What Size Tractor Do I Need? | Country Family Homestead (2024)
Tractors come in many different sizes and horsepower ratings that a new homesteader is left wondering “what size tractor do I need?”. The tractor size is based on the job it needs to do. Usually on a small farm or homestead the jobs that need to be done are based on the number of acres of land that are being used.
Let’s discuss the different types of work that typically happen on the homestead for each parcel size to determine what chores must be done and then determine the optimal size tractor for the job. We’ll also talk about a few different variables and whether a new, used or antique tractor is right for the job. The chart below gives a quick summary but many factors should be taken into account:
Acres
Tractor Type
HP
1-4
Garden Tractor or Subcompact
15-29
5+
Compact Tractor
25-35
10+
Compact Tractor
35-50
20+
Compact or Utility Tractor
45+
What Size Tractor for 2 Acres?
Having only an acre or two homestead limits you somewhat as to what you are able to grow or produce for yourself. It also reduces the size of tractor that is needed to accomplish those tasks.
This size homestead will usually consist of a small garden, a few fruit trees or berry bushes, some maples for tapping, small poultry flock or possibly even honey bees. For these jobs a garden tractor or subcompact tractor is the best choice. These tractors will handle implements such as tillers, snowblowers, back blade, and even a front end loader (FEL).
Here on the Country Family Homestead we have a couple small tractors for those small jobs and to get around in tight spaces. The John Deere 317 is a garden tractor and the Bolens G152 is a subcompact.
Our JD 317 has a tiller attachment and a snowblower. Either one or the other is mounted and left on depending on the season. We don’t have a mower deck for this tractor which saves on engine wear by using a dedicated lawn tractors for cutting grass. This tractor has been around for a long time and has held up well to many hours of tilling and snow removal.
Garden tractors have a bit beefier frame than a lawn tractor along with a stronger drivetrain and more aggressive wheels. Newer garden tractors are rated from about 24 – 29 hp although the JD 317 is only rated a 17 hp.
The Bolens G152 subcompact is quite a workhorse for it’s small size.
The 3-cylinder Mitsubishi diesel engine has plenty of torque and although this model doesn’t have 4WD it does have a locking rear differential that keeps equal power to both rear wheels.
Subcompact tractors will typically have a category 1 3-point hitch and a rear PTO for driving implements such as tillers and brush hogs. Probably the most handy tool for a subcompact tractor is a front end loader or FEL which is one thing my Bolens is lacking. I use my Bolens for plowing snow and grading the driveway along with pulling out small trees and brush.
Subcompacts will generally have a small diesel engine with a horsepower rating of up to about 25 hp. The horsepower of gasoline garden tractors and diesel subcompacts isn’t really an apples to apples comparison. The diesels have so much more torque and are have different gearing options that really make the diesel so much more powerful.
There are older garden tractors for sale all the time and still fetch a decent price, but for many micro-homesteads that may be exactly what is needed and well worth it.
Jumping up to a subcompact tractor will start about $10,000 for a new one and $5,000 for a good used one. That price is probably without a loader or other implements, but for a little bit more you could have a very well equipped little tractor that should last for decades.
What Size Tractor for 5 Acres?
A homestead of 5 acres or so gives enough space for a larger garden of an acre or more, a small orchard, or additional livestock such as goats or pigs. This is when having a little bigger tractor will come in handy for cultivating, pulling equipment, and cleaning livestock pens.
A compact tractor with somewhere between 25 and 35 horsepower will be the perfect tractor for these tasks. Our most recent tractor here on the homestead is John Deere 2025r with a FEL, tiller, snowblower, and belly mower deck.
There are so many different makes and models of quality compact tractors that shopping for one can be a huge undertaking. Probably the best approach is to visit your local dealers to test drive and compare different brands. Some things to consider are availability of parts and service, does it accept all universal implements, and the online rating of the dealership itself.
Compact tractors of this size will most likely start at $8,000 to $10,000 for an older used one. A new John Deere 2025r with zero attachments starts at $18,000 and goes up quickly once you add a FEL, tiller, snowblower, mower deck, etc. There is definitely some price differences between different brands so that is another important consideration as you shop around.
What Size Tractor for 10 Acres?
Having 10 acres could mean having a large produce garden for a roadside stand, horses, or a few cows. Or it could include a woodlot used for harvesting firewood or a larger maple sugaring operation. This is when buying a larger compact or utility tractor of at least 35 hp will make the most sense.
