The Best Sub-Compact Tractors for Your Money

Small and mini tractors, otherwise known as sub-compact tractors, are popular and affordable equipment to manage small-medium acreages and small farm properties. They are easy to operate, versatile, and cost effective.

Sub-compact tractors are the smallest tractor and usually have up to 25 HP engines. They’re often accompanied by a lineup of implements used to mow grass and thick brush, plow snow, tackle landscaping projects, assist with pet or livestock chores, and maintain trails. As the popularity of acreages, country estates, and small homesteaded farms has gained, sub-compact tractors have become the Swiss Army Knife of country life.

Benefits of sub-compact tractors

You might be asking yourself, “Is a sub-compact tractor right for me? Why would I choose a sub-compact tractor over other tractor or property maintenance equipment?” Or, “Will I use all the features?”

All are valid questions to consider. When evaluating whether a sub-compact tractor is the right choice for your small farm or acreage, consider the following:

• Is your property larger than two acres?
• Do you:
  • Need to do more than just mow grass?
  • Plan to plow snow?
  • Have livestock or pets that require manure management, fence maintenance, or feed management?
  • Have extensive garden or landscaping projects that entail moving large amounts of dirt, compost, loose gravel, concrete blocks, boulders, or other heavy loose materials?
  • Have plans for extensive dirt work that requires the use of a backhoe?
  • Have extensive yard projects that require heavy hauling in tight areas?

If the answer to any of these questions is “Yes,” then a sub-compact tractor may be the right choice for you. Sub-compact tractors can pack a lot of punch in a little package. Managing an acreage or small farm requires various skills, and you need a tractor that can work alongside you. If you are new to tractors or don’t need a tractor with a lot of HP or a wide variety of implements and attachments, check out our list of the best sub-compact tractors for your money.

Affordable sub-compact tractors

John Deere sub-compact tractors and Kubota tractors are some of the most popular equipment manufacturers and each has its strengths. Kubota sub-compact tractors boast a large lineup and versatile selection of implements. Though less popular, Massey Ferguson, New Holland, and Mahindra have great options for sub-compact tractors and may be a better fit depending on your property’s needs.

Mahindra sub-compact tractors

Models: Mahindra 1120 HST, 1126 HST, eMAx 20 S HST, eMAx 25L HST Cab

Horsepower range: 19.4 HP – 25.3 HP

Cab Options: Yes/heated & cooled

New Holland sub-compact tractors

Models: New Holland Workmaster 25S

Horsepower range: 24.7 HP

Cab Options: Yes/heated

Massey Ferguson sub-compact tractors

Models: Massey Ferguson 1526, GC1723E, GC1723EB, and GC1725M. 

Horsepower range: 22.5 HP – 24.8 HP

Cab Options: Yes

John Deere sub-compact tractors

Models: John Deere 1023E and 1025R

Horsepower range: 21.5 HP – 23.9 HP

Cab Options: Yes/heated

Kubota sub-compact tractors

Models: Kubota BX1880, BX2380, BX2660, BX23S, and BX2680

Horsepower range: 16.1 HP – 24.8 HP

Cab Options: Yes/heated

Read on to see our list of top sub-compact tractors.

Mahindra eMax 20S HST sub-compact tractor

Engine HP: 19.4 HP

PTO HP: 14.2 HP

Max Lift Capacity: 680 lbs. 

Cab Options: Yes/ Heated

Best Uses: Small acreages, cold climates and plowing snow, hauling branches and mowing in tight spaces.

Average Price in 2024: According to Tractor Zoom data in August, the average dealer listing price is around $18,000.

The smallest sub-compact tractor in our lineup is an affordable option for small acreages in cold climates. The battery system is designed to start easily in cold weather, perfect for properties where digging out of the driveway is a must. The Mahindra eMax 20S HST is small but mighty. Its short turning radius and small frame allow it to expertly maneuver tight spaces and turns. With a max lift capacity of 680 lbs., the eMax 20S is best for small jobs around the farm. 

Massey Ferguson GC1725M sub-compact tractor

Engine HP: 24.5 HP

PTO HP: 18.5 HP

Max Lift Capacity: 622 lbs. 

Cab Options: Yes

Best Uses: Small to midsize tasks, trail building, mowing, owners who value comfort.

Average Price in 2024: According to Tractor Zoom data in August, the average dealer listing price is just over $15,700.

The Massey Ferguson GC1725M is one of the most affordable sub-compact tractors that delivers creature comforts and power.  It includes a 12V outlet in the glovebox to charge your phone or other small electronics, foldable armrests on the seat, tail light brush guards, and a rear work light. The upgraded comfort doesn’t take away from the tractor’s powerful performance.

The Massey Ferguson GC 1700 sub-compact tractor is a good mini tractor for value-conscious small acreage owners who like to build trails, landscape, or tackle DIY projects around their small farm or acreage. 

New Holland Workmaster 25S Sub-Compact Tractor

Engine HP: 24.7 HP

PTO HP: 17.2 HP

Max Lift Capacity: 1,005 lbs. 

Cab Options: Yes/Heated

Best Uses: Heavy lifting, riders who need extra legroom or easy entry and exit, areas where stability and power is a major concern. 

Average Price in 2024: According to Tractor Zoom data in August, the average dealer listing price is just under $18,000.

The New Holland Workmaster 25S is designed for ease of use and comfort. With one of the largest max lift capacities in the sub-compact segment, the 25S is great for heavy loads. Optional attachments include a 60-inch deck under-mount mower, front-end loader, and backhoe. 

If legroom is important to you, take note of New Holland’s flat platform design. Built for easy entry and exit, this trip-free zone adds an extra layer of comfort. The color-coded controls reduce the learning curve, and there’s even a compartment to charge your phone. The Workmaster 25S is best for small acreages with heavy loads due to livestock management or large landscaping projects.

John Deere 1025R sub-compact tractor

Engine HP: 23.9 HP

PTO HP: 17.2 HP

Max Lift Capacity: 758 lbs. 

Cab Options: Yes/Heated

Best Uses: Large mowing areas, plowing snow. Good for owners who switch between implements often or complete small to midsize projects.

Average Price in 2024: According to Tractor Zoom data in August, the average dealer listing price is around $19,000.

The John Deere 1025R is one of the most popular sub-compact tractors. Implements quickly attach without the use of tools, so you can get to work faster. The 1025R offers an optional heated cab to keep out the elements and LED headlights. At the top of the line for sub-compact tractors, you’ll be riding easy in the upgraded seat suspension and armrests. With the second largest max lift capacity on our list, the 1025R is good for heavier loads.

Kubota BX23S sub-compact tractor

Engine HP: 21.6 HP

PTO HP: 17.7 HP

Max Lift Capacity: 680 lbs. 

Cab Options: Yes/Heated

Best Uses: Hilly properties that require a variety of implements, projects that require a backhoe 

Average Price in 2024: According to Tractor Zoom data in August, the average dealer listing price is around $20,000.

The Kubota BX23S comes standard with a backhoe attachment, but that’s only one example of Kubota’s impressive lineup of implements. The backhoe can be used to dig holes for planting, create drainage ditches, or even light excavation. 

With a max lift capacity of 680 lbs., it’s one of the lighter haulers in this category. However, with an upgraded seat and optional cab, you are sure to be riding in comfort.

Finding value in used sub-compact tractors

Over the past few years, used tractors, like used vehicles, have been selling at elevated prices. In 2024, focus your search for subcompact tractors with low machine hours and little to no visible wear and tear. Keep in mind that the most affordable used subcompact tractors might not be in your immediate area. Expand your search radius and consider looking for small and mini tractors in areas that experienced an influx of small acreage or farm purchases between 2020 and 2023 and are now due to trade in for upgrades.

Tractors vary in how well they retain their value. At its core, resale value boils down to the brand’s reputation, parts availability, and the resilience of the tractor model itself. 

Due to the brand’s popularity, tractor quality, and parts availability, John Deere holds resale value. Fluctuations will depend on the popularity of the individual model, and more popular models will generally have a higher availability of parts and repair knowledge.

Kubota is another trustworthy brand known for quality machines and strong parts availability. That said, Mahindra, New Holland, and Massey Ferguson have all been solid brands that have stood the test of time.

Prioritize the features and capabilities that are most important to you and shop sub-compact tractors nationwide with TractorZoom.com so you can find the best tractor for your money.