Compact Tractors Vs. Utility Tractors: Which Is Right For You?

[@JEFFCOBB-v3k]

Hi Mike, another flexible rule might be that about the time tractors get to the size having a class 2 three point hitch setup they are moving into utility tractor size.

[@DKWalser]

Two comments: First, I'm a CPA and a number of my ag clients use compact tractors for making money. The ones that do are pork and poultry producers. They've found that the extra manuverability of the compact tractors more than compensates for their smaller capacities. My point is compacts are often used to make money. A lot of them -- the majority? -- are used by gentlemen land owners. But, some are put to work daily. Second, it seems that the 'utility tractor' moniker has changed over the years. When I was growing up, a utility tractor was one intended for use in construction or industrial work. They had different tires and were set up differently than tractors intended for work in the fields. A utility tractor could do a lot of things fairly well without excelling at any of them. A farm tractor excelled at pulling ground engaging implements, but its tires let it down for work on pavement (say, for example, doing loader work).

[@kellywilson8440]

I went with a new RK25 built by TYM , Good little machine so far and decent warranty , Only 103 hours so time will tell !

[@triciahill216]

Mike - We have a 145-acre farm, which we’ve converted from a row crop to rotational pasture farm. I currently have two Allis-Chalmers tractors, a 1980 5050 (50HP), with loader (quick attach modified) and a 1974 175 (63 HP). The loader tractor we mostly use for moving round bales and some mowing. The 175 we use for mowing, with a 7’ rotary mower. We’re going to need a skid steer to clean out a barn we’ll be using to finish lambs in and I’m thinking I’d like to sell the Allis-Chalmers and buy one larger loader tractor that would primarily be used for clipping our pastures (120 acres) once a year, but double to handle round bales if the skid loader were broke down. I’d like to buy a tractor old enough to avoid high-tech and emissions issues, but not as old as my Allis-Chalmers. I’d also like to buy a tractor whose company is still in business and was a very popular model to help ensure new, used and remanufactured parts availability. It would also be nice, but not absolutely necessary, to have a cab and FWD. I’m thinking a tractor in the 100 HP range so I could upgrade to a batwing mower. Based on the above, which tractors come to mind as ones I might want to consider? Thank you very much. Bob

[@jaclynalley809]

ok, I'm not gonna cancel my subscription yet.... Finally a video I'm interested in from "tractor Mike"

[@carsonkrueger3661]

Ive noticed a lot of manufacturers are coming out with or have a kind of hybrid compact utility tractor. They have 50+ hp and the lift capacity of 2500+ but still have class 1 3 pt hitches and are close to the same size as compacts with the 6 ft implements. The Mahindra 2660 is an example of this, as well as the tym 554, 574 and the john deer 4066.

[@redneck5356]

I went with a kubota l3901. With a manual transmission. Went with the l series mainly because it fits in the barn

[@danacross3427]

I have a Kioti Dk 45 , I would put this as a utility but lower end, it has the weight, shuttle shift and lifting power, also has the frame clearance. I wouldn't hesitate to use it to make a living but of course I don't. On the farms of my youth when a 35 Massey would do whatever a farmer needed this tractor would be a prize possession. I grew up in Eastern Canada where the average farm was a couple hundred of acres. Fuel costs have also forced the farmer into having 2 tractors often where the smaller one does the yard work and the big one is reserved for the big jobs. This is of course related to politics and not practical application of equipment. Unfortunately on today's farm like all businesses extra costs are imposed by politicians' and not market demands.

[@JeffGeorgalas]

I completely agree with your sizing and categories from each manufacturer. The only reason I could see someone disagreeing with you, as you mentioned some people might, is because their feelings may be hurt thinking that they have a utility tractor, and you categorize it as a compact utility. I've got the Kioti RX 7320, and to me, it's the smallest offering from them that falls into the utility tractor range. I compare it with the Deere 5075, and a couple of others that you mentioned.

[@RS-sl5ko]

Wow Mike great job. Now , as I am the owner of a New Holland Workmaster 50 , I am waiting to hear the answer to the viewers question.

[@davidhaskins9457]

Got a 2020 LS XR4150 50 hp, perfect for what I do bought it end of 2019 right before covid best move I've made in a long time, enjoyed the video Mike

[@ellobo1326]

I have the same tractor and love it.