Depending on the work you plan to do with your tractor, a backhoe may make sense like on my neighbor’s LS Tractor. Removing the backhoe to attach other implements though will take a little additional work.
The biggest advantage of a larger hp compact tractor is the extra power to operate larger implements and cover more ground quicker. Usually it also means more lifting capacity for the FEL because of more weight in the rear of the tractor and the extra capacity of the hydraulic system.
Tractors this size will either have a category 1 or category 2 3-point hitch so it’s important to match up the size of the implements you will need to get your jobs done and match that to category of hitch available. Larger category 2 implements will generally cost at least twice the price of category 1 implements.
For a new 35 hp tractor you might have to add about $5,000 to $10,000 more than the cost of a 25 hp model. Used ones are available to save a little, but used tractors hold their value so well it may make sense to buy new depending on the dealer incentives available at the time.
What Size Tractor for 20 Acres?
The activities found on a 20 acres homestead include everything we’ve already discussed along with even more possibilities. Adding a hay field, grain field or larger fenced in areas for livestock are a few things that come to mind.
20 or more acres will probably require a bit bigger utility tractor with a horsepower range of 45 hp or more. This size tractor will be able to handle everything a homesteader will ever need. These will most likely come with a category 2 hitch but some are convertible to a category 1. They also have massive amounts of pulling power for plowing and ripping, and other agriculture activities.
Mid-size utility tractors will have plenty of lift capability with the FEL too for tasks such as popping out large stumps, lifting heavy logs for sawmill operations, loading large bales of hay and moving large scoops of wet soil and sand.
With so many more chores to accomplish, the operator will be in the seat for many more hours than a smaller homesteader so a tractor with an optional cab and climate control may be desirable. The cost of mid-size utility tractors vary greatly depending on make, model, horsepower, attachments, etc, but you can expect it to be significantly more than a compact tractor of the same brand.
Variables
Of course all these recommendations are generalized based on typical homestead operations and your specific needs may be similar or vastly different. If you list your main purposes of a tractor in order of importance and then determine what implement or accessory is optimal to accomplish that task. Then go back an choose the right size tractor that can handle all those different implements the best and most efficiently.
Are Antique Tractors Useful for the Small Homesteader?
I have seen a lot of small farms and homesteads in our area using older tractors for many chores such as planting, cultivating, and haying operations. We have several old Farmalls and an Allis Chalmers here on the homestead that we use for working up and cultivating the large garden, clearing topsoil to prep for construction of the new barn, ditch maintenance, and for snow removal.
If the antique tractor has a 3-point hitch and rear PTO it may also run more modern implements like this post hole auger we used to punch holes for our new pole barn.
One thing to be aware of with antique tractors is that most modern PTO driven implements require a PTO speed of 540 RPM but the PTO speed of older tractors could vary with each tractor model.
You can pick up an antique tractor in great working condition for only a couple thousand dollars compared to tens of thousands for a new or slightly used modern tractor. At that price it probably won’t have a loader on it and it will be limited to a select few chores, but if those are the chores you need done the most than it may be a good fit.
Summary
As you consider the types of work you’ll be doing with your tractor, remember that as you get accustomed to using the tractor as tool you’ll find many more uses for it. It’s also a good idea if you’re on the fence about what size to get, opt for the larger horsepower as long as a bigger tractor doesn’t hinder you with the room you have to work in.
If you are debating as to whether buying a new tractor is worth the investment, I encourage you to check out this article here on this website. It gives the true cost of owning a tractor and how much money it could actually save you over it’s lifespan.
Compact tractors range from 35 to 50 hp and work well for 10 to 50 acres. They offer more power and grit than sub-compact tractors, and have greater front loader lift capacity.
What tractor size do I need for 10-20 acres? The John Deere 4 Series compact utility tractors, mainly one of the 4052 or 4066 models, are a great workhorse if your property is 10-20 acres. With this size of property, something with a horsepower of 45+ is going to be ideal for the workload.
A compact tractor that's making between 30–60 horsepower is a good fit for mowing 10 acres and managing moderate chores. The stronger horsepower and torque reserve allows you to deliver more power to larger and heavier implements and attachments.
That means one cow per one acre of pasture. Keep in mind that is a minimum requirement. A cow/calf pair will typically require closer to two acres. The daily utilization rate for livestock is also commonly referenced.
It looks like our rule-of-thumb held up pretty good, 11 cows on 20 acres, is 1.8 acres per cow. We have enough forage to feed our cows for the whole year. These figures give you a good estimate and are a great place to start.
