POWER: How much do you need?

One of the quickest ways to measure a tractor’s capabilities is by considering its horsepower … too little, and you may not be able to handle all the chores you’d like, while too much power may mean you sacrifice fuel efficiency. As a rule, it’s better to have slightly more power than you think you’ll need; this allows you to “grow into” your machine as you become more comfortable with its capabilities, and as your needs change. And while straight horsepower is a good figure to start with, more power doesn’t necessarily mean more usability. 

PTO POWER IS USABLE POWER

You’ll hear tractor dealers talk about “PTO horsepower” quite a bit. Stated simply, the PTO, or power take-off, is the rotating shaft at the rear of the tractor. Implements like rotary cutters, and tillers are powered by the PTO, which is powered by the tractor’s engine; therefore, PTO horsepower is a truer indication of a tractor’s capabilities than engine power. Generally speaking, a tractor’s PTO horsepower will be roughly 15% less than its engine horsepower. 

As you’re comparing models and manufacturers, make sure you know how the manufacturer reports horsepower. Currently, there’s no industry standard governing how horsepower is reported, so a straight comparison of figures may not give you the most accurate idea of the tractors’ capabilities. 

UTILITY TRACTOR OR GARDEN TRACTOR

As you get a better idea of what you need from your tractor, you may find that one of the larger lawn and garden tractors will do all your chores. In general, if your primary needs are light mowing or dirt work, a well-equipped garden tractor may fit the bill. Take a look at the chart for a better idea of each type’s capabilities.

TRACTOR-BUYING TIPS:

■ Invest in a little more tractor than you think you need. If you buy just the bare minimum horsepower to operate your implements, your machine will be in a constant state of strain.

■ The size of your tractor depends on how much time you want to spend doing work. Large tractors can cover ground more quickly than small tractors.