more... > Commercial Horticulture > Equipment > Compact Tractors > Lift Boom for Tractor 3-pt Hitch [Image: Lift boom on compact tractor] One of the handiest implements you can put on your tractor is a lift boom for the 3-point hitch. In some areas these are called boom poles or gin poles. Safety With Post Hole Diggers [Image: Post hole digger on tractor] Post hole diggers mounted on tractors and powered by the tractors’ PTO shafts are useful tools for setting posts, planting trees, and other uses, but they can cause serious injury if not used correctly. The Farm Equipment Manufacturers Association (FEMA) is an organization whose members manufacture post hole diggers. They have developed some guidelines to help you use their products more safely. Remove That Loader Bucket! [Image: Front-end loader on compact tractor] Removing the bucket from the front-end loader on your tractor is very easy (on newer loaders) and makes your tractor much more maneuverable. You should develop the habit of removing the loader bucket whenever you use your tractor for mowing, tilling, etc. Overturn Protection for Compact Utility Tractors [Image: ROPS and seatbelt] Compact utility tractors are small diesel tractors with less than 40 horsepower. All current models come equipped with two important safety features: a rollover protective structure (ROPS) and a seatbelt. These two safety components can go a long way toward protecting you in case of an overturn - if you use them.  more articles... Wear That Seat Belt! [Image: ROPS and seatbelt on compact tractor] All compact tractors currently sold have Rollover Protective Structures (ROPS), and most larger zero-turn mowers now have this safety feature also. A ROPS that is properly designed and used can prevent serious injury in most overturn accidents. One of the most important considerations in ROPS protection is to wear your seatbelt. Hydraulic Cylinder to Replace Upper Link on Tractor 3-Point Hitch [Image: Hydraulic cylinder to replace 3rd arm] A tractor 3-point hitch is handy and versatile. The upper link of a 3-point hitch is a turnbuckle that allows adjustment of the angle of the implement on the hitch. It is possible to replace this link with a hydraulic cylinder. How To Choose a Lawn/Garden Tractor - Where To Buy You will save money in the short run at discount stores and mass merchandisers. You will pay more but get better quality equipment and service with dedicated lawn and garden dealers or farm equipment dealers. Four-Wheel-Drive for Lawn & Garden and Compact Utility Tractors [Image: FWA on compact tractor] FWA provides four-wheel-drive when engaged. FWA substantially increases the cost of a tractor, but it provides some important benefits. Implements for Compact Tractors: Selection, Use, Maintenance and Safety [Image: Compact Tractor Implements] Compact utility tractors are popular with farmers, landscape contractors and rural landowners. In fact, compact tractors are by far the best-selling tractor category. These small tractors are virtually useless by themselves, but they are versatile when equipped with the proper implements and attachments. This publication discusses the selection of suitable implements for use with compact tractors. Suspension Systems for Mower Decks on Lawn and Garden Tractors Mid-mount rotary mower decks are common on lawn tractors, garden tractors, subcompact tractors and smaller compact utility tractors. There are two ways that these decks can be mounted, and the mounting method affects adjustment and operation. Safety Standards for Riding Mowers and Small Tractors Riding mowers, lawn tractors, lawn and garden tractors, and garden tractors are covered by several safety standards that are designed to protect you, the operator. Quick Hitches for Compact Utility Tractors [Image: ASAE quick hitch] Many implements are available for rear mounting on compact utility tractors, including mowers of various types, tillers, angle blades, box blades, cultivators, bedders and rakes. These machines add versatility to your tractor, but mounting them to the tractor’s 3-point hitch can be a hassle. A quick hitch can make your job much easier. How To Choose a Lawn/Garden Tractor - Quality Versus Price [Image: welded front axle] Do you get what you pay for when buying a mowing tractor? There is certainly a wide range of prices; in fact, you can easily pay twice as much for a lawn tractor at a major farm equipment dealer as you would pay for a lawn tractor with the same horsepower and mowing width at a discount store. What do you get for the additional money? Mowers for Compact Utility Tractors [Image: mid-mount mower deck] Mowing grass is the most popular way that homeowners use compact utility tractors. Different types of mowers serve different purposes, and you should choose the correct mower for your needs. Click for more information...