When buying a tractor, there are various factors you’ll need to consider—the size of the machine being one of them. If you’re thinking about purchasing a machine but are unsure what size you should opt for, you’ve arrived at the right place.

Our experts at Holder & Sons Equipment have created this guide to help you determine the perfect tractor size for your chores. Read on to learn more, and for more help, visit us at our dealership in Durham, NC. We happily welcome our friends from Raleigh and Greensboro.

Compact Tractors

Farmers that need a more maneuverable model to tackle chores on their farm can opt for a compact tractor. These models range from anywhere between 25 and 60 hp, allowing you to hitch various attachments to your machine. A few features that come with these models include PTO and enclosed cabs.

Generally speaking, compact tractors weigh anywhere from 1,500 to 6,000 lbs. However, this will depend on whether your model has an enclosed cab or not. The rear-wheel diameters fall between 30” and 36”, while the width of a compact tractor is anywhere from 42” to 54”.

Sub-Compact Tractors

Usually, sub-compact tractors weigh anywhere between 500 to 1,200 lbs. These come with rear wheels of less than 30” diameter and a machine width under 48”. These are highly maneuverable machines and are ideal options for working on small and cramped properties with plenty of obstacles. Also, sub-compact tractors are more affordable than other comparable models, making them the perfect fit for budget-focused farmers and farm owners who’re just starting.

However, these are less robust than other models, and you can only hitch limited types of attachments to your model.

Utility Tractors

If you need a model with more strength and better capabilities than other types of tractors, look no further than utility tractors. These range from 60 to 140 hp and are ideal for large commercial agricultural operations.

Utility tractors feature some of the most massive dimensions, including a weight ranging between 3,000 and 4,000 lbs., rear-wheel diameters from 36” to 60”, and a tractor width between 54” and 72”. It's no surprise that farm operators that manage large swathes of land prefer to buy these models.

We hope this guide helps you select the correct tractor size that will be ideal for your farm. If you have more questions or need help choosing the perfect model for your farm operation, visit Holder & Sons Equipment. As your local farm machinery dealer, we have a fine selection of tractors for sale. To look at what we have available, swing by our dealership in Durham, NC. We proudly serve those from Raleigh and Greensboro, so stop by today.