How to Choose a Utility Tractor for Your Hobby Farm or Large Estate
Compact utility tractors are not built like crop row tractors, but they can still spearhead husbandry on a smaller scale. These small chore tractors are tool carriers, operating attachments from mowers and tillers to buckets and augers. This means they find steady work on a variety of genuine farm-type properties. While traditional crops like corn, wheat, soybeans, milo and hay are sometimes grown on small farms, Mark Davey, go-to-market manager for compact utility tractors at John Deere, says most of their customers are “more into gardening to grow their own food” and many “also raise a large range of animals, from cattle and horses to sheep, goats and pigs.”
These are hobby farms. They focus on small-scale farming maintained primarily for pleasure. That’s opposed to being a primary source of income. This offers a lifestyle that allows nature lovers to live closer to the earth and perhaps even providing a secondary source of income. Customers for the Kioti brand of tractors are a mixture of small farmers, property owners and hay growers. However, Joel Hicks, associate product line manager for tractors, states that for the most part, ‘farming is not their main source of income.
Whatever purpose a smaller acreage is used for, it will have different equipment needs than a commercial farm. Although smaller in stature, a compact tractor is diverse enough to meet the manifold needs of this market. “There’s an endless list of jobs that many of these types of customers are looking to accomplish on their land,” Davey confirms.
Some of the jobs performed by this market’s customers include mowing, material handling, grading, tilling, digging, feeding livestock, baling hay and arena maintenance. Hobby farmers will have varying needs when it comes to machinery. Let’s look at the equipment options and applications for compact tractors.
Power Needs for Hobby Farmers
There is a lot to understand when picking and choosing a new compact tractor for 2024 operations and beyond. Attachments, attachment systems, transmissions, cab environments, maintenance protocols, automated operational features and connection to the cloud are changing the experience of owning and operating a utility tractor. First off, how can a potential buyer identify the right size tractor for a small farmstead? It begins with asking questions, according to Lena Bioni, marketing manager for New Holland Agriculture North America.
“What are you doing? Mowing hay? Maintaining pastures?” she asks, noting these duties determine the necessary horsepower. Operators don’t need as much horsepower for finish mowing as for round baling.
“It really depends on the task at hand,” Davey agrees. The size of the implement desired — or required — will dictate the horsepower of the tractor needed. He advises hobby farmers to describe the jobs they’re doing to their dealer to determine the right tractor. “We have compact tractors starting at around 23 engine hp and going up through 75 engine hp. These very nimble, compact-sized tractors allow for great maneuverability in tight spaces and a lighter weight machine for any manicured lawn mowing applications.”
Engine horsepower is different than PTO horsepower. Power take-off (PTO) horsepower is the amount of power a tractor has to run implements like mowers, balers and augers. It’s usually found at the rear of a tractor and connects to implements via a shaft. PTO hp is calculated by measuring the engine’s output shaft at 540 or 1,000 rotations per minute (rpms).
“In our segment,” says Tyler Weyenberg, Kubota product manager, utility tractors and TLBs, “a utility tractor [for a hobby farmer] generally entails a machine from approximately 40 to 70 PTO hp.”
Transmission Talk
Choosing the right utility tractor involves a variety of choices beyond horsepower. Those choices include size, weight, power, attachments, operator station, PTO, tires and way more. The transmission will be one of the biggest choices. Considering transmission systems, buyers can option out a gear, power shuttle, hydrostatic or CTV. Those categories can be broken down even further. Considering gear transmissions alone, buyers can choose between sliding gear, collar shift, synchro or power shift. New Holland’s Bioni sums up their most common transmission choice: 12 x 12 transmission — 12 forward gears, 12 reverse gears, with a clutchless shuttle for loader work.
“You just shuttle forward and reverse without a clutch, without stopping,” she says.
