What First-Time Land and Property Owners Should Know Before Buying a Compact Tractor

10/13/2025

Acquiring a new plot of land can be an exciting venture with endless possibilities. Whether you’re starting from scratch or building up a development, one thing’s for sure: maintaining your land is going to take a lot of work. Luckily, the right compact tractor can make land management far more efficient. 

Smaller than full-sized tractors, compact tractors offer a happy medium for small to mid-sized landowners who need capability without overwhelming their property. In this guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know when shopping for your first tractor and highlight the best John Deere compact tractors for first-time landowners.

What Does Your Property Need?

Before diving into specs and models, start by assessing your property and priorities. The type of land you own should help guide you in what to look for in a compact tractor. Here are three factors to consider:

Property Size

The size of your tractor should match the size of your property. Properties of 5 acres can be maintained by smaller sub-compact tractors, such as the John Deere 1 Series tractors, while larger properties of 10 acres or more require larger frames, such as the John Deere 3R or John Deere 4 Series tractors.

Terrain

Not all terrain is created equal. Most compacts can navigate flat terrain without any issues. However, more difficult ground conditions like hills and rocky roads require models with 4WD, along with more traction and horsepower.

Task List

What plans do you have for your land? If taking care of basic lawn chores is your only priority, you can get by with small compact tractors that run on 25 HP or less. However, if you want to take on more ambitious projects that require intensive plowing, digging, or heavy lifting, you should aim for a larger compact with enough horsepower to carry the load — think 30-45 HP.

What Compact Tractor is Best for my Property?

Now that you’re clear on what exactly you need from your compact equipment, let’s look at the best options available to help you achieve your goals. John Deere compact tractors are known for their unmatched reliability and performance, making them an excellent pick for first-time landowners looking for quality equipment.

Sub-Compact Tractors: John Deere 1 Series

If you’re a beginner when it comes to tractors and lawn equipment, the John Deere 1 Series is the place to start your journey. Small but efficient, the 1023E and 1025R are sub-compact tractors that are designed for properties with about 2-5 acres. They’re incredibly easy to operate, so you won’t experience a big learning curve if you’re a first-time tractor owner. The 1 Series models excel in lawn chores like mowing, carrying bags of mulch, or hauling rocks and firewood.

Small Compact Tractors: John Deere 2 Series and 3 Series

If your line of duties expands beyond basic lawn care, you’ll need a machine with more muscle. The John Deere 2 Series and 3 Series tractors provide an increase in horsepower and stability to handle more demanding tasks on small to medium-sized properties.

The 2 Series consists of the 2025R, 2032R, and 2038R. Slightly upgraded from the 1 Series, the 2 Series lineup is a better option for small properties that want to take on more demanding landscaping tasks like digging post holes, leveling land, or lifting heavier loads.

The 3 Series — which features 3E, 3D, and 3R tractors — offers a broad selection of versatile tractors that are designed to perform landscaping and small farming chores on more expansive and diverse terrain.

Mid- and Large Compact Tractors: John Deere 3R and John Deere 4 Series

For properties sitting on about 10 acres or more, larger compact tractors like the John Deere 3R and 4 Series models will probably serve you best. Optimized to take on more intensive work, these tractors are best suited for small farmers and landowners planning on undertaking serious land management.

Quick Guide: Which Compact Tractor is Right for You?

Here’s a simple breakdown to help you match your property’s needs with the right tractor: