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Choosing a Tractor By Size

Aug. 9 2021 Ownership Tips By Middletown Tractor Sales

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The right tractor size makes all the difference! If it is too small, then tasks take longer than they should and output suffers. If it is too large, you overspent on purchasing and can struggle to navigate the work site. Use the following buying guide to find the ideal tractor size for your needs.

If you want help choosing the right size or want to shop tractors for sale, visit Middletown Tractor Sales. Our dealerships are based in Fairmont and Buckhannon, West Virginia, and Washington and Uniontown, Pennsylvania. We also proudly serve Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Morgantown, West Virginia.

How Tractor Sizing Works

Tractors are put into different sizing categories based on their engine horsepower. But there are some differences between tractor manufacturers. For example, one company may categorize a given horsepower amount as a sub-compact tractor while another may call it a compact tractor. We use generic categories below, but know that the exact numbers can vary among manufacturers.

Tractors Under 25 Horsepower

These models are commonly called sub-compact tractors. They handle smaller projects like working in personal gardens, tending livestock, mowing, and digging with a backhoe, and come at the lowest price point.

These tractors:

  • Weigh between 500 and 1,200 pounds.
  • Have a rear wheel under 30 inches.
  • Tend to be less than 48 inches wide.

Tractors Between 25 and 60 Horsepower

Also known as compact tractors, these models are a great general-purpose option. They can tackle most tasks and are compatible with a wide range of attachments.

These tractors:

  • Weigh between 1,500 and 6,000 pounds. The weight is heavily influenced by whether the model contains a closed cab.
  • Have a rear wheel between 30 and 36 inches.
  • Tend to be between 42 and 54 inches wide.

Tractors Between 60 and 140 Horsepower

Also called utility tractors, these models are used on larger commercial agricultural projects. The extra size often comes with extra features, such as a heated cab and multiple hydraulic hookups. These models work great on farms for hay baling, brush cutting, feeding, and more. They’re also great models for municipalities and road services when paired with a boom mower and rotary cutter to mow steep banks and other awkward roadside areas.

These tractors:

  • Usually start at between 3,000 and 4,000 pounds.
  • Have a rear wheel between 36 and 60 inches.
  • Tend to be between 54 and 72 inches wide.

Getting the Right Tractor Size

The perfect tractor size for you depends on many factors, such as

  • Where you will use the tractor. For example, if your property is full of obstacles like trees, boulders, or other landscaping, get a smaller tractor that can better navigate around them.
  • The amount of weight that the tractor needs to lift. Heavier loads need a bigger tractor that offers higher PTO horsepower, and often need tractors that can hold a lot of extra ballast weight.
  • The attachments you want. Certain attachments can only be used with larger tractors, and others are designed specifically for smaller compact tractors. While some attachments can fit a wider range of equipment, there’s a few that are specific – such as larger rotary cutters and tillers.

Ready to shop tractors for sale? Middletown Tractor Sales carries a range of sizes, making it easy to find what you need. Peruse the selection online or stop by one of our dealerships in Fairmont and Buckhannon, WV, and Washington and Uniontown, PA. We also serve those in Morgantown, West Virginia, and Pittsburgh, PA.