[@pyroman6000]

In the world of Deere, the 4 series is the top of the compact line. They call them compact utility's. The 5 series is the start of the agricultural line. Those are ag utility tractors. I always wondered about the difference, because it's so hard to tell from just pictures or raw data on a web page. Making things more confusing, is the fact that the large frame 4's are about the same size as the small frame 5's... My local Deere dealer is also my local Stihl dealer, and I was there getting some parts for my saw, and decided to go outside and drool, er I mean look over all the brand new tractors they had. I found a 4066R and a 5055E sitting side by side. Both with loader prep packages, both with cabs. It's when you sit in them, walk around them, and compare them in person, that you see the real difference. They're 2 different animals. Granted, one was a premium R model, and the other was an economy E, so we'll discount all the extra bells, whistles, and creature comfort items. The build was very different, and this was most apparent looking at the rear ends: the 5055 was MUCH heavier built. The cab is actually roomier, too- which kinda surprised me. Also, the hydrostatic option disappears. You get a choice of the 9x3 syncro; or the 12x12 powerreverser. In a nutshell, these tractors are built for different kinds of operators, and different purposes. The 5's are intended for agricultural and/or municipal use primarily, with operators accustomed to using ag type machinery. The E is a bare bones work tractor. The 4's are geared more towards property owners, landscapers, etc. simple, easy to use hydro trans (or a power reverser as an option), lighter build, for trailering to jobsites or second properties, and options geared towards making life easier for less experienced operators. Depends on your own needs, and what you need it for. If you intend to use it for , say, haying, ground engaging impliments, heavy duty loader work, etc- than you'll probably appreciate the heavier weight of the 5 series. This size utility is also very popular with highway departments for roadside mowing. They're rugged, and can take a lot of hard use- it's what they're for. They also tend to be the daily driver chore tractor on small- med size farms, especially livestock farms. Neil Messick has a great video, doing a side by side comparison of 3 different lines of Kubotas, that really helps differentiate the various types.

[@tree_carcass_mangler]

Excellent comment. Thanks for posting.

[@subwarpspeed]

I noticed when looking at Tractor Time with Tim how he hooked up a plough to a JD 4 series. Yes, he was able to go out and get 3pt drawbars with cat 2 in the ends but the top link point at the tractor was cat 1 and no getting around the fact. Yes bushings worked while cutting off some, or dinner could use a cat 2 to cat 1 top link. But it sets the tone of what it was intended for even though it has lots of horse powers.

[@subwarpspeed]

Link to that video. So I'm just affirming what you said that the 4 series is a compact. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aZ-TonaVl6dkjaM

[@dondouglas1321]

Love my New Holland Workmaster 35. Love it.

[@firstamendmenttshirt4768]

It's a case?

[@jamesmorrison1884]

Hello Mike good video think most should look into what they use tractor for but a utility tractor best buy. Have a great day.

[@derricksmiley5632]

Thanks Mike for the knowledge

[@Dave-fo1cb]

Another sign of a utility tractor is it will have adjustable rims. Meaning you can adjust the tread width for row crop farming.

[@haroldwaig2242]

Hi Mike.. Hope you and your family have had a great summer. Your show was very interesting & informing Thanks

[@fhuber7507]

I went for the light utility,with a really small engine. Hard for the little engine to over-work the light utility transmission. Better loader capacity. And I planned on doing a lot of dirt work with the bucket. Same price as the compact with the same engine. Approaching 3 years and I think I got the right machine for me.

[@jakeschisler7525]

I wish I had gone to a utility sized LS tractor, my G3033H isn't bad but it doesn't have a high reach as my old Ford 3000 had. The wife said i made my choice in 2014 and that's that!

[@pyroman6000]

Ahh, the finance committee has spoken! As Tractor time with Tim would say, lol.

[@SouthernGround]

How much money I had to spend decided what I could get big vs small for my country acreage, about 10 ac. so it was a massey ferguson gc 1723e, with a 48" drag box, mini GTW stump bucket, 48"brush hog, clamp on brush forks, pull behind weed sprayer and a carryall, I have been able to root out small Hawthorne's, pull several big bushes, mow 5 ac of pasture,, maintain weed control around a pond, build a 100 foot dirt road through swampy ground, lay about 125 foot of 4" drain pipe, bridge a dry spillway with a 15 foot culvert, and countless other chores, almost all of which I could have done with a tracked skidsteer only I don't have $60.000 not including attachments. the latter would have gotten these tasks done in half the time, but since I am retired time is on my side. I am surprised how much that little machine can do, thing's I could have never done by hand. like I said if you have the money bigger is better

[@RandyLaheySunnyvale]

Your mother is a rebel.

[@bobkuhfuss7792]

Mike that was one of the best videos I have seen. You have explained the difference between compact and utility tractors better than any salesman or dealership that I have talked with. Just enjoy your channel.

