, maintenance and repair.
John Deere compact utility tractor attachments are designed to be easily connected and disconnected. Some attachments, such as the Auto Connect mowing deck, don’t require the operator to leave the seat. This makes John Deere compact utility tractors easy to use for operators of all skill levels. Ease of use also extends to the tractor itself and is a key concern among all purchasers — residential or professional. Whereas some larger machines require well-trained operators, John Deere compact utility tractors are easy to use for all operators. The controls are intuitive and non-intimidating. Hydrostatic drives are also a common feature on these units, meaning new operators will find them as easy to drive as their cars.
John Deere offers four model series of compact utility tractors to meet the varying needs of customers: 1 Series sub-compact utility tractors (up to 25 hp); 2 Series compact utility tractors (24 to 31 hp); 3000 Series compact utility tractors (32 to 43 hp); and 4000 Series compact utility tractors (41 to 66 hp).
Advice to Buyers
“Customers considering purchasing a compact utility tractors should first consider the jobs the tractor will be used for and what it may be used for in the future,” says Richard Kershner, John Deere product marketing manager for worldwide compact utility tractors. “Take into account how much horsepower you anticipate needing and what attachments are available for the particular model. By considering these factors, customers can be sure the tractor is well-suited to their current and future needs and will help them grow their business efficiently.”
Contact Info
John Deere
Worldwide Construction
& Forestry Div.
P.O. Box 8806
Moline, IL 61266
Web: www.johndeere.com
KIOTI Tractor, a Division of Daedong-USA Inc., has had a steady and increasing presence in North America for more than 25 years. Since 1986, the company has increased the depth of its product line to include more than 30 compact tractor models in the 22- to 90-hp range. Thirteen of these models fall into the 22- to 40-hp range. KIOTI has long been recognized for the industry-leading operating weights of its tractors, says the company. For models under 40 hp, these weights range from 1,485 to 4,299 lbs, offering 16.2- to 32.5-PTO hp to drive a variety of implements and attachments. KIOTI’s heavier-weight construction offers users both brute force and traction to power through a variety of jobs.
All KIOTI tractors are designed and engineered with value and quality in mind, says the company. In addition to a distinguished product line, KIOTI offers a solid warranty on all its tractors. The company can offer this second-to-none warranty because of its vertically integrated manufacturing process. This vertical integration allows KIOTI to ensure buyers that nearly all major KIOTI tractor components are designed, engineered and assembled by their parent company, Daedong Industrial Co. Ltd., for the sole purpose of handling the most demanding workloads.
KIOTI has trademarked this manufacturing process as “The Power of 1.” By manufacturing its own components, the company can maintain the stringent quality control standards necessary to give all KIOTI products a superior level of performance and longevity.
KIOTI currently offers four series of tractors in the featured 40 and under hp range. The first, KIOTI’s CS Series, is comprised of its brand new CS2410 sub-compact tractor, released in May. The second, its DS Series, is the company’s value line of tractors. This series boasts KIOTI’s renowned quality and power with fewer standard features for the budget-conscious customer. The KIOTI CK and DK Series compact utility tractors offer KIOTI’s premium quality with enhanced standard features to deliver impressive power and performance on the job. A contemporary design, easy access to maintenance and service points and a variety of operator comfort features round out each KIOTI tractor model.
Advice to Buyers
“When shopping for a compact tractor, there are many makes and models available to customers,” explains Peter Dong Kyun Kim, CEO of Daedong-USA Inc. “After you’ve identified how the tractor will be used, some online research or a reputable dealer can help you determine the various makes and models that will meet your needs, as well as the attachments and implements you should consider. Of primary importance when shopping for a tractor is to make sure you are making an apples-to-apples comparison. Many companies offer a base tractor with each additional feature desired increasing the price; others offer these same features as standard equipment. The same thing applies to warranties. Be sure to read the fine print so you understand exactly what you’re buying.
