Home > Lawn & Garden > Home Gardening > 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. 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. 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).  more articles... 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. Raking Pine Straw [Image: Old dump-style rake] Pine straw makes an excellent mulch and is much in demand for landscaping. If you own some land with pine trees, you can easily rake your own pine straw. Dirt Scoop for Compact Tractors [Image: Dirt scoop for tractor] A dirt scoop is a handy attachment for small tractors. It will allow you to dig, move, and dump small quantities of soil, gravel, sand, or other materials much easier than you can do with a shovel and wheelbarrow and much less expensively than with a front-end loader on your tractor. Mounting a Hydraulic Cylinder to Replace the Upper Link on a Tractor 3-point Hitch [Image: 3-point hitch cylinder] These photos and drawings show how to use an ASAE standard 3" x 8" hydraulic cylinder to provide a power-adjustable upper link for a tractor 3-point hitch. 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. Click for more information...