Features

Once you decide on a base model tractor, there are several important features you should consider.

Four wheel drive

Dealers estimate that 90% to 95% of the small to medium‐sized tractors they sell are four‐wheel drive (4WD)
models. The reasons are simple:

• 4wd is critical if you want to use a loader on the front of the tractor

• Tractors with 4WD have substantially better resale values

• Tractors are often used on surfaces with poor traction, where 4wd is a huge benefit

For basic mowing on relatively level ground, 4WD doesn't really offer any advantages, and it may do even more damage to finished lawns than 2‐wheel drive tractors. The only time 2wheel drive is clearly a better choice is when driving the tractor for long distances at road speeds. However, if you need to transport your tractor over long distances on a regular basis, you'd be better off buying a trailer and transporting it that way.

Performance and maintenance requirements are about the same in both options. In almost all cases, the bigger price tag of 4WD tractors is worth the investment.

Enclosed cabs

As in other types of small construction equipment, enclosed cabs are becoming a more popular option with new tractors. Enclosed cabs can greatly increase operators' comfort level when working in scorching sun or freezing temperatures.

Like 4WD, cabs add a significant amount to your initial purchase price, but also boost the resale value down the line. They can be fairly basic – an enclosure and a heater only – or totally decked out, with air conditioning, a stereo, and other comforts.

Enclosed cabs are not available on all tractors. Because of the power draw of the AC units (3‐4 HP), they're less common on tractors under 25 horsepower. And not all manufacturers offer cabs on all their models. But if your tractor will see a lot of use in very hot or cold weather, the extra investment in an enclosed cab can greatly increase their comfort – and therefore their efficiency.

Transmissions

While manual transmissions used to be the standard for tractors, other options are gaining in popularity. In particular, the hydrostatic transmission, which allows clutch‐free operation in a range of speeds, has become far more common than in years past.

Hydrostatic transmissions are the best choice if the primary operators of the tractor aren't familiar with using manual transmissions. However, they're more expensive, and they reduce the available horsepower slightly when compared to manual transmissions. If your operators are comfortable with using a clutch, you can save some money and get a little more power out of your tractor by choosing a manual transmission.