Contact Info
KIOTI Tractor
6300 KIOTI Dr.
Wendell, NC 27591
(877) GO-KIOTI
Web: www.kioti.com
In 1972 Kubota Tractor Corp. developed its first compact utility tractor, the 17-hp L175. At the time, it was “the tractor for people who want more than a garden tractor.” Within the next five years, Kubota introduced all of its primary tractor lines — the B, L and M-Series including the B6000 known as the “Little tractor that’s big on work.” Since then, Kubota continues to be a market leader and distributor of under-40-hp tractors in the United States, offering more than 80 tractor models, all continuing to evolve to meet and exceed customers’ needs by featuring versatility, quality, power and performance.
Kubota’s B-Series compact tractors boast power, comfort and versatility to tackle a variety of tasks. The B2320, B2620, B2920 and B2320 are each equipped with a three-cylinder, liquid-cooled diesel engine that ranges in (gross) horsepower from 23 to 29 hp. The B3200 and the B3300SU lead the pack with a four-cylinder, high performance, E-TVCS (three-vortex combustion system) Kubota diesel engine (32 and 33 gross hp, respectively), power steering, standard mid-PTO and an 8.1-gal fuel tank. Similarly, the B2630, B3000 and B3030 create the top of the lineup and fit the bill for a wide range of applications. Each has a three-range shift featured on the HST models, providing smooth shifting and powerful performance for heavy-duty loader applications.
Kubota’s powerful L-Series compact tractors deliver a high-level of productivity with deluxe features at an economical price. The L3200 and L3800 are offered in both hydrostatic (HST) and gear models powered by a Kubota E-TVCS liquid-cooled diesel engine, and boast 31.9 and 37.4 (gross) hp, respectively. New for 2012 is the L4600, joining the L3200 and the L3800, and continuing to raise the standard for compact tractors. A semi-flat deck on the L3200 and L3800 offer more platform space, while a full-flat deck and hanging-type pedals on the L4600 offer optimal space and ease of operation. These models offer exceptional power and deluxe styling, operator control features and performance-matched loaders and backhoes, bringing exceptional value to the line.
Kubota’s Grand L40 tractors are built around Kubota’s industry-leading E-TVCS combustion-system engines. Ranging from 34 to 59 (gross) hp, these diesel engines have large displacement to create high power output and PTO torque, along with an Interim Tier 4 engine with cleaner emissions and less vibration. The Grand L40s feature the HST Plus transmission, the most advanced, yet easy to use transmission available in today’s market (says Kubota). The transmission will automatically compensate for terrain and operating conditions by preventing engine stall out (Load Sensing), automatically downshift for additional power and traction (Hydro Dual Speed) and can be operator adjusted by using a simple dial switch on the dash to allow for fast or slow response to directional changes (HST Response Control).
Advice for Buyers
“Prior to purchasing, a customer should make a list of all the important applications and prioritize the jobs in order of importance,” says Jeremy Coltin, Kubota product manager. “This can be a bit tricky since the job that you spend the most time on may not be the reason for purchasing the tractor. Attempt to identify your future equipment needs to better prepare for larger or more diverse applications down the road. Using online tools can help you assess the possibilities for your specific tractor.”
Contact Info
Kubota Tractor Corp.
3401 Del Amo Blvd.
Torrance, CA 90503
(888) 458-2682
Web: www.kubota.com
Massey Ferguson entered the compact tractor market in 1979 with three diesel engine-powered models in the 16- to 26-hp range. Today, the seventh-generation lineup consists of 13 models from 22 to 59 hp. What sets these tractors apart, says Massey Ferguson, is their cast iron engine block and engine head that maintain proper sealing for efficient combustion and cooling. Each model is designed to operate with a low-rated engine rpm for smooth running, less engine wear and tear and fuel savings.
The tractors also feature responsive hydraulic flow for power steering and implement operation that quickly reacts when operating at less than engine rpm. Independent power take off (PTO) allows engagement without using the master clutch pedal. Metal hoods are durable and easy to open and close.
Massey Ferguson dealers offer top-quality parts, highly trained service staff and are equipped to finance customer purchases. Introduced in 2009, the popular 1600 Series compact tractors provide a wide range of configurations to meet the varied and demanding needs of contractors and groundskeepers.
In addition to its all-steel construction and cast iron engine, the 1600 Series is available with the choice of four easy-to-operate transmissions including the 8×8 SynchroShuttle, the 12×12 PowerShuttle, the 12×12 DynaQPS and a three-range hydrostatic transmission. The tractors are powered by Tier 4 Interim-compliant, Iseki, three- or four-cylinder, liquid-cooled diesel engines.
