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What size tractor should I get?
There are several things you need to consider before you decide on the perfect tractor.
First, what are your plans for the tractor? Do you plan on using the tractor for a lot of loader work,box blading the driveway, etc? Are you are planning on adding a loader at any time? If so, you will reall wan't to plan on buying a 4wd tractor. While you CAN use a loader on a 2wd tractor, you will probably not be spending your money wisely. When you pick up a load of dirt from a pile, for example, your rear wheels (the only driving wheels on a 2wd tractor) will get very light due to the additional weight of the dirt in the bucket on the front. You will not be able to get any traction on your rear wheels to back out of the pile of dirt. A new loader will cost around $2,400. A 4wd option will only add around $500 to the price of the tractor.
4wd tractors do require a little more maintenance (extra gearbox to keep oil in, etc). If you do not need a 4wd or only plan on using your tractor to mow with you may want to stick with a 2wd tractor.
Secondly, how much of this type work do you see yourself doing with the tractor? The only real difference between an 18hp tractor and a 40hp tractor is how fast you can get the work completed. Both can mow a yard, both can level a driveway. Experts recommend around 4hp for every 1' of mower, box blade, etc. For example, a 16hp tractor will easily run a 4' mower. A 4' mower can mow 2.32 acres in 1 hour at 100% efficiency (no overlapping, no turning around, etc). A 24hp tractor can run a 6' mower. A 6' mower can mow 3.64 acres in the same amount of time. That is over 1 football field of extra coverage in 1 hour. A 24 horsepower tractor will, however, cost more to buy than a 15hp tractor.
Finally, do you have any requirements for size? Do you need to be able to get the tractor into a low garage or through a narrow gate? You can find a table of sizes here. Be sure the tractor you select can fit through your gate, is light enough to fit on your trailer, etc.
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