2025 compact tractor buyer’s guide

Are you a farmer or weekend warrior with a patch of paradise, but can’t quite justify a full-size tractor? A compact tractor is an indispensable tool that will do the work of multiple machines without breaking a sweat.

These versatile machines can handle everything from slashing paddocks, maintaining fence lines, and even light earthworks. Unlike single-use machines, like ride-on mowers, a compact tractor is limited only by your imagination. Think of them like a skid-steer, excavator and tractor all-in-one.

Additional benefits of compact tractors are affordable entry prices and lower running costs than larger tractors or dedicated earthmoving equipment. Plus, with the growing popularity of the compact tractor segment, the array of accessories and implements is huge.

They’ve come a long way, too, with the majority now featuring powerful diesel engines and hassle-free hydrostatic transmissions for all-day running, as well as intuitive cockpits for straight-forward operation. Gone are the days of compact tractors masquerading as beefed-up mowers.

This guide catalogues the leading compact tractors in 2025, from proven manufacturers you can trust.

John Deere is a longstanding leader in the Australian tractor market, with its iconic green machines littering farms around the nation. You will, however, pay a premium for a Deere.

The brand’s 3 Series compact utility tractors are engineered to deliver the performance of a larger machine in a nimble package, sharing proven John Deere DNA while still offering unique ‘small tractor’ features.

The 3 Series lineup includes the 3033R and 3038E, 3039R and 3046R, all powered by three-cylinder Yanmar diesel engines backed by John Deere hydro transmissions with four-wheel drive. The entry 2028E model is an open-cab, while the rest are offered with either an open- or closed-cab layout.

While compact in nature, the premium 3R models offer advanced features like an e-throttle, which automatically adjusts engine RPM when the pedals are pressed for improved fuel efficiency, and LoadMatch, which prevents the engine stalling during heavy use.

John Deere offers an impressive range of factory implements like intelligent auto-connect mowing decks, rotary tillers and front blades. For everything else, the aftermarket is brimming with options.

The 3 Series offers robust build quality, serious hydraulic capacity, and a strong focus on operator comfort, making it a compelling choice for farmers who want maximum productivity out of a compact tractor.

Related: John Deere 1025R compact tractor review

Quick specs:
• Horsepower range: 25-46hp
• Transmission: Hydrostatic
• Lift capacity: Up to 995kg
• Ideal for: Larger properties, slashing, post hole boring and heavy loader work

Kubota has earned its place as a dominant force in the Australian compact tractor market, forging a reputation for Japanese reliability and output.

The brand’s popular B Series, starting with sub-compact models like the B2301 right up to compact workhorses like the B3150, ticks all the right boxes.

Kubota’s B Series models use the brand’s famously reliable three- and four-cylinder diesel engines, paired with a three-range hydrostatic transmission and four-wheel drive with power ratings up to 31hp.

The B Series models have factory-fitted front loader and backhoe options, as well as mid-mount mowers, making them incredibly versatile out of the box. The larger B50 models also offer serious lift capacity, capable of rivalling small skid steers.

With spacious open- and closed-cabin designs and intuitive controls, the B Series models are designed for long days in the seat, making them a proven option for operators wanting a tractor that will work as hard as them.

Quick specs:
• Horsepower range: 22-31hp
• Transmission: Hydrostatic
• Lift capacity: Up to 970kg
• Ideal for: Small-scale farming, property maintenance, integrated loader/backhoe use

With a rich heritage in Australian agriculture, the Massey Ferguson name is trusted by farmers young and old, with 175 years of experience building tractors. In fact, many of the brand’s older tractors still put to work on Australian farms were built locally at the Bendigo and Bundaberg plants.

Massey Ferguson’s 1800 Series compact range is based around mechanical simplicity and serious productivity, made up of the open-cab 1800 E Series economy models and closed cab (optional) premium 1800 M Series models.

The 1800 Series models are all powered by dependable Iseki diesel engines with power ratings up to 39.4hp, running through a three-range hydrostatic transmission and with four-wheel drive as standard. They also feature no-nonsense features like a ground-level fuel fill, quick-attach front hitch, and rear PTO with the option of two rear hydraulic remotes.

While they may not have the advanced features of some premium competitors, the 1800 Series tractors focus on getting the job done without all the bells and whistles. These are a tough, high-output, no-nonsense workhorse that lives up to the trusted Massey Ferguson name.

Quick specs:
• Horsepower range: 34.9-39.4hp
• Transmission: Hydrostatic
• Lift capacity: Up to 1000kg
• Ideal for: Small- to medium-sized farms, serious landscaping duties, general-purpose work where access is tight

Case IH is a serious player in the tractor world, known for making some of the biggest broadacre units known to man. But, its lesser-known compact Farmall Series has been proving that bigger isn’t necessarily better since 1923.

While the Farmall range runs right up to the 110hp JX workhorse, for the purpose of this guide we’ll be looking at the smaller Farmall B lineup which brings big-ag credibility to the compact market.

The expansive Farmall B series, which includes the 20B, 25B, 35B, 40B, 50B and 60B, uses three- and four-cylinder diesel engines with ratings ranging from 23-57hp. The models offered a three-range hydrostatic or 16x16 synchro transmission, catering to both new and old school operators.

The tractors are designed to be genuine all-rounders, equally capable of loader work, slashing, or running a wide variety of PTO-driven implements, all while offering a compact footprint.

While other compact models in this guide are suited to hobby farms and small blocks, the larger 50B and 60B models from Case IH will handle serious work, suitable for operators who don’t want to be left wondering whether they should have bought a bigger machine.

Case IH has focused on operator comfort in the B series models, with spacious, semi-flat platforms and ergonomic, colour-coded controls that will feel familiar to anyone who has operated larger tractors. These are a serious compact tractor for operators wanting a tough, one-size-fits-all option on the farm.

Quick specs:
• Horsepower range: 25-57hp
• Transmission: Hydrostatic or mechanical
• Lift capacity: Up to 1131kg
• Ideal for: General farming, commercial use, loader work and implement operation

Mahindra is the world’s largest tractor manufacturer based on volume, and the brand is known for offering incredible value. But, with the launch of its next-generation range of OJA compact tractors in Australia, Mahindra now offers advanced features typically reserved for more expensive models.

The latest OJA range encompasses the sub-compact 1100 series and compact 2100 series lineups, which offer an impressive array of standard features and serious lift capacity despite being small machines.

Mahindra timed the launch of these machines to coincide with its 20-year anniversary in Australia, and the company claims the new range is engineered to withstand harsh local conditions while offering serious operator comfort.

Looking specifically at the OJA 2100 compact series, the 2126 HST model comes equipped with a three-cylinder diesel engine producing 26hp engine, coupled to a three-range hydrostatic transmission. There’s a stout rear lift capacity of 800kg.

The cabin fitout is suitably high-tech, featuring a wide flat operator platform with power steering and a digital driver display. Mahindra also offers a fully integrated HVAC cab as an option, making the little OJA 2126 a serious all-weather contender.

Mahindra has always offered incredible value, but now its models offer class-leading technology too. If you’re after a well-priced machine with all the bells and whistles, the Mahindra OJA range could be the choice for you.

Quick specs:
• Horsepower range: 23hp to 26hp
• Transmission: Hydrostatic
• Lift capacity: Up to 800kg
• Ideal for: Small-scale agriculture, light commercial use, landscaping duties, farmers wanting affordable yet proven option