[@bohannanmckenzie7441]

So would you consider my case dx 55 a compact or a utility?

[@douglassellers7528]

I've got a big compact. MF1660. Got some years on it but it gets things done. As far as pulling power I think a MF 50 would pull it backwards.

[@martyb3783]

Great information as always!

[@terrytate6006]

Thanks for sharing the video since you brought the topic up can you specify where a utility tractor would be used as far as acreage and a compact tractor being used with acreage

[@matthewtaylor2185]

I wish yanmar would bring back their line that was same as the John deere 650 to 1650 series. Great tractors compact to utility.

[@westendlawn]

I've always summed it up by horsepower. 40-45hp and below is a compact tractor. And anything 50/55 to 100hp is a utility tractor. And over 100hp is a farm tractor.

[@lynnmor2101]

I believe that you skipped the question about quality. It would be great to have an opinion about the possible reduction of service life from the lower priced sizes.

[@wescranmer940]

So Tractor Data lists my Branson 4820R as a “compact utility”. Branson was a brand you didn’t mention at the end, probably because of the TYM rebranding. Your thoughts on the Branson 20 series?

[@willieorpurt6317]

I have a Ford 1520 4x4 manual shift. 1993 So what you think that is considered?

[@harmab2]

Thank you, what a fun video it was❤🎉

[@acerdale5099]

Kubota Standard L (compact) is offered in 2wD fyi

[@buddymorgan2351]

Which do u recommend overall in utility and compact

[@danielmccullom5252]

Hey I got a kioti DK 55 with a 54 horse engine. Do you think this is a compact or a utility tractor 🚜

[@SteveC38]

Nice Job Splainin’ 👍

[@TractorsAndLife]

Hi Mike. We mention and recommend you and your channel in our upcoming video!

[@bigtxbullion]

Bought a 2019 Mahindra 1638 a few years ago with 20 hrs flooded at auction for $5500. Was in one of those hurricanes that blasted east tx west la.. Changed all the fluids and replaced the clutch. Works like new and is perfect for our small storage lot.

[@chrisogburn6364]

What does that have to do with topic?

[@paulmaugle3596]

Hi tractor Mike, Looking for suggestions for the potential purchase of a new Tier IV diesel tractor to use in our vineyard. Looking for narrow, 6 ft or less wide, 25 hp or greater, with a airconditioned cabin. It may also be used to Lift a pallet of wine (1386-1400 lbs) , towing a 100 gal sprayer attached to a 540 pto as well as a 5 ft brush hog. Your thoughts?

[@TractorMike]

I don't have any experience with vineyard tractors. They're generally a totally different tractor than a standard tractor and often made in Italy. I'm sorry I'm no help!

[@rogerbelanger295]

Good one mike.

[@FrankSanchez505]

What do all you guys think about the Massey Ferguson? I need to buy a tractor for my property new to the tractor world. Suggestions would help thanks

[@KM-vc2yp]

Thanks for the information

[@DR-zr5rs]

I’m exactly where Doug is - and my name is Doug too. What do you think of the Bobcat utility tractors? Looking at those as well…

[@markproulx1472]

Big time like.

[@fhuber7507]

You're wrong about the hydrostatic vs manual. The hydrostatics are going in larger and larger machines.

[@jaxturner7288]

Boy you don’t listen for shit do you?

[@John1911]

We have a 11,000lb Massey that is full hydro. I don’t know a universe where anyone would not call it a large tractor. And thinking about it, the next 5 models up the MF line are all hydro.

[@subwarpspeed]

​@@John1911what models so I can look at them? Mike talks about pure HST form of CVT. Larger tractors with CVT may use a hydrostatic-mechanical power split transmission. More complex but more efficient too. Isn't that what you mean by these masseys, with Dyna-VT?

[@John1911]

@@subwarpspeed We run a 2021 Cabbed 4707. That has a 12x12 hydrostatic, shuttle-shift transmission. There are options for an upgraded trans called a Dyna-2 and Dyna-4. Those allow you to select entire gears (and gear ranges) on the shuttle (among other things). The Dyna-VT (I think) has the ability to infinite “gear speed” select ability. If I understand it correctly. Hope this makes sense.

[@RandyLaheySunnyvale]

He said that.

[@BlueberryStinkFinger62]

I have a 2021 craftsman T240 tractor dry weight 630 pounds Kohler KT725 7000 series 22 horsepower 725cc V Twin Engine 3 year unlimited hours warranty...and it does what ever I need it to

[@vbelbel490]

Let's not pretend here. It's a garden 'tractor', AKA a lawnmower. We're are talking about real tractors.

