Subcompact tractors, roughly 20 to 25 horsepower, are small enough for tight spaces and often run a belly mower from a mid PTO, suiting lots of a few acres. Compact tractors, roughly 25 to 60 horsepower, are heavier, lift more with the loader and run larger Category 1 implements such as box blades, tillers and post-hole diggers for small farms. Buy by the heaviest job you need to do, and always use the rollover protection and seat belt.
The right tractor is the smallest one that does your hardest job well.
Compared
| Subcompact | Compact | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | About 20 to 25 | About 25 to 60 |
| Weight | Light | Heavier, more stable |
| Three-point hitch | Limited Category 1 | Category 1, some Category 2 |
| Mid PTO | Common, for belly mowers | Some models |
| Loader lift | Light | Substantially more |
| Implements | Mowers, small box blades, snow blowers | Tillers, box blades, post-hole diggers, brush cutters |
| Best for | Lawns, light chores, a few acres | Small farms, dirt work, heavier loads |
Sizing by job
- Mowing and snow: subcompact with mid-mount mower and blower.
- Moving gravel, mulch and manure: loader capacity is key; compact.
- Tilling a large garden: compact with a rear tiller.
- Fence posts: post-hole digger on a compact.
- Brush clearing: rotary cutter on a compact with enough horsepower.
Transmissions
Hydrostatic transmissions make loader work easy. Gear transmissions deliver more power to the ground for heavy pulling.
Safety
Keep the ROPS up and the seat belt on, add ballast for loader work, and drive slowly on slopes. Read the operator’s manual for slope limits.
Smaller equipment
Walk-behind tractors, garden carts and utility vehicles cover many chores on smaller properties. See small equipment, fencing and firewood tools.
Browse tractors and equipment.
Common questions
How many acres can a subcompact tractor handle?
Many owners use subcompacts on lots up to a few acres for mowing, light loader work and snow. Heavy dirt work and larger implements call for a compact.
What is a three-point hitch category?
A standard size for the hitch pins and arms. Most compact tractors use Category 1; some subcompacts use a limited Category 1.
Do I need four-wheel drive?
For loader work, hills and mud, yes. Most compact tractors sold today have it.
Why does ROPS matter?
Rollover protective structures with a fastened seat belt prevent most deaths in tractor overturns, a leading cause of farm fatalities.