What is the Best Small Tractor for the Money in 2024?

By choosing the best small tractor for the money you are making a smart and profitable investment in your farm business.

Because it’s hard to imagine a good farm in 2024 being successful without great equipment.

Small farms are widespread in the United States, which explains the demand for small tractors. In comparison to medium and big tractors, small ones have a lot of advantages for the most farms. And one of these advantages is the price.

The Top 10 Small Tractor for the Money in 2024

Tractor ModelPriceEngine HorsepowerTransmission
John Deere 1025R$15,00025Hydrostatic
Kubota BX1880$11,30018Hydrostatic
Mahindra eMax 20S$13,00019Hydrostatic
Massey Ferguson GC1723E$11,50022.5Power Shuttle
New Holland Workmaster 25S$13,50024Hydrostatic
Kioti CK2510HST$14,00024.5Hydrostatic
Yanmar SA221$12,50021.5Hydrostatic
Branson 2400$12,00024Hydrostatic
LS MT225S$13,00024.4Hydrostatic
Bobcat CT2025$16,50024.5Hydrostatic
These small tractors are reliable, efficient, and perfect for small-scale agricultural operations. Their compact size and versatile functionality make them a popular choice for farmers and gardeners alike.

Factors Affecting the Cost of a Compact Tractor

The main criteria for choosing a new or used tractor are:

  • Price
  • Reliability availability of a service center
  • Cost effectiveness
  • Availability of the necessary capacity and functionality
  • Ease of use Security
  • Reputation on the market (for possible resale in the future)

Which Small Tractor is Best For You

Let’s be honest – the best tractor on the market is 90% the best option for you. Therefore, I offer you a rating of modern tractors for small farms, and you will determine which option you prefer.

Are you in the market for a small tractor but feeling a little overwhelmed by all of the options? With so many models and brands to choose from, it can be difficult to know which one will be the right fit for your needs. But fear not, we’ve done the research for you and have put together a list of the best small tractors on the market. From features to pricing, and everything in between, we’ll guide you through the top contenders to help you make the best decision for your farm, yard, or landscaping needs!

John Deere 1025R

John Deere 1025R

The John Deere 1025R sub-compact tractor is one of the standouts in the market. It boasts a powerful Tier 4-compliant Yanmar diesel engine with 24.2 horsepower, making it highly versatile and able to tackle the most demanding chores effortlessly.

The iMatch Quick-Hitch system enables fast and easy implement changeover without the need for additional tools, which is a massive plus for customers. The hydrostatic transmission with Twin Touch foot controls allows operators to select both speed and direction of travel with just one touch of the toe, and because no clutching is needed for quick direction changes, it is perfect for loader or mower applications.

The John Deere 1025R features four-wheel drive and power steering, making it easy to maneuver through any space for more productive days on the property. The open operator’s station design ensures a more comfortable and convenient experience on the field, with controls located next to the fenders for ease of use. However, the overall height with the ROPS up is unreasonably high, making it slightly cumbersome.

With its fast and easy implement changeover, hydrostatic transmission, powerful diesel engine, four-wheel drive, and power steering, the John Deere 1025R sub-compact tractor is one of the best small tractors in the market. The forward-leaning design of the ROPS is a bit unwieldy, but the tighter turns offered by the machine more than compensate for this shortcoming. The tractor is ideal for a range of applications, including mowing and loader work, and offers good value for money.

Kubota BX1880

Kubota BX1880

The Kubota BX1880 is a top-performing sub-compact tractor with a three-cylinder diesel engine that produces a gross horsepower of 16.6 and 13.7 at the Power Take-Off. Its innovative and Kubota exclusive Swift-Tach loader technology allows for the quick and easy removal of the front-end loader in just four easy steps. This feature helps prevent ground compaction and turf damage when mowing and reduces the turning radius when working in confined areas or around trees.

The operator’s station is ergonomically designed, featuring a modern instrument panel, deluxe seat with armrest, tilt steering, and a fender-mounted front loader joystick. The Kubota BX1880 is also compatible with a full line-up of implements. The John Deere 1023E, one of its top competitors, has a loader system that is far from easy to use and requires each hydraulic line to be removed individually.

Pros:

  • Innovative and exclusive Swift-Tach loader technology
  • Ergonomically designed operator’s station
  • Compatible with a full line-up of implements

Cons:

  • No significant cons mentioned by users.

In a different article, John Deere vs. Kubota Compact Tractors, you can compare the models of these two popular brands more clearly.

Mahindra eMax 20S

Mahindra eMax 20S

The Mahindra eMax 20S sub-compact tractor is a versatile and powerful machine that is perfect for both homeowners and professionals. This tractor has a best-in-class turning radius and an impressive lift capacity for its size. It also comes with a wide range of available implements, making it a go-to toolbox for small-scale projects. The eMax 20S is the smallest sub-compact tractor model in the Mahindra range. It comes with the option of a deluxe cab, complete with a heater and windshield wipers for added comfort.

