Best 30 Horsepower Tractors Available Today

They’re the go-to equipment of rural America – the 30-horsepower range, sub-compact and compact tractors. Loosely defined as tractors with horsepower ranging from 26-34, their pickup truck equivalents would be the Chevy Colorado, Ford Ranger, or Dodge Dakota. Great for mowing with a bush-hog, hauling yard waste, spreading manure, drilling fence-posts, or anything requiring a small front-end lift, the best 30 horsepower tractors can do just about anything you need done short of disking 500-hundred acre fields and hauling wagons full of grain.

Priced at budget-conscious levels, fans of these models run the entire spectrum of folks, from suburbanites needing snow removal and farm hobbyists mowing pastures, all the way up to full-scale ag-producers cleaning out feeding lots. What makes for the best 30hp tractor really depends on the users’ needs, budget, proximity to dealer support, or familiarity with the models sufficient to work on themselves with parts bought online.

Below are our top 5 30 horsepower tractors to check out with our spec analysis for review.

Kubota L3301

Kubota L3301

Among the more popular 30hp tractors tooling about the trails, the Kubota L3301 comes in both 2- and 4-wheel drive options. The direct injection, vertical, water-cooled, 4-cycle diesel engine kicks out 33 horsepower gross, with 31.4 horsepower net, and 27.7 at the PTO. A 3-cylinder unit, the bore and stroke measure 3.4 x 4.0 inches, with a total displacement of 111.4 and rated speed of 2,700. As typical with tractors this size, the machine runs off a 12-volt battery and 12-volt, 40-amp alternator. Fuel tank capacity is 11.1 gallons, and the PTO/engine speed cranks out at 540/2,430. The tractor features a Category I 3-point hitch with lift capacity at all points of 1,985 pounds, and 1,433 pounds at the 24-inch behind-lift points. Traveling speeds go up to 14 miles per hour forward and 12.7 in reverse. The machine itself is sized to manage, with an overall length of 107.9 inches, width of 55.1 inches, height of 91.7 inches, and a 63.3-inch wheel base. Total machine weight ranges 2,557 to 2,778 depending on drive options. Learn more here.

John Deere 3025D

John Deere 3025D

There’s a reason John Deere green dots the American landscape with the frequency it does, and the 3025D model is quite frequently seen among the ranks.  With a 24.7 horsepower engine and 20 horsepower at the PTO, the direct injection Yanmar engine sports three cylinders with a displacement of 100.2 cubic inches. With cast-in-block cylinder liners, the bore and stroke measures 3.46- x 3.54 inches with a compression ratio of 19:1:1. Engine torque is at a rated speed at 53.4 pounds-per-foot. The unit’s fuel tank capacity is 9.7 gallons The John Deere 3025 features a Category I hitch type with 1,640-pound lift capacity at 24-inch behind the link arms. The unit operates off an 8-forward and 8-reverse synchromesh shuttle shift gear transmission. Total weight of the open-station cab unit is 2,778 pounds with a 62-inch wheelbase. Hauling capacity exceeds 4,409 pounds and the contoured, comfortable seat adjusts both forward and backwards. Learn more here.

Mahindra 1626 HST

Mahindra 1626 HST

Part of the top-selling 1600 series, the Mahindra 1626 HST operates of a four-stroke, naturally aspirated, indirect injection, water-cooled diesel engine sporting 25.9 horsepower at 2,500 RPM. The three-cylinder unit offers a displacement of 80.4 cubic inches and utilizes a 7.1-gallon fuel tank. An infinite number of speeds are afforded by the HST-3 transmission with a dry-single clutch and wet disc braking system. With a live PTO, top rear speed is 540 at 2,376, with mid-PTO at 2,000 at 2,526, and total PTO horsepower at 19 horsepower. The Mahindra 1626 HST features an implement pump output 7.5, and maximum total flow of 10.8. The unit features a Category I 3-point hitch with telescoping stabilizers and lift capacity of 2,646 pounds. Powered by a 12-volt battery and 12-volt, 50-amp alternator, the machine’s total weight is 2,459 pounds. Measuring 121.3 inches in length, with an overall width of 63 inches, height is 81.5 inches, and the wheelbase is 67.3 inches. Learn more here.