Their extra power provides options for using a front-end loader and a backhoe attachment. And—with the right implements—small-scale field cultivation is within reach.
Hardworking, strong and easy to customize with implements, the 3038E compact tractor from the John Deere 3 Series lineup is an excellent choice for those with 10 acres of property to maintain. Hauling hay and other heavy materials is easy with its diesel engine, which can deliver up to 37.3 HP.
If you have between four and eight acres to maintain, our John Deere 2 Series compact tractors are built for the task. The 2025R model can produce up to 24.2HP, * the 2023R offers up to 31.2HP* and the 2038R delivers as much as 36.7 HP. * Each of these compact tractors is excellent for mowing and landscaping alike.
“You want at least an acre per cow,” Robbins said. “If they're going to have a baby, you want two acres for a cow-calf pair. That's the minimum amount of land.”
Most hobby farms are ten acres or less, you need to land to grow a sustainable crop for your family and enough land to grow food or raise livestock for additional profit. Below we'll outline the essentials you need to start a hobby farm and how to make an income from it.
Wondering how many houses you can fit on a 10-acre plot? According to Statista, the median size of a single-family house is 2,261 square feet which equals 0.05 acres. So, to visualize 10 acres, picture 192 homes of 2,261 square feet together.
However, other aspects of the machine, like the transmission, clutches, hydraulics, and more may need to be replaced to keep the tractor in good running order. A general rule of thumb is that 2,000 to 2,500 hours is well broken-in while anything above 35,000 hours is considered high.
In general, professionals recommend two acres for the first horse and an additional acre for each additional horse (e.g., five acres for four horses). And, of course, more land is always better depending on the foraging quality of your particular property (70% vegetative cover is recommended).
Weaning rate was estimated at 85%, meaning that it is expected that a calf will be weaned and sold from 85% of the cows that were exposed to the bull. Based on these assumptions and adjusted for the weaning rate, average calf revenue is $655 per cow.
By this logic, 100 cows would produce a net profit of about $34,000/year. 200 cows selling 200 calves/year would then produce a net profit of about $68,000/year.
If you want to pasture pigs you first need to realize how much space you need per pig. In “The Homestead Hog” it states that 25-35 pigs per acre is a good rule of thumb. I use the lower figure of 25 per acre just to be safe and give them a lot of room to root. This means that you can put 8-9 pigs on a ¼ acre.
To produce 70% of your herd's forage, you will need an acre for 1-3 goats (3-9 goats/hectare). The exact stocking density is variable and depends on the forage yield, soil, climate, season, and length of forage growth. Each goat needs from 4.4 to 7.7lbs (2-3.5kg) of dry matter per day.
We wouldn't recommend going below 25 engine hp, but aside from that, you need to assess your land and your needs. If you need to do basic mowing on flat terrain, find a compact tractor with 25 to 30 hp. If you need something more substantial for plowing, invest in the 45 to 85 hp range.
This series not only promotes a variety of horsepower's, but also boast numerous features and implements that can make this series a perfect fit for many applications. LOADER LIFT CAPACITY 1,688 lbs.HITCH LIFT 1,808 lbs.
Generally speaking, tractor sales are like car sales, in that you'll find more discounts and better deals when it's the end of a fiscal year or when manufacturers and deals have a backlog of equipment they want to get off their hands. There is not really a best time of year to buy a tractor.
When your mowing terrain is not established, groomed lawns, you want a compact tractor. They are well suited to mowing uneven surfaces such as pastures, open fields, and other rough ground. Because they can mow both agricultural style and turf-style, they are more versatile.
The smaller farm tractors are between 30 and 60 horsepower. These are popular choices for small farming work. This size range can be easily maneuvered around buildings, paddocks, and through pasture gates. Larger farm tractors, over 75 HP are great for plowing large fields, planting, harvesting, and cutting hay.
It comes in various sizes and shapes with higher ground clearance. Some of the common uses of compact tractors are landscaping, mining, mowing, gardening, animal management, heavy lifting, etc. If you plan to buy a compact tractor, it is always better to seek professional advice from your dealer.
Zero turn mowers are designed to cut grass 50% faster than traditional lawn tractors, so your straight line mowing speed is improved. A typical lawn tractor cuts at about 3-4 mph while a typical zero turn cruises along at 5-8 mph.