[@donaldstrishock3923]

Guess what Sir, your rig is NOT a Tractor; its a "Rider-LAWNMOWER". l had one of these "Craps-man" rigs( slighty larger @ 26 hp); it was called the "Excelerator". With its 54" mower deck, 8.5 mph speed, 23" rear wheels, & 6.5 gallon fuel tank, hydro-slack-o-matic "watch-gear" -"Trams-mission". The Three things it was BEST AT ; was making lots of noise ,driving around fast ( only empty-NON work), & Burning Tremendous Amounts of Fuel !!! The "flex-a-matic" frame made it have "side-sway tilt stearing wheel", it was also Very proficient in scalping the grass when cutting( most likely because the Deck would NOT lift up more than 1 & 3/8"( So sad). My "fleet" of "Wheelhorse's" 12 -20 BEAT the "26hp Craps-man" in EVERY Catagory except "flat out EMPTY Speed". I Realy should of had my "Head Examined" for the VERY SILLY "Craps-man " purchase. Furter-more a "TRACTOR" IS A "Rig" with a 3 point hitch assembly, & or something with 40 PLUS Horse Power;;; ... Anything less is just a "Tinker-toy" just like 90% of those "Zero-turns" out there.

[@donaldstrishock3923]

@@vbelbel490 Of course, its a "rider-LAWNMOWER",, NOT A full-fledged "Garden-Tractor" aka.=That can get Real Work Done. Like doing ; tilling,plowing, discing,dirt Dozing, hauling HEAVY carts with "ease". Those little Vertical shaft( 10-26 hp.) Engine"s with their "Watch-gear- Hydro-howl-slack-o-matic's " twist -o -flex- missions are "Pure Tinker-Toys" ,no matter WHAT Horsepower they are Rated at. A ( near-junkyard) Cub-Cadet, Bolens,John-Deere( Real One), Simplicity, or Wheelhorse that's 40 years Old will BURY All those Vertical shaft engine powered " Tinker-toy's". The only thing "Good" about them is that they All have "New-compfey Seats" & PLASTIC Cup-holders.

[@FlatFifties]

If you can tweak your loader frame, it is a compact tractor. If you cannot tweak your loader frame no matter how hard you try, then it is a true utility tractor.

[@LedgemereHeritageFarm]

I’m not sure about that, I’ve seen a lot of loaders broken clean off of utility tractors

[@wizard_of_poz4413]

Id say kubota is basically top of the line for anything under 100hp

[@sugdaddy2205]

It’s funny u say u can tell by… but not always

[@Dave-fo1cb]

Anything you can put a mower underneath is a sub compact or compact tractor.

[@andrewcolvin4259]

PTO HORSE POWER

[@DougRoles-t2u]

love the comment about sneaky manufacturers putting compact buckets on utility tractors and then offering a deluxe loader,, how sad, very sneaky, can't trust these companies

[@johnserrano9689]

Also mike you forgot to mention that in the 80's into the 90's tractors like my own Deere 1050, the "full sized compact" tractors were a thing. The 1050 is legally rated at 37hp but you know aswell as myself they always dyno at 42 up to 45 46hp. Just an odd ball truely right in-between the true compacts and utility....Deere and yanmar both rated the old girl as said full sized compact tractor, but honestly what would YOU rate it? I believe pulling, hualing and pushing is a true utility, but the dated 7.5 gpm pump leaves the model 75 loaders 1500lb lift capacity as a big compact, but again where do you place it Mike? Now that you jave stirred my mind, jave me contemplating wtf it actually is i need a prompt answer from you lol thanks ahead of time hopefully Excellent video for the ladies and city boys, excellent job as always 👍

[@davidleehotaling]

I still think if you're going to much of anything especially hay or crops a row crop tractor 🚜 is way better.

[@d.a.ballou9740]

👍👍😁👨‍🚒

[@claytonkeeney8911]

1st🎉

[@bglinke]

Seriously Mike? Where they’re made? I am a big Tractor Mike fan, but “where they’re made” has to be the craziest thing to segregate tractors by. Come on, let’s be real here.

[@raywhite1442]

You're getting very hard to watch or listen to moreso

[@chrisogburn6364]

Your mistaken on the hydro theory. Maybe years ago but no longer the case. Do your research

[@subwarpspeed]

Why? Come with some makes and models disproving it, broadly. I helped one guy further down understand that a hydro-electric power shuttle isn't a hydrostatic transmission.