Small Frame Compact Models: 2-5 acres

Sub-Compact Models: 1-3 acres

Horsepower: 20-25

Fuel: diesel

Weight (tractor only): 1,400-1,600 lb.

Loader lift (pivot pins): < 1,000 lb.

Examples: LS MT125, KIOTI CS2510

Sub-Compact tractors are the most popular size tractors sold in North America. These tractors are 4wd, 20-25 horsepower and weigh between 1,400 and 1,600 lbs (tractor only). Tractors in this class can operate most 4’ implements and have a loader lift capacity of less than 1,000 lb. Examples of sub-compact tractor models include the LS MT1 series and the KIOTI CS series.

Small Frame Compact Models: 2-5 acres

Horsepower: 24-30

Fuel: diesel

Weight (tractor only): 1,600-2,200 lb.

Loader lift (pivot pins): 1,000-1,00 lb.

Examples: LS XJ2025, KIOTI CK2510

The next step up from a sub-compact is the small frame compact models like the LS XJ2025 and KIOTI CK2510. Small frame compacts are larger, heavier and more capable than sub-compacts . Most tractors in this category have 24-30 horsepower, four wheel drive and weigh 1,600 to 2,200 lbs (tractor only). Most small frame compacts will handle 4-5’ implements and lift 1,000-1,200 pounds at the pivot pins.

Mid-Size Compact Models: 5-15 acres

Horsepower: 25-40

Fuel: diesel

Weight (tractor only): 2,200-2,900 lb.

Loader lift (pivot pins): 1,600-2,200 lb.

Examples: LS XG3025, XG3135, KIOTI CK2610, KIOTI CK3510

Mid-sized compact tractors like the KIOTI CK10 and LS XG series have 25-40 horsepower, much larger tires and lift capacities vs. the smaller framed models. Models above 25 horsepower feature Tier 4 electronic diesel engines; models below 25 have simpler mechanical engines. Tractors in this class can use 5-6’ implements, have loader lift capacity of 1,600 to 2,200 lbs and weigh between 2,200-2,800 lbs.

Full Size Compact Models: 10+ acres

Horsepower: 40-60

Fuel: diesel

Weight (tractor only): 3,300-4,400 lb.

Loader lift (pivot pins): 2,100-3,000 lb.

Examples: LS MT345E, XR4140, KIOTI DK4510, KIOTI NX4510

Full sized compacts vary a lot in size depending on the manufacturer. Full size compact tractors are 40 to 60 horsepower, weigh close to 4,000 lb. and will lift over 2,000 lb with the loader. Full size compacts are big enough to handle hay equipment and 6-7’ implements with ease. Factory enclosed cabs with air conditioning are available. The LS Tractor MT3, XR4100 series and KIOTI DK10 and NX series are examples of full size compact tractors.

Personal use vs. commercial operator?

If you will only be working around your own property and using your tractor in your spare time the general size guidelines above should work well. If you plan on doing work for hire consider going one size larger than you would for your own property. Going larger gives you more options for outside work. Plus your tractor will last longer.

Do you need a cab?

Compact tractors with enclosed cabs are very nice to operate. The cab keeps you warm and dry in winter and cool in the summer. Air conditioning does use a few horsepower to operate. We recommend going up 5 horsepower on cab models vs a tractor without a cab. Factory cabs add about $5,000 to the tractor base price.

Comparing specs, what do they mean?

When you start researching specific models and trying to compare them it can get a bit tricky. Manufacturers speak their own language and call the same thing by different names. How do you know what matters? Here’s a brief explanation of what each specification means in the real world:

Horsepower:

Tractors have two different horsepower ratings, engine and PTO. Engine horsepower is the output of the engine without anything connected to it. PTO horsepower is the net available horsepower after powering the hydraulics and transmission. PTO horsepower is the better spec to compare because it’s the power that’s available to do work with.

Hydraulic Flow (GPM):

Hydraulic flow is measured in gallons per minute at the highest engine RPM. The hydraulic system on most compact tractors includes a 2 stage hydraulic pump mounted to the engine like this:

The can see there are two distinct sections to this pump, so it’s two pumps together in a single housing. The reason for two sections is for performance and safety. Usually the hydraulic steering system is supplied oil from one section and the remaining functions of the tractor are supplied oil from the second section. The reason for the split output is so the steering system always has enough oil flow to operate properly even when there are other functions demanding oil. A tractor with a single stage pump might not have power steering while raising the loader or while powering an implement from the rear remote valves.

Tractor hydraulic system output is measured in gallons per minute (GPM) but there are different ways to list the output. It’s important to know which rating is being used for comparison sake:

Total Capacity (GPM): this is the maximum output of the system including all pumps (steering pump + implement pump)
Steering Pump (GPM): steering flow is usually the rated output of the steering pump section only.
Main Pump or Implement Pump (GPM): the implement pump is the larger section of the hydraulic pump and the output is usually what’s available at the rear remotes.

When comparing hydraulic specs make sure you’re using the same rating. For example comparing the implement output of one model to the combined output isn’t apples to apples.

Three Point Hitch (3PT):

The three point hitch or 3PT is the lift arms on the back of the tractor that allow implements to be mounted on the tractor. It’s called a three point hitch because the implement attaches at three points, the two lift arms and the top link. 3PT hitches have standard size specifications by horsepower. Three point hitch sizes are called category, most compact tractors have a category 1. If your tractor has a CAT I hitch, most CAT I implements will be compatible.

On compact tractors the three point hitch lifts hydraulically and uses gravity to lower. The important spec you should pay attention to is the lift capacity and how it’s rated. The more weight the hitch can lift the better but it’s important to know which rating was used.

Small Frame Compact Models: 2-5 acres

Sub-Compact Models: 1-3 acres

Small Frame Compact Models: 2-5 acres

Mid-Size Compact Models: 5-15 acres

Full Size Compact Models: 10+ acres

Personal use vs. commercial operator?

Comparing specs, what do they mean?

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Small Frame Compact Models: 2-5 acres

Sub-Compact Models: 1-3 acres

Small Frame Compact Models: 2-5 acres

Mid-Size Compact Models: 5-15 acres

Full Size Compact Models: 10+ acres

Personal use vs. commercial operator?

Comparing specs, what do they mean?

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Post a Comment

5 Comments

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Choosing the Best Small Farm Tractor for the Money

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