Measuring at just 94.2 inches long,44.5 inches wide and 79.6 to 86.6 inches tall, the eMax 20S has a compact design that provides impressive maneuverability. Its small size allows it to fit into tight spaces, making it ideal for smaller properties and projects. The tractor can also accommodate attachments, such as a side discharge mower with a 54-inch cutting width and 1-4 inch cutting height. Its standard skid steer style loader couplers make for a quick front implement connection.

The tractor’s tires have the highest built-in-weight in their class, providing better traction, safety and stability. This also results in reduced terrain damage in wet applications. The eMax 20S has the largest displacement engine in its class, which leads to a longer lifespan and quieter operation. The tractor also offers improved hauling capacity and better fuel economy.

The Mahindra eMax 20S comes with many features to enhance operator comfort during long workdays. These include mComfort seats with a turning function for easy operation of attachments, an ergonomically-designed operator station and a host of other features that can be found in the series brochure or by contacting a local Mahindra dealer.

Overall, the Mahindra eMax 20S is a small but hard-working tractor with many advantages over competitor models. Its compact design, best-in-class turning radius, and powerful lift capacity make it an ideal choice for smaller properties and projects. The only potential downside is that it may not have enough horsepower for larger tasks. However, for its size and price, the eMax 20S is a great value.

Massey Ferguson GC1723E

Massey Ferguson GC1723E

Massey Ferguson GC1723E is a top-performing sub-compact tractor that offers comfort and ease of use. Its spacious operator platform, logically placed foot pedals, and controls make it one of the most comfortable tractors in its class. The GC1723E comes with an integrated loader joystick, push-button cruise control, and a 2-speed hydrostatic transmission, making it incredibly easy to operate.

This tractor offers various attachments, including a front loader, mid mower, rear backhoe, and Cat I rear 3-point hitch, making it a highly flexible option. However, ensure that you select the correct implement to match the size of the GC1723E tractor model you have.

One of the significant advantages of the GC1723E is its power and performance. It has a proven and reliable drive train that provides a big tractor feel. The 540 rpm independent rear, and 2000 rpm mid-mount PTOs operate simultaneously, making it easy to perform different tasks concurrently.

The all-steel hood of the GC1723E is designed for better visibility, and powerful headlights improve visibility in low light. The premium seats with armrests and 12-volt outlet inside the storage compartment offer maximum comfort. The one-piece rubber floor mat and tilt steering make access and operation of this tractor more comfortable.

With a 3-cylinder diesel engine, 2-range hydrostatic transmission, and maximum speed of 9.1 mph, this tractor is efficient and ensures longer engine life. Its class-leading hydraulic flow delivers high 3-point lift capacity and fast loader response. However, select the appropriate attachment size for your model.

In conclusion, Massey Ferguson GC1723E is one of the best small tractors on the market. Its power, flexibility, and ease of use make it an excellent investment for anyone looking for a reliable sub-compact tractor. However, ensure that you choose the correct attachment size for your GC1723E model. 

New Holland Workmaster 25S

New Holland Workmaster 25S

The New Holland Workmaster 25S is a reliable and easy-to-operate sub-compact tractor perfect for homeowners and AG-lifestylers. With its powerful 25 engine HP and fuel-efficient diesel engine, it can handle a variety of tasks, including yard maintenance, landscaping, gardening, and property maintenance. Its compact size makes it easy to maneuver around obstacles and in confined spaces.

One of the Workmaster 25S’s strengths is its versatility. Choose from different tractor and implement package combinations, including a 100LC front loader, a 905GBL backhoe, and a mid-mount mower. The front loader allows you to load and move dirt, mulch, firewood, snow, and more, while the backhoe adds digging, excavating, and trenching capabilities. The mid-mount mower covers large lawns quickly with its wide mowing width.

Another advantage of the Workmaster 25S is its ease of use. Its Dual pedal transmission design makes speed and direction changes simple, while its well-placed, color-coded controls make operating it like a pro a breeze. The forward and reverse pedals feature anti-slip rubber pads that are color-coded and embossed for safe operation.

However, the Workmaster 25S does have a few drawbacks. While its 6.6-gallon fuel tank is generous, it may still require frequent fill-ups depending on your workload. Additionally, its 3-point hitch is chain-type stabilizers/fixed link ends, limiting its compatibility with certain implements.

Overall, the New Holland Workmaster 25S is a versatile and reliable sub-compact tractor perfect for homeowners and AG-lifestylers. Its power, ease of use, and options for different tractor and implement packages make it an excellent choice for those in need of a hard-working small tractor.

best compact tractor for the money

In the end, we let ourselves assume that you will also be interested in knowing how much does a farmer make, are we right?