2022 Compact Tractor Buyer's Guide #2 Selecting Frame Size & Transmission Type

Looking to buy a compact tractor this spring? Tractor Time with Tim discusses the differences in frame sizes for tractors that have the same horsepower.

Tractor Time with Tim Information:

Sponsors:
Ken's Bolt on Hooks
Use Code TTWT for 5% Discount!

Use code TTWT for 5% Discount

Ariat Clothing and Shoes:

John Deere 2038R, 5075E, & 835M HVAC Gator
AHW LLC John Deere Dealership

John Deere Parts
Use code TTWT for FREE Shipping

Baumalight 1P24 Stump Grinder

ISOtunes Bluetooth Hearing Protection
Use code TTWT to save 10%

Artillian (Curtis Cabs)
Grapples, Pallet Fork Frames, Snow Plows, Canopies, ROPS Mount Accessories

Precision Grapple
5% Discount Using Code TTWT

Rhino Ag

Lube Shuttle
Use Code TTWT for 5% Discount

The Original Tractor Cab
Use Code TTWT for 5% Discount

Hydraulic Supplies

Hydraulic Valves

Deck Dolly Mid mount mower storage solution

Limbsaw

Terra King TKV20

PTO Link

Mudd’s Custom
Use code TTWT for 5% off

00:00 - Intro
00:21 - EPA Regulations
00:59 - 3 Frame Sizes Same HP
07:17 - Hydrostatic vs. Gear Drive Transmission
11:33 - Summary

[philsmock]

This series is going to be very helpful for anyone looking to buy their first time tractor. Looking forward to the next one.

[-LOW]

I actually started my tractor search knowing that I wanted a sub-compact. I was especially drawn to the idea of being able to get the tractor and multiple implements/attachments for the same cost as a compact tractor and loader alone. After I looked at them in person, I began to realize that they would struggle mightily with a 5' box blade full of gravel climbing a grade, or plowing, or running a 6' bush hog, or most of the other jobs I had in mind. Mainly it's a machine weight issue. The power is there, but as my father would say, the sub-compact "just doesn't have enough ass to get the job done." So, I ended up buying a compact tractor instead and I couldn't be happier. There are times it feels like I could have even gone larger, but the compact size with 40 HP has been able to do all the tasks I need.

[gaffster]

Our water delivery panel truck driver wandered off the driveway and was past axle deep in the mud. We both could not believe it when my 3025e pulled it right out. It has been a joy when brush hogging.

[garycox]

I wish you had made this video about 2 years ago LOL when I was just entering the world of tractors. I think it condenses about 3 months worth of research into 13 minutes. Great info!

[Bob-vblc]

That was a good conversation Tim. It will certainly help people to narrow down their tractor choice. I love my 1025R

[davidschomp]

Makes me wonder how many would be interested in a turbo kit for the 25hp... especially on the larger frames to get around the DPF

[peaklettuce]

Solid overview, couple points worth mentioning. The larger frame tractors get you bigger tires and more ground clearance which can be important if you get into soft/muddy offroad places.

Second, the downsides to HST being higher fuel consumption and it also contributes to reducing the PTO power compared to a gear tractor. In many cases that compromise is fine (like mentioned loader operations) but a gear tractor larger frame could be an equalizer to a medium frame HST if the frame and weight are more important than the transmission.

[Kcolby]

Very good observations that point out that horsepower is not the only or even main consideration for those who are looking to make buying decisions. Well done. Blessings.

[dwayneloftice]

Great "Info-ma-tion" segment, Tim. I am current owner/operator of a HST tractor that is perfect for my current needs but also have many, many years of a larger gear-drive tractor that was purchased for the previous heavy-duty applications. Your comments on those differences are right on point!

[jamesyates]

Great review Tim. I went from a 54 hp New Holland gear to a JD2038R. The NH was way too big for my property with numerous trees (it came with the property). I love the hydrostatic transmission and I would probably not anything else. As far as the regen issue goes it rarely gets in my way. If it starts up just before I want to quit I just shut it down and it starts up the next time I use it.

[Keith.Zielinski]

I enjoy hearing your honest opinion! Thank you! 😃

[michaelmartin]

This is a very helpful series for new (and old) tractor owners. Thanks for doing this series. What I really wanna know are the metal tabs with the holes in them at the top ends of the new buckets. So far no one seems to know their purpose.

[MRSketch]

Great video. Informative. Thanks for the heads up.

I was curious about this myself.

[chasbass]

Thank you for doing this series. In the market for new tractor. I have yet to see a video that discusses the reliability of the newer tractors that use a multitude of sensors/electronics. Last year I tried to help a friend with a green tractor that would start but not move. The info online was all over the place as far as troubleshooting. Ended up at the dealer and $300 bill to diagnose and fix a bad or dirty connector. So one factor to consider is complexity and reliability of an hst vs gear vs shuttle-shift after the warranty runs out.

[bill]

Hey Tim: Great video. One thing that i learned watching Messicks review the same topic of same HP and different size frames is WEIGHT. If you need to run over lawns or grass areas, a bigger size will weight considerably heaver and most likely tear up the lawn. So an assessment of what the tractor will be normally used for is also a factor for consideration.

[lcee]

Great explanation of frame size vs hp.
It seems that figuring out what “size” of tractor will meet all needs then add as much hp as needed or even a bit more if affordable.

[jasonhof]

No kidding! I always wondered about those holes in my bucket. It’s a shame my dealer couldn’t tell me where they came from.

[jasonbarthel]

Super informative as always, Thank you Tim!

[vincentvanpaepeghem]

Great video Tim! Lots of great information! Thanks for sharing! Have a great and awesome day!

[livedlearnedDIY]

Another great, informative and entertaining video Tim. Keep them coming.