more... > Commercial Horticulture > Equipment > Compact Tractors > How To Choose a Lawn/Garden Tractor - Cost and Life Two questions of interest to prospective purchasers are: How much do riding mowers and small tractors in the various classes cost and how long can I expect one to last? Will an ASAE Standard Quick Hitch Fit? [Image: ASAE standard quick hitch] The advantages of an ASAE standard quick hitch include faster, easier and safer hitching. To use a ASAE standard quick hitch, the implement hitch geometry must conform to the ASAE standard. Tires for Compact Utility Tractors [Image: Agricultural tire tread] Three types of rear tires are available for compact utility tractors, and at least five types are available for the front. The different types of tires serve different purposes. You can select agricultural tires for general farming, turf tires for use on turfgrass, or compromise with an industrial tread. Implements for Compact Utility Tractors [Image: Subcompact tractor with mid-mount mower and rotary tiller] The tractor by itself is of limited use. The tractor furnishes the power, but the implements allow the tractor to do useful work. Varied implements are available for compact tractors from both the tractor manufacturers and short-line manufacturers.  more articles... Adjusting Rotary Cutters Many people use a rotary cutter (often referred to by the copyrighted name “Bush Hog”) to cut grass and weeds, but, in too many cases, the implement is not correctly adjusted. This can cause premature wear, poor quality of cut, and an excessive power requirement. Adjusting Mid-Mount Tractor Mowers Mid-mount mowers for lawn, garden, and compact tractors typically have (two or) three blades and are designed for quality mowing of turfgrass. They are not designed to cut tall, weedy grass. They have multiple gage wheels and rollers that allow a relatively low cutting height with minimal scalping. Adjusting Finishing Mowers [Image: finishing mower with 4 wheels] Finish (or grooming) mowers typically have (two or) three blades and are designed for quality mowing of turfgrass. They are not designed to cut tall, weedy grass. They have multiple gage wheels and rollers that allow a relatively low cutting height with minimal scalping. PTO Generators for Tractors [Image: PTO generator] Although most people opt for small engine-driven generators, there are some real advantages to a generator that connects to a tractor power-take-off (PTO). Protect Your Hydraulic Cylinders from Rust [Image: rusted and pitted hydraulic cylinder] A common problem with hydraulic cylinders is rust and pitting of the cylinder rods. If equipment that incorporates hydraulic cylinders is stored outside with the cylinder rods extended, the rods are exposed to weathering. Eventually, the rods will begin to show specks of rust that develop into pits. Once rusting and pitting occur, the rod will destroy the cylinder seal the next time it is activated. Shift Up and Throttle Down to Save Fuel When performing such light-duty operations as mowing grass or making hay, it is sometimes possible to reduce fuel consumption by shifting to a higher gear and reducing engine rpm. What Equipment Manufacturers Do To Reduce Rust Farm and grounds maintenance equipment is often exposed to rain, high humidity, fertilizer, pesticides and corrosive plant materials (such as grass clippings). The manufacturers of that equipment have taken steps to try to protect the equipment and reduce the potential for corrosion. Lower that bucket or implement! [Image: Raised loader and implement] You should always lower your front loader bucket and/or rear implement when you dismount from a tractor or shut down a tractor. There are two reasons for this. Busting Rust -- 10 Things You Can Do To Prevent Farm Machinery from Corroding [Image: wash equipment after each use] While equipment companies are doing their part to reduce corrosion of tractors and farm equipment, how well you maintain your machinery will determine its useful life. Here are some rust prevention tips. How To Choose a Lawn/Garden Tractor - Transmissions [Image: gear transmission] There are three primary transmission systems used in riding mowers and the various classes of mowing tractors. More...