Tractor Options - Which Ones to Get and the Ones to Ignore

When shopping for your first tractor, there are options to consider so you get the one that's right for you. Some tractor options are only available on deluxe models, others are dealer installed, some are better added from aftermarket suppliers. Here are 15 of the top options that can you need to think about so you get the exact model you want.

One and two are must-have's, especially on small tractors. Those are a front-end loader and front wheel assist. 99% of small tractors are sold with loaders, probably a similar percentage are four wheel drive. You can't do much with a small tractor without either and resale value reflects that. If you don't think you'll use either, get them anyway as they'll pay for themselves if you ever sell the tractor.

Three is quick attach and there are two kinds. A quick attach loader means you can remove the mainframe to get into tight areas. To me, that's not important. What is important is a quick attach bucket so you can easily change attachments. Most small tractors that have quick attach have a skid-loader compatible set up, anything that fits a skid loader will fit the tractor. Deere has their own proprietary quick attach. Either works fine, and make the tractor a lot more versatile.

The fourth option is transmission. I like hydrostatic drive for the ease of operation, if you opt for a gear drive transmission there are three options, power shuttle, clutch shuttle and no shuttle. Get the power shuttle if you do a lot of loader work, the clutch shuttle if you do loader work and like a simpler design, and the no shuttle option if you just want to throw it in gear and bush hog, and to keep the cost down.

Next you need to think about tires. There are three main options here, and a newcomer. The bulk of small tractors have R-4 tires like skid loaders have, most larger tractors have ag tires with the deep lugs. Turf tires are good for lawn care but can lose traction in mud or snow. A new tire, the R-14, combines the lug design of agricultural tires and the ability to drive on turf of the R-4. They're only available on some models.

Sixth on my list is a folding roll bar. Get this if you might put the tractor in your garage. Seventh is economy PTO which is like an overdrive for your power take off. It enables you to throttle down while maintaining attachment RPM's when power is not needed.

Eight, nine and ten all relate to your three point. Extendable link arms are nice for easily attaching implements, but if you put Pat's Easy Change on your tractor, you don't need them. Telescopic stabilizers are one of my top options. Those are arms that lock the attachment in place and I hate the turnbuckle design, telescopic stabilizers enable you to position the attachment by moving a pin. Finally, how the tractor can adjust the left-to--right angle of the attachment is important. Turnbuckles are my least favorite system, some tractors have a crank or a sleeve with handles to help adjust angles. Most tractors only have those mechanisms on one side, it's better if they're on both.

My eleventh option to consider is a cab. If you think you want one, get it. I've known a lot of customers who thought they might want a cab and didn't get it and regretted it, I've never known anyone who got the cab and wished they hadn't.

The number twelve option to consider is the seat. Some manufacturers put really cheap seats on new tractors, a deluxe seat with armrests will make the work seem easier.

The 13th and 14th options relate to hydraulics. It's important to get rear remotes when you buy the tractor if you think you'll need them later. Most small tractors come from the factory with no remotes, they have to be added by the dealer. When the tractor is replaced by a new model, the companies tend to discontinue the remote kits, and you have to buy each individual component through the parts department and that gets real expensive. It's less important to get the third function valve when you buy the tractor because diverter valves are available and can be added later. Either one of those provides remote hydraulic connections to the front of the tractor for powering a grapple, tree shear, or tree puller. A simple valve, that you can install yourself, can enable you to install a hydraulically-powered front attachment and is available here: https://asktractormike.com/product/hy....

The final option is a grill guard. Get that when the tractor is new, it may not be available later.

Getting the right combination of these options can insure you get the right tractor the first time. Happy shopping!

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