# Tractor Attachments and Farm Implements for Small-Scale Farmers

Today's compact tractors are often defined as subcompact tractors equipped with features such as a 540 rpm power take-off (PTO) and a Category 1 three-point hitch. These implements can be mounted on the rear, mid or front of the tractor. The variety of attachments is vast—augers, buckets, brooms, backhoes, pallet forks, mowers and more—and each addition amounts to a separate research project. New implements are constantly being introduced, continuously expanding the working range of versatile tractors, yet the most popular remains the simple bucket. Front loaders are the attachment we purchase most often, offering customers a wealth of options for all kinds of farm tasks. Whether cleaning out stables, spreading gravel or clearing snow, a front loader can help you accomplish a wide range of tasks. Buckets come in many styles, such as those suited for moving dirt, snow or crushed stone, as well as the four-in-one multi-purpose bucket. Grapple buckets also remain very popular. Paired with the machine's third-function valve, the front loader acts like an extension of your arm, able to pick up all sorts of items by clamping them—for example, the grapple function is especially useful when felling trees or moving shrubs. Being able to reach close to branches and fallen timber, clamp down and transport them delivers a more user-friendly operating experience. Most compact tractors come with a front loader for material handling, though he notes that pallet forks are also a popular choice for moving materials. In addition, many of these models offer a drive-over, mid-mount mower option. It is very easy to attach and detach, making it ideal for lawn mowing, with cutting widths of up to 72 inches.