As the most comfortable in its class, the 1600 Series includes a form-hugging, deluxe spring-suspension seat, large standard armrests and a platform resting on rubber isolation mounts to minimize vibration. Other amenities are an uncluttered dash with color-coded controls and easy-to-read gauges. Four headlights provide better night visibility, and the one-piece hood flips up for easy service access.
All 1600 Series tractors come equipped with mechanical four-wheel drive for better traction and improved overall performance. The differential lock is standard equipment, and dual brakes can be unlocked to improve turning radius or locked together to ensure a safe stop. An ASAE Category I three-point hitch is standard. Telescopic lower link ends and telescopic stabilizers make it easy to attach implements and adjust the amount of lateral movement. Top-link draft sensing is available as a field-installed option for applications that require precise three-point-hitch control.
All of the 1600 Series tractors come equipped with independent power take off with 540-rpm rear PTO standard. A 2,000-rpm mid-PTO is available as a field-installed option on the MF1635, MF1643, MF1648 and MF1652.
Advice to Buyers
“When choosing a compact tractor, match chassis size and horsepower with the major multitasking jobs it will be used for,” says David Bercik, manager of product marketing at Massey Ferguson. “For loader work, consider the hydrostatic transmission, which is very user-friendly and offers instant forward-reverse travel by pressing a pedal. For mowing, tilling, cultivating and towing, consider the gear drive transmission with fixed travel-speed ratios.”
Contact Info
Massey Ferguson
4205 River Green Pkwy.
Duluth, GA 30096-2563
(877) 525-4384
Email: agcoanswers@agcocorp.com
Web: www.masseyferguson.com.us
New Holland traces its legacy back to the 1970s Ford tractors renowned for their dependability, durability and value. New Holland backs its Boomer deluxe compact tractors with a five-year Boomer Guard5 limited warranty. This five-year limited powertrain warranty is the best in the industry, says the company. It includes the two-year limited “bumper-to-bumper” warranty and adds three more years to powertrain components.
New Holland offers a complete line of Boomer deluxe compact tractors and the T1500 line of economy compact tractors. The six models in New Holland’s line of Boomer compact tractors are a powerful tool for homeowners, rural lifestylers, landscapers, farmers, golf courses and municipalities. New Holland’s deluxe Boomer compact tractor line has recently expanded to include two new models: the 23-hp Boomer 20 and the 27-hp Boomer 25. The line now includes six models ranging from 23 to 47 hp.
Quiet, fuel-efficient diesel engines (three-cylinder on the Boomer 20 and 25 and four-cylinder on the Boomer 30, 35, 40 and 50) give you the power you need for loading, mowing, digging, blowing snow, tilling and much more. You get fast implement response and steering thanks to the high-capacity, dual-pump hydraulic system. The Boomer 20 and 25 models are equipped with a two-range hydrostatic transmission and with an independent, electro-hydraulic, 540-rpm rear PTO and an electro-hydraulic, independent mid-PTO to power mid- and front-mounted implements. Implement and steering response is fast thanks to the high-capacity hydraulic system.
Boomer 30, 35, 40 and 50 models feature the choice of a smooth, synchronized gear transmission or a hydrostatic transmission. A 12×12 synchronized shuttle shift (SSS) transmission (the Boomer 30 and 35) or a 16×16 SSS transmission (the Boomer 40 and 50) make it easy to shift between forward and reverse repeatedly. Because shuttle shifts are synchronized, there’s no need to come to a complete stop before shuttling from forward to reverse, and the convenient shuttle lever located to the left of the steering wheel makes it easy.
All Boomer tractors are designed with operator comfort and convenience in mind. The seat adjusts to match any operator, and the large, uncluttered operating platform provides plenty of legroom. Controls are conveniently color-coded and clearly marked. Four-wheel drive gives Boomer tractors the traction needed to get through rough patches. And when the going gets tough, the operator can simply step on the differential lock foot pedal and both rear wheels will lock together for added traction to get through snow, mud or rough, slippery ground.