A gear-drive transmission is designed to lock a tractor into one speed. It is typically better suited for sloping and rough terrain. It’s an affordable option that allows for maximum tractor PTO performance. There are options under the gear umbrella. For example, a sliding gear transmission uses a shift fork to put gears into position. That comes at a lower cost than many other options. A collar shift uses a fork and collar between each set of gears instead of sliding the gears directly into place. With this added component, collar gear transmission may be more expensive but also increases reliability.
An upgrade from gear trannies, a power shuttle transmission combines hydraulic clutch packs with electronic controls. This offers a clutch-less option to engage the transmission for repetitive forward and reverse maneuvers. This option offers the strength, power and reliability of a mechanical transmission without all the manual input involving hands, feet and legs.
Hydrostats
Of course, at the top of most hobby farmers’ lists are hydrostatic transmissions. These use hydraulic fluid to power drive gears and axles. This type of transmission is the most popular among compact tractor owners. The benefits are a smooth ride and ease of use.
“[John Deere’s hydrostatic tractors] are super easy to operate, with our twin touch pedal system that provides one pedal to move forward and another pedal to move backward,” says Davey. “No clutching or changing gears is required. The side-by-side pedal design is comfortable and intuitive and makes learning the operation of the tractor quick and easy.”
The HST transmission is a popular option for Kubota’s MX Series as well. “This transmission allows you to move from forward to reverse by simply pressing the front or rear of the HST pedal with your foot for desired movement,” Weyenberg explains.
Gear, Electro-Hydraulic and CVT
Kubota’s larger machines in this sector focus solely on gear-driven transmissions with a hydraulic shuttle. A hydraulic shuttle or power shuttle is an additional unit used in transmissions, often in ag apps. While the tractor is moving forwards, the driver can pull a lever that makes it stop and go backwards at the same speed. The M60 Series features an 8×8 with a hydraulic shuttle or a 12×12 option with the M7060.
As Weyenberg says, “With larger machines comes larger implements, creating the need for greater control over ground speed.”
Kubota’s M4 comes standard with the 12×12, but features an electro-hydraulic shuttle. This makes shifting from forwards to reverse “a breeze,” Weyenberg describes. “This is a popular option because it also features an electronic de-clutch button. With that, there is no need for the operator to use their foot to depress the clutch to change gears. The clutch can be electronically controlled by the button on the shift lever, making things as easy as push, shift and let go.”
In summary, there are a lot of transmission options. Did we mention continuously variable transmissions or CVTs? Oh, they offer operators the best of both worlds — a mix of hydrostatic and mechanical transmissions. With CVT, operators seamlessly shift through the ranges by pressing down on the pedal or handle, without ever having to shift ranges. Finding versatility and power in a compact tractor that provides comfort and ease of use will allow hobby farmers to enjoy their time working around their estates.
Choosing a Utility Tractor Cab
By Joel Hicks, Associate Product Line Manager for Kioti Tractors
There are two main types of cabs for compact tractors: factory-installed or field option. A factory-installed cab is just what it sounds like. This cab is a permanent feature of your tractor installed during the assembly process. Field option cabs, meanwhile, are added on to the tractor at a customer’s request. They can do this either at the time of purchase or later on down the road, and can be removed. The field option cab provides customers the opportunity to customize their machine for their evolving needs.
Either way, there are a handful of features you can expect to find on many cabs on the market today. Side view mirrors, windshield wipers and lights both inside and outside the cab help operators work productively, regardless of the outside conditions. Doors, windshields and windows (that partially or fully open) allow operators to enjoy the fresh, outside air when desired. Audio features such as radio, CD players or systems to stream from your phone help operators enjoy tunes or podcasts in situations when it’s safe to do so.