New Holland Boomer 40

New Holland Boomer 40

Big Blue comes through by way of the New Holland Boomer 40 – one of the best 30-horsepower tractors in the industry. With 30.2 horsepower and a rated speed of 2,600, the four-cylinder diesel engine kicks out a displacement of 2.5. The battery is powered by way of a 50-amp alternator and the machine is fueled off a 9.5-gallon tank. A hydrostatic transmission sports three ranges off a synchro, twin-pedal, shuttle type. Maximum forward speed is 15 miles per hour, with a maximum reverse of 14 miles per hour, all with a mechanical, wet, multi-disc braking system. The New Holland Boomer 40 offers a Category 1 3-point hitch with a lift capacity of 2,755 pounds and hydrostatic steering. The electro-hydraulic-engaged PTO horsepower comes in at 34/32 with rear speed at 540 RPM, mid-speed at 2,000. The Big Blue machine measures 306 inches long, with a height to the top of the ROPS frame of 245 inches, and a 176-inch wheelbase. Total weight is 3,737 pounds. Learn more here.

Massey Ferguson 1735E

Massey Ferguson 1735E

Red and gold, big and bold, the Massey Ferguson 1735E brings 34 horsepower to the game, along with an independent HST transmission-driven PTO horsepower of 29. The Tier 4 Final, 1.5 liter, three-cylinder, liquid-cooled Shibaura engine offers an engine speed of 2,600 RPM and 8×8 Synchro Shuttle or 3-range HST transmission with open center hydraulics. Hydraulic capacity is 9.7 with a Category I three-point hitch and lift capacity of 1,598 pounds at the 24-inch mark behind the pins. Total unit weight is 2,734 pounds with a length of 122 inches, width of 64.2 inches, and cab height of 91.3 inches. The Massey Ferguson 1735E comes with a five-year powertrain warranty and ongoing support. Learn more here.

30 Horsepower Tractor Implements

One of the great things about the 30 horsepower tractors is they’re built to accessorize with implements.

Behlen Rotary Cutter

The Behlen Country Sub-Compact Rotary Cutter 4-Feet model offers an easy fit for sub-compact or compact tractors. With dimensions measuring 69 x 55 x 19 inches, the unit weighs 400 pounds and goes well with any of these models for bush hogging purposes.

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Behlen Grader Blade

Another worthy implement to accompany your 30hp tractor is a Behlen Country Medium Duty Grader Blade, 6-Feet model. Ideal for driveway maintenance, snow removal, dirt and gravel spreading, the 72 x 54 x 72-inch unit weighs 228 pounds and likewise fits most makes and models.

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New Holland Agriculture to Acquire Kongskilde Agriculture

New Holland Agriculture will expand its wide offering with new implement product lines as a result of CNH Industrial’s  agreement to acquire the agricultural Grass and Soil business of Kongskilde Industries, part of the Danish Group Dansk Landbrugs Grovvareselskab (DLG A.m.b.A.). This business develops, manufactures and sells solutions for agricultural applications in the Tillage and Hay & Forage segments under various brands, including Kongskilde, Överum and JF. Kongskilde will continue to operate through its current sales organization and its dealer network ensuring continuity in its customers’ support. (more…)

New Holland Updates T5 Series for 2016

New Holland has refreshed its T5 tractor series for 2016. The updated tractors not only meet more stringent Tier 4B engine emissions regulations, but also come equipped with new features designed to boost efficiency, productivity and comfort.

According to New Holland, the new T5 Tier 4B series is a short wheelbase haymaking and loader tractor, boasting a high power-to-weight ratio and a transmission that’s optimized for loader and haymaking operations. (more…)

New Holland Agriculture Wins Six AE50 Awards

New Holland Agriculture has won six AE50 Awards for engineering and innovation excellence by the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE).

The AE50 Award Program is sponsored annually by ASABE, and celebrates product innovations in the areas of agricultural, food, and biological system engineering. The Award is given to products that rank highest in innovation, significant engineering advancement, and impact on the market served.

