­Selecting a tractor for the small farm or lifestyle block

­So you have the farm, and you realised just what a tremendous number of activities need to be done on a regardless of the size of the property.  For the new or beginning farmer, one inevitable hurdle to overcome is how you will power your farm activities? 4wd drive bike or tractor? Contractor or do it yourself? Usually if is a mix of both but if you have decided that having a tractor fits into your life, read on. Personally on our property we could not be without one.

­So “What tractor should you buy?”, and “How much does a tractor cost?”  and with all things agricultural, the answer is “it depends”. “What do you want and need to do with a tractor, and, how much can you afford to spend?”  What implements will you need your tractor to operate?

­We use our tractor on a regular basis for:

­Harrowing dung back into the paddocks. This helps decrease animal worm counts, stops the paddocks from growing weeds and encourages the grass to re-grow.

­Mowing larger areas than our lawns )we have a rideon mower for that). Mowing grass regularly avoids grass from becoming rank, cut grass feeds the pasture and cut grass means less ticks on your animals at certain times of the year.

­Spreading fertiliser – self explanatory really but important at least twice a year.

­Spreading wood chips in gates and around troughs to avoid animals creating mud holes.

­Picking up and moving things that are too heavy for the wheelbarrow and your back.

­Pulling out things like old trees or old fence poles.

­Pulling the firewood trailer around the property.

­Once you get started you will find yourself using your tractor for as many operations as possible on your farm and as you build experience you will use it more not less and it is likely at some point you will consider your first tractor just not big enough!