1-Acre to 2-Acre Lawn: Look for a mower with a 42-in to 52-in cut width. 2-Acre to 3-Acre Lawn: Look for a mower with a 50-in to 54-in cut width. 3-Acre to 5-Acre Lawn: Look for a mower with a 54-in to 62-in cut width.
Cattle need only minimal shelter. During calving it is nice to have a place where the cow and newborn calf can get out of the elements for a day or two. It is good to have a place where they can find shade in hot weather and wind break from the cold.
How many cows can graze on 5 acres? You should be able to graze from 2 to 4 cows on average pasture per every 5 acres. However, this number may rise to 20 assuming excellent pasture conditions and applied irrigation.
Most farmers start off with 2 to 5 cows. They may not have the money or experience to handle more. Focus on getting a few healthy cows, then turning them into profit so you are able to afford more. Sell your products at a local level to get started.
For example: around 500 hours: the model usually does not feel new anymore. around 2,500 hours: the hydraulic pumps, clutches, and injectors usually need some maintenance. around 5,000 hours: the engine usually needs some work.
That said, with proper care and attention, a quality tractor should last at least 4000 hours. However, many landscapers and ranchers report running tractors with gauges exceeding 10,000 hours!
In summary, there is a practical maximum travel speed for a tillage operation, usually in the range from 5 to 7 mph. Above this speed, the operator must consider personal safety, damage to the tractor or implement, and poor tillage performance.
Generally speaking, 200 square feet of garden space per person will allow for a harvest that feeds everyone year-round. For an average family of four, plan for an 800 square-foot garden—a plot that's 20 feet by 40 feet in size should do the trick. If your family is larger (or smaller), scale up or down as needed.
Texas Farm Bureau has defined a small farm or ranch as “a property of one hundred (100) acres or less on which the owner/operator has been an active producer of commodities for five (5) years or less.”The Texas Farm Bureau Small Farm & Ranch Management Committee's mission is for the organization to become the leading ...
You have enough space to do the majority of things you might want to on a homestead. Many of the properties I have been on of this size include everything mentioned in the mini-homestead section and still have acres to spare.
Articles abound online comparing 10 acres of land to a host of seemingly relatable, visual examples. Commons visual representations include: 7.5 football fields. 90 basketball courts.
This is the part of the field between the sidelines and the goal lines, and does not include the end zones or track around the field. The property you are considering buying is about the size of 12 football fields.
How Long Do Tractors Last? The average lifespan of a tractor is 4,000 or more hours. Low hours on a tractor are pretty much anything less than where the warranty runs out.
Treated right, a quality tractor, can easily last 20-30 years or longer. Now keep in mind that hour-meter hours are how long the tractor has been used. If you only use the machine a few hours a week, it may, with proper care, still be running far longer than 30 years.
Depending on your homesteading goals and needs, you can homestead on land between 1.5 acres and 200 acres. Intensive farming on a small homestead can feed your family, but more land is required to be truly self-sufficient. A 15-acre homestead is the ideal homestead size for a suitable balance.
How many acres can a tractor plow in a day? This is not an area of expertise, but since you asked me, Google says it's roughly 60 acres a day, and poking around shows 'it depends' on lots, and that many crops are grown without plowing any more, using 'no till' techniques that don't disturb the soil as much.
You have enough space to do the majority of things you might want to on a homestead. Many of the properties I have been on of this size include everything mentioned in the mini-homestead section and still have acres to spare.
The General Consensus is 5-10 acres to be self-sufficient
Even though a lot of those sources put the number at a lot less, the general consensus is that you really need at least 5 acres of land per person to be self-sufficient. And that's assuming you have quality land, adequate rainfall, and a long growing season.
Since one bushel of corn weighs about 56 pounds and a total of 130 bushels can be produced on an acre of land. It is safe to say that you need an acre to feed a family of four for a year, with more to spare and serve as feed to animals.
According to Statista, the median size of a single-family house is 2,261 square feet which equals 0.05 acres. So, to visualize 10 acres, picture 192 homes of 2,261 square feet together.
There are 5280 feet in a mile and 5280/3123.7 = 1.7 so one and three quarter times around is more than a mile. If the lot is a circle then once around is 2768.3 feet. 5280/2768.3 = 1.9 so you need to go almost twice around to walk a mile. 1219.7 + 500 + 1219.7 + 500 = 3439.4 feet.
Introduction: My name is Frankie Dare, I am a funny, beautiful, proud, fair, pleasant, cheerful, enthusiastic person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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