And, perhaps the most desired feature of all, many cabs come equipped with heating and/or air conditioning systems. The work on a jobsite doesn’t stop just because the weather isn’t ideal. Yet when rain begins to pour, harsh winter winds start to blow or the summer sun is beating down, climate control options can allow operators to work much more comfortably and effectively. So, why opt for a cab? Beyond the added comfort, cabs also allow you to work more safely. The windows protect operators from dust, bugs and stray flying objects that can obstruct views and create hazardous conditions. Cabs also provide relief from the constant noises on a jobsite so operators can focus on the task at hand. Plus, the increased visibility provided by cabs’ mirrors and lights allows for safer operation of the machine, including in low-light situations.
Tractor Attachments and Implements for Hobby Farmers
Today’s compact tractors are defined as small tractors equipped with (usually) a 540-rpm PTO and a three-point hitch designed for Category 1 implements. These implements can be mounted to the rear, belly or front of a compact tractor. Categories abound — augers, buckets, brooms, backhoes, pallet forks, mowers and ever onward — noting each attachment purchase will be its own research project. New implements are constantly being developed that add to the list of tasks a utility tractor can accomplish. The most popular is still a simple bucket.
“The front-end loader is going to be the number one attachment purchased, as it provides the customer with so many options in regards to completing tasks around the farm,” says Kubota’s Weyenberg.
Whether cleaning stalls, spreading gravel or moving snow, the front loader allows you to achieve multiple tasks. Buckets can come in a variety of styles like dirt, snow, rock and 4-in-1. A grapple bucket continues to be a popular choice.
“This, in conjunction with a third function valve on your machine, transforms it into an extension of your arm, allowing you to pick up a variety of things by clamping down on them,” says Weyenberg. “For example, the grapple option can be highly desirable when cutting down trees or moving any sort of brush. The ability to drive up to limbs and small fallen trees and clamp down on them for transport, creates a much friendlier operator experience.”
Davey says most of John Deere compact tractors include a front loader for material handling, but he adds that pallet forks are popular for moving material too. In addition, many of their tractors have a drive-over, mid-mount mower deck option. “This is super easy to install or remove and great for completing your lawn mowing, with decks up to 72 in. wide.”
Mowers, Bale Spears, Backhoes and More
Mower implements are popular. Mid-mount mowers — which are attached to the bottom of the compact utility tractor — are intended for properties under 5 acres and are also popular among landscapers and athletic turf managers. Rear-mount mowers are perfect for large, open areas and are attached to the tractor via a three-point hitch and pulled behind the machine. Under these categories, there are finish mowers designed to give a smooth, consistent finish and rotary-style mowers meant to tackle heavier brush.
Bale spears are common for both the front and rear, as these tractors are often used to feed livestock. “Our 40- to 70-hp machines are more than capable of transporting large round bales on both the front and rear, which makes them a popular option in this segment,” says Weyenberg.
Hicks praises the versatility of compact tractors, noting Kioti customers often choose a road blade, scrape blade, box blade or landscape rakes — implements that work off the rear of the machine. Similarly, Davey says the three-point hitch and PTO are often used to connect things like a rotary cutter for mowing pastures or a rotary tiller for preparing a garden.
“Backhoes are another great optional implement for the rear of the tractor for all the various digging/trenching jobs,” says Davey. Whether an implement attaches to the front, middle or back of the tractor, Davey says John Deere builds them all with an “attach-and-go type of mentality to make it super simple to switch between tasks, which is usually very important to keep the tractor versatile for many jobs.”
Tractors for Hobby Farmers Popular Models
“In Kubota’s segment,” Weyenberg says, “the popular units for a small-scale farm are the MX, M60 and M4 Series.” While each series differs in size and capability, he says they are generally popular due to their overall capability. “An important feature to most small farmers is the ability to safely transport large round bales. Each of these series is capable of performing that task with ease.”
New Holland offers two series: the PowerStar and the WorkMaster. The WorkMaster Series is an economy series of nine models. Each sports a three-cylinder turbocharged engine ranging from 45 to 100 PTO hp. They feature four-posts with an option for cab or open platform. They’re good for dragging arenas and prepping on equine farms, Bioni says, or for pulling manure spreaders. “The tractors aren’t large or heavy enough for crop farming.”
