So, you finally did it. You bought land—two acres, five, maybe even ten or more. Whether you’re planning to maintain a large yard, start a small farm, or just keep your property looking good, one thing’s for sure: you’re going to need the right equipment to get the job done.

But with so many options out there—tractors, skid steers, compact excavators—where do you even start? If you’re new to land management, this guide will break down everything you need to know about tractors, compact equipment, and which one is right for your property.

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Tractors 101: What Size Do You Need?

A tractor is the most versatile machine you can own for property maintenance. Whether you need to mow, move dirt, clear land, or haul heavy loads, there’s a tractor that can handle it. But not all tractors are built the same. Let’s break them down by size:

1. Sub-Compact Tractors (15-25 HP)

Best for: 2-5 acres, homeowners, light-duty work

If your land is mostly open space with some light maintenance needs, a sub-compact tractor is a great place to start. These tractors are small but mighty—perfect for mowing, light grading, and hauling small loads. They typically come with mid-mount mower decks and can handle attachments like loaders, tillers, and small backhoes.

✅ Pros: Affordable, easy to store, great for mowing & general maintenance
❌ Cons: Limited lifting power, not ideal for heavy land clearing

2. Compact Tractors (25-50 HP)

Best for: 5-10 acres, larger properties, small farms

If you’re planning on tackling more than just mowing, a compact tractor is the way to go. These have more horsepower and better hydraulics, allowing them to handle front-end loaders, rotary cutters, and even post-hole diggers. This is the go-to size for homeowners who want a balance between power and maneuverability.

✅ Pros: Can handle heavier loads, more attachment options, better traction
❌ Cons: Higher cost, needs a larger storage space

3. Utility Tractors (50-100 HP+)

Best for: 10+ acres, commercial farming, heavy-duty work

If you’ve got serious land to manage or plan on farming, you’re looking at a utility tractor. These machines can handle large hay operations, plowing, and big-time land clearing. They require more experience to operate but offer the best performance for large-scale work.

✅ Pros: Handles large jobs, great for agriculture, high towing power
❌ Cons: Expensive, requires more maintenance, not needed for small properties

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Skid Steer vs. Tractor: What’s the Difference?

While tractors are the classic choice for landowners, skid steers offer a different kind of versatility. Instead of having a big, bulky frame like a tractor, skid steers are compact and designed to handle tight spaces.

Feature	Tractor	Skid Steer
Best for	Mowing, hauling, plowing, light excavation	Heavy lifting, grading, digging
Maneuverability	Good for open land	Great in tight spaces
Attachments	Mowers, tillers, front-end loaders, backhoes	Buckets, augers, forks, grapples
Power	Ideal for pulling & towing	Better for lifting & pushing
Cost	Can be more affordable for basic models	More expensive, but highly versatile

If you need general property maintenance, a compact tractor is your best bet. But if you’re working in tight spaces and need lifting power (like clearing brush, grading driveways, or moving heavy materials), a skid steer might be the better choice.

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What About Mini Excavators & Other Compact Equipment?

Sometimes, a tractor or skid steer isn’t enough. If you need serious digging power, a mini excavator might be the right tool for the job.

Mini Excavator vs. Tractor vs. Skid Steer

• A mini excavator is best for digging trenches, clearing land, and heavy excavation.
• A tractor is best for mowing, hauling, and general land maintenance.
• A skid steer is best for grading, lifting, and working in tight areas.

If you plan on digging for utilities, building fence posts, or clearing stumps, a mini excavator is the most efficient choice. Otherwise, a tractor or skid steer can handle most property maintenance needs.

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Choosing the Right Equipment for Your Property

Here’s a simple breakdown based on property size and needs:

If you have…

• 2-5 acres: Get a sub-compact or compact tractor with a mower deck and front-end loader.
• 5-10 acres: Consider a compact tractor with additional attachments like a rotary cutter and box blade.
• 10+ acres: Look at a utility tractor or consider adding a skid steer or mini excavator for heavy-duty work.

If your land has a lot of trees, rocks, or uneven terrain, a skid steer or mini excavator might be worth the investment.

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Final Thoughts: Making the Right Choice

Buying land is exciting, but maintaining it takes the right tools. The good news? You don’t have to figure it out alone.

At Harris Trading Company, we help first-time landowners get set up with the right equipment for their property and budget. Whether you need a tractor, skid steer, or compact equipment, we’ve got you covered.

Not sure what you need? Come see us, and we’ll walk you through your options. We’ll make sure you leave with the right machine—nothing more, nothing less.

📍 Visit us in Lebanon, TN, or give us a call today!