What Size Farm Tractor Do I Need?

The purchase of a tractor and associated equipment is a substantial investment. The result of improper size can be costly - - a tractor too small can result in long hours in the field, excessive delays and premature replacement.

A tractor too large can result in excessive operating and overhead costs. It is important to know how to determine the size and number of tractors needed for a farm operation. The ideal equipment should get the work completed on time at the lowest possible cost. The size of the largest tractor should be based on getting critical, high-horsepower jobs done within a specified time period.
 
Tractors can be divided into 3 categories: 2-wheel drive, front-wheel assist or unequal 4-wheel drive and equal 4-wheel drive tractors.  Each one of these tractors has different tire configurations and different ballast requirements.
 
Not only do you need to understand the 3 categories of tractors but you also need to understand some terminology as well.  Several terms are used by equipment manufacturers to describe the capacity of their tractors such as horsepower (HP), brake horsepower and power-take-off-horsepower and draft (drawbar) horsepower.

To learn about the 3 categories of tractors and terminology associated with tractors, read the University of Georgia publication "What Size Farm Tractor Do I Need?"