How Much Horsepower Do You Need

Once you have a handle on the types of jobs your tractor will be tackling, you can work with a dealer to determine what horsepower you need. Horsepower is the most basic distinction between tractor models: it dictates what work the tractor can perform, what types of attachments it can run, and, to a large degree, how much you'll pay.

Tractors with less than 25 HP make up the small end of the market. They're capable of handling most basic lawn work, but often can't provide enough power for more demanding jobs like tilling or heavy brush mowing. Between 25 and 65 horsepower is a comfortable middle ground that features tractors with capabilities suited for ranchette communities, horse farms, nurseries, and many commercial uses. Above 65 HP, you get into tractors designed for strenuous agricultural use, such as tilling fields and baling hay. The largest tractors for commercial farming feature 200 HP engines or larger.

Be aware: in some tractors, the horsepower available to attachments through the power take off (PTO) connection is less than the overall engine horsepower. Some attachments have more specific HP requirements than others, so make sure you check these ratings carefully.