“The PowerStar series is a premium version of a utility tractor with a four-cylinder turbocharged engine,” Bioni explains, featuring a nicely designed six-post cab because people “want to work comfortably.” Its fishbowl shape enables better visibility and is more comfortable, with more room to operate the loader joystick. It also provides an instructor seat for family to ride along. This series includes five models from 65 to 100 PTO hp.
When it comes to working comfortably, cabs rule. “Cabs with heat are great for colder climates, especially with snow removal,” Davey points out. “We also have models starting in the 30-engine-hp range with heat and air-conditioned cabs for year-round climate control.”
Kubota’s MX and M60 Series are available in both ROPS and cab options. Weyenberg says the cab is popular in parts of the country where temperatures get extremely hot or extremely cold. “It also creates a low-dust environment for operators [who] spend an ample amount of time in the field.”
2W/4W Drive, Tires and Cool Tech like Telematics
If gentleman or gentlewoman farmers spend a lot of time in the field, they should evaluate whether a two- or four-wheel drive is better suited for their operation. Bioni says, “In the Southeast, they like two-wheel drive. In Pennsylvania, where there are a lot of hills, they prefer four-wheel drive for added safety. You have electronic four-wheel drive engagement with just the push of a button. It also gives four-wheel assist braking, which is added safety for new operators.”
Tires are another choice that can depend on the type of work or the environment. “The majority want an ag tire for additional traction,” Bioni says. Municipalities usually opt for a municipal tire for mowing in parks and neighborhoods. Some estate owners prefer a turf tire that is gentler on the ground.
Technology is steadily increasing on smaller tractors from innovative attachment systems and phone apps to hydraulic implements and joystick controls. Telematics technologies are creeping down into smaller tractor models, allowing owners to geofence, track maintenance intervals and ensure machine longevity. From LED lights to digital displays, utility tractors continue to become more advanced yet easy to use and maintain. And let’s not forget to mention the increase in service intervals and maintenance access for units. From easy-to-remove engine side panels that speed up access to the engine compartment to onboard self-diagnostic capabilities, service is being simplified. Reach out to your local dealership for knowledge on how to pair up tractors and attachments. For everything else, jump over to our tractors section of the website.
Lori Lovely is a freelance writer for Compact Equipment.
Compact Utility Tractor Maintenance Tips
Most people don’t maintain their tractors themselves, observes Joel Hicks, associate product line manager for tractors, Kioti. The owner’s manual will provide a maintenance schedule for service, but he says to shorten the intervals if you’re working in a dusty environment. However, he advises paying attention to some things, such as flat tires, rust around bolts, collapsed washers, tire leaks, and birds’ nests if the machine isn’t used often.
“Do a visual inspection,” Hicks suggests. “Do a walk-around before getting on. Check tire pressures, check the coolant recovery tank for leaks, check the oil level, raise the hood, check fluids and always clean debris off before parking it.” He recommends using compressed air to blow debris off the screens and radiator.
One concern with compact tractors used on hobby farms is that operators may not run them enough hours per year to hit service thresholds. John Deere offers a smart connector attachment that connects the tractor through Bluetooth to the Equipment Mobile app, which enables viewing of machine information, such as engine hours, and to access the operator manual information for service intervals. For those who want to perform at least some basic maintenance on their tractors, Mark Davey, go-to-market manager, compact utility tractors, says, “At John Deere, we design our tractors to be easy to maintain, with operator’s manual information to guide you through proper maintenance throughout your ownership.”
New Holland tractor owners enjoy the benefits of the longest oil and filter intervals in the industry, according to Lena Bioni, marketing manager with Ag North America: 600 hours (as opposed to the average of 400 to 500). She notes that you can easily access the engine and transmission fill points from the ground.
