Guide to Compact Tractor Sizes

Tractors are typically grouped based on engine horsepower. At the low end of the spectrum, garden tractors are riding lawn mowers that usually have two-wheel drive and engines with under 20 hp.

Garden tractors typically do not have attachments or implements outside of the traditional mower deck. Utility tractors are at the opposite end of the spectrum. These tractors typically have 60- to 140-hp engines that are used on farms and in other kinds of commercial agriculture production. 

This article focuses on sub-compact and compact models, which are the tractors between the garden and utility versions. These are the machines you may want if you own an acreage and need a versatile machine that can not only mow, but also use attachments like front-end loaders or implements like box blades for yard work, snow removal and landscaping.