Boomer tractors are also easy to maintain, says New Holland, with easy-to-reach service checkpoints and a flip-up hood that provides access to the engine, battery, radiator and air filters. New Holland economy compact tractors offer high performance at reasonable prices. The T1510, T1520 and T1530 represent one of the broadest offerings of value-priced, 30- to 45-hp tractors on the market. Heavy castings for the engine, transmission and rear axles provide durability. A cast-iron block and heavy-duty internal components reduce heat and wear during operation for extended engine life and improved fuel efficiency.
New Holland’s economy tractors include a roomy operator station designed to allow the operator to work more efficiently and productively, and convenient access to service points makes refueling and routine maintenance a snap.
Advice to Buyers
“First, evaluate what tasks you want to do and how much time you want to spend doing them,” says Doran Herritt, New Holland compact tractor marketing manager. “Based on those two criteria, decide what your priority is. Whether you’re mowing, digging holes or moving dirt, you can usually do the job with a smaller tractor, which will take longer, or with a larger tractor, which will get the job done quicker. As a rule of thumb, the more work you do in a typical week, the greater the horsepower you’ll want.”
Contact Info
New Holland Construction
621 State St.
Racine, WI 53402
Web: www.newholland.com
Yanmar is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2012. Since its inception in 1912, Yanmar’s core business has been the production of diesel engines. In 1974, Yanmar started selling branded tractors in North American. In 2007, sales under the Cub Cadet Yanmar co-branded tractor was launched. Since then Cub Cadet Yanmar tractors have been designed and assembled at Yanmar’s North American headquarters in Georgia.
After five strong sales seasons, Yanmar announced in late fall 2011 that the brand would begin focusing its efforts directly on the needs of customers and dealers, by seamlessly assuming all compact tractor sales, manufacturing and support including a new line of well-designed, high performance products up to 50 hp, including Lx-HST Series.
Yanmar tractors feature an ergonomic design and come standard with features like selectable four-wheel drive, diesel engines and transmissions and fully hydraulic power steering. Yanmar’s Performance Link Technology delivers a smoother and more comfortable ride with less noise, more efficient operation and less wear and tear, along with more usable horsepower and less power loss.
Designed for everything from the backyard to the farm, the Ex3200 features a 32-hp Yanmar diesel engine with large displacement and an extra-large flywheel for smooth performance even when using attachments. The engines are both powerful and fuel-efficient and are matched to the transmission, delivering consistent horsepower to the job at hand.
For users who aren’t quite ready to step up to a compact tractor but want more power and versatility than a garden tractor offers, Yanmar offers the Sc2400 sub-compact tractor. The Sc2400 includes exclusive features designed for ease of use and comfort, including: a shift-on-the-go transmission that allows the operator to shift from high to low without stopping; easy-to-use selectable cruise control; auxiliary headlights for working in low-light situations; and dual hydraulic pumps for big tractor performance and the ability to handle attachments with ease.
New in 2012 is the Lx HST Series, featuring a state-of-the-art hydrostatic (HST) transmission. Designed for those who have more to do and want to enjoy doing it, the new HST transmission equipped with SynchroThrottle gives users a car-like feel while maintaining the power and efficiency that are required and customers depend on for performing heavy-duty functions. And, the Lx HST Series tractors come equipped with powerful, quiet, low-emission 41-, 45- and 49-hp Yanmar diesel engines, making the flagship Lx HST Series tractors even more versatile. Lx Series are also available with smooth, synchronized HydraReverser 12×12 transmissions, giving the operator 12 forward and 12 reverse speeds, as well as a powerful lift capacity of more than 2,400 lbs.
Advice to Buyers
“It’s important to understand the tasks you’ll need to complete, as well as features, ease of use and total cost of ownership of the product in order to find the right fit,” says Fumitaka Asano, project manager for Yanmar. “Ideally, the right product will be versatile in any operation and is an investment that can quickly pay for itself. That’s why it’s also important to demo the product before making a decision. By understanding your options and spending some time in the seat, you can feel confident knowing your compact tractor will be an indispensable tool for many years to come.”
Contact Info
Yanmar America
101 International Pkwy.
Adairsville, GA 30103
(770) 877-9894
Web: www.us.yanmar.com