“I am exceptionally proud of these awards and I consider them a fitting testament for New Holland in 2016,” said Carlo Lambro, brand president, New Holland Agriculture. “They represent the key  strengths of our brand, our people, who have shown unswerving dedication  and our commitment to developing state of the art technology, which improves the efficiency, productivity and sustainability of the world’s farmers.”

New Holland AE50 Awards

  • IntelliCruise Feed Rate Control System for New Holland BigBaler Series Large Square Balers
  • 315 and T7.290 Heavy Duty Tractors
  • Flexi-Coil P Series Air Carts
  • Modular and Configurable Rice Concave for New Holland CX Combines
  • Autofloat Sunflower Kit for Mid-range CX Combines
  • Dual Stream Header Attachment for all New Holland Combines

New Holland Applauds Passage of Section 179 Tax Break

Congress has approved tax legislation extending the $500,000 Section 179 capital assets depreciation limit and enhanced bonus depreciation.

“New Holland Agriculture and Construction applauds enactment of this legislation, which allows farmers and small businesses to immediately write off the full price of up to $500,000 in capital assets purchases (including farm and construction equipment) instead of depreciating it over time,” New Holland says in a release. (more…)

New Holland T7.315 Named Top Tractor at Agritechnica Show

New Holland‘s new T7.315 tractor was named the “Machine of the Year” 2016 in the large tractor category at Agritechnica 2015.

“This award represents an important validation that New Holland’s approach to product development that focuses on innovation specifically to meet our customers’ needs,” said Dan Valen, Cash Crop Segment Lead for New Holland North America. “Although this is a European award, we know our customers in North America will also appreciate the T7.315’s versatility, efficiency, comfort, and power. We are particularly proud to receive this award in 2015, when we are celebrating New Holland’s 120th anniversary of innovation in agriculture.” (more…)

New Holland Introduces New Braud Grape Harvesters

New Holland has unveiled a pair of new Braud grape harvester models that will hit dealerships in 2016. The Braud 7030M and 8030L introduce the new compact range concept for grape harvesters.

“From BlueCab 4 to the overall design of the machine, New Holland continues to be an innovator in grape harvester design, providing the utmost operator safety and comfort while maximizing harvest cleanliness, efficiency, and profitability,” said Jarrod Angstadt, Manager, Growth Initiatives, Biomass & Specialty Products for New Holland North America. (more…)

New Holland Displays Methane-Powered Tractor Concept

New Holland was displaying a unique alternative fuel tractor at Expo 2015 in Italy. Sitting atop the sloping roof of the Sustainable Farm Pavilion in Milan is the T6 Methane Power tractor.

This is a second-generation prototype based on a standard New Holland T6 tractor. What makes it different from current T6 Series tractors is that it is powered by a natural gas engine manufactured by FPT International, a sister company of New Holland. (more…)

New Holland Releases Boomer Cab Tractors

New Holland’s Boomer 37/41/47 compact tractors are now available with a factory-installed cab.

“Whether you load mulch, mow the lawn, move snow, or do farm chores, New Holland’s Boomer tractors have set the standard for efficiency, convenience, and ease of operation. Now, operators can work even more productively with the year-round comfort and protection of a cab,” says Todd DeBock, Pro Work Tools Market Segment Leader. (more…)

New Holland Unveils 2016 Guardian Rear Boom Sprayers

New Holland launched its new MY16 Guardian series rear boom sprayers at the Canadian Farm Progress Show in Regina, Canada. Three models make up the MY16 Guardian series: SP.260R, SP.300R, and SP.300C. Both the SP.260R and SP.300R are rear boom models.

Kubota says a smoother ride was achieved thanks to the added second rear suspension valve and also boasts improved leveling on side hills and crowned roads. As well, the 6.7L QSC Tier 4B engines are designed to deliver more horsepower while using less fuel. Operators will have the option to choose from a 1,000 or 1,200 gallon tank made from poly or stainless steel tank with both the SP.260R and SP.300R models. (more…)