Which Type of Tractor Is Right For Me?
A dependable tractor is a necessity for any farmer or property owner who has significant land to work and manage. These machines are durable by design and can last for decades. But as with any vehicle purchase, you’ll want to do some research and narrow your search.
At FMI Equipment we have 100 years of combined experience in land clearing, compact equipment, construction, and farming. We’re more than prepared to take on all your equipment needs. That’s why we’ve put together this short guide for making sure your next new or pre-owned tractor is right for you. If you still have questions or just want to check out our stock of vehicles and equipment, head to our dealership in Spokane, Washington, near Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.
Lawn and Garden
These tractors are designed for mowing lawns and working in gardens, which is why they’re commonly referred to as lawn and garden tractors. Clocking up to 25 horsepower with small gas or diesel engines, there’s no shortage of power to complete lighter tasks. Especially with lawn tractors, the tires are meant to minimize footprints.
Garden tractors need a bit more traction and sometimes offer four-wheel drive. They’ll also carry more fuel and a variety of attachments that might not be available with lawn tractors. Garden tractors are great for easy travel to and from jobs around your property.
Compact and Sub-Compact
Next up are the mid-sized acreage compacts. They’re easy to operate and offer up a wide range of accessories and components for specialized work. Sub-compacts are less powerful, with smaller diesel engines that keep things manageable. Though they resemble garden tractors, sub-compacts are much more capable of work and chores around the farm.
Compacts are a bit bigger and are great for small acreage chores that don’t need heavy-duty attachments. They can still handle front-end loaders and backhoes, so if you’re after versatility and maneuverability, compacts are up for the task.
Utility
These tall, powerful tractors can handle heavy equipment, have much more powerful engines, and hold enough fuel to last until the job is done. They’ll come with PTO (power take-off) and three-point hitch, which makes hitching and using attachments a breeze. Utility tractors are great for a range of different tasks, from mowing and digging, to material handling and other hauling work. These are serious machines, so only consider them if you can put them to good use.
Specialty (Farm)
Farm tractors are big and powerful, designed for agricultural demands like plowing, harrowing, threshing, leveling, and pulling seed drills. Multiple PTOs mean more or stronger attachments, while huge fuel tanks will keep these vehicles running a long time. Farm cabs are bigger and often have features like adjustable seats, air conditioning, GPS, tilt steering, and whatever else you have in mind. You’ll want the extra comfort if you plan on spending all day inside one of these tractors
There are a variety of tractor types and sizes for any property or farm management task you have in front of you. At FMI Equipment, we want to help you find the tractor you need. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff is ready to guide you through sales and financing, repair and parts, and we even offer rentals. We go above and beyond in customer service, so stop by our location in Spokane, Washington, where we’re proud to serve the entire Spokane Valley as well as Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho. Come in today and find out why FMI Equipment is the definition of a full-service business.