Garden tractor loaders, which are often also known as mini tractors in the construction industry, are smaller versions of the more traditional tractors, which you might see on a countryside farm. They are made for smaller applications and for the public, for use in small to medium sized gardens. Their primary use in the western world is for cutting grass and can be seen as a ride-on lawnmower for larger properties.
Although a garden tractor loader and a ride-on lawnmower might look extremely similar, their strengths and weaknesses are very different. Garden tractor loaders are built a lot more sturdily, generally because they are used for more arduous tasks than just cutting grass. They have chunkier frames, wider axles and a more rigid transmission setup. Another great advantage over the lawnmowers is that it can also be given additional attachments, such as bale makers, sweepers, dozer balls or cultivating blades for plowing.
Similar features between the two are that they usually almost always have a vertically positioned crankshaft engine. Like lawnmowers, garden tractors have gears, usually four or five, which allow them to be used at different speeds and for varying uses. David Brown, Massey and Farmall to name a few manufacturers also build variations on engine types, in both petrol or diesel types, which are more commonly bought in Europe.
Garden tractor loaders are always owners to either a front or a middle engine base, this is for ballast and a good centre of gravity during times where the machine is working. This also allows for a better towing capability, bringing simplicity to some of the gardens more complicated landscaping tasks; you will no longer require many different machines to complete your task list. Each extension put onto the long-arm serves a different purpose and is capable of completing the job to a professional level.
The heavier duty tractors are also built in miniature versions. The reason for this is usually either to reduce rental or purchase costs, but also to make them more flexible for use in gardens where access might be in low supply. There are models that can be taken apart so can be carried or driven down a narrow path between two houses or if the job is much bigger and sturdier machinery required, one can be lifted over the roof of the house. Of course, this is extremely costly, as the delivery truck will charge, along with the driver and operator of all of the safety equipment.
From the task of plowing up ground, so hacking out old concrete, removing old turf and lifting all of this mess into a tip, a garden tractor loader can be the single tool that you will require. The rear wheels are large and sturdy enough to stay stable on both flat and rough terrains so as not to falsely affect your safety whilst working.