How Much Does A Tractor Weigh? Here Are The Factors That Affect Tractor Weight

The average weight of a utility farm tractor with 52 to 75 horsepower is 5,264 pounds. You can add additional weight to any tractor with suitcase weights, wheel weights, ballast boxes, or liquid ballasts. A heavier tractor will have better traction and stability during demanding work.

Looking to buy a new tractor? Don’t know how much a tractor should weigh? Hold on, is tractor weight even important? 

The answer is Yes! Weight significantly impacts the performance of a tractor, either positively or negatively. 

If you buy a tractor that is too light, you will have a difficult time cultivating and hauling heavy equipment. However, if you buy a tractor that is too heavy, you may end up getting stuck in the mud. 

But not to worry! You can find all the answers to “how much does a tractor weigh” down below.  

Tractor Weight: What You Need To Know

Why Is It Important To Know Your Tractor’s Weight?

The weight of a tractor hugely impacts its productivity. The weight affects workload capacity, towing ability, fuel consumption, speed limit, and much more. 

Heavier tractors have amazing stability and traction. They are ideal for cultivating and tilling and they can cut deep into the soil with the help of gravity. Additional weight will also prevent wheel slip and stabilize your tractor when picking up heavy hay bales, hauling heavy equipment, and going up sloped terrain. 

Unfortunately, heavier tractors burn more fuel and may have some trouble moving on soft terrain. But if you remove its ballast weight, you won’t face these challenges. 

Lighter tractors have better fuel economy, move faster, and are easy to transport. They, however, are not good at heavy ground manipulation because their tires don’t have enough traction. 

So, before you buy a tractor, you should see if its weight can handle the intended workload and condition of the terrain.  

So, How Much Does A Tractor Weigh?

Tractors come in many sizes, shapes, and varieties. Their weights can vary drastically. Despite that, every tractor has a base weight, which doesn’t change unless you remove components vital for its performance (chassis, engine, and body).

The average weight of a tractor is about 15,628 pounds. But for a more realistic picture, we should exclude those monster tractors owned by big farming companies. 

A standard farm tractor with horsepower between 52 and 75 typically weighs around 5,264 pounds or 2,388 kilograms. The engine’s horsepower is directly related to the weight of the tractor. The more horsepower the tractor has, the heavier it will be. 

For instance, the Husqvarna YTH18542 garden tractor with 18.5 hp weighs only 490 lbs compared to the John Deere 5075E (4WD ROPS) 75 hp model that weighs 6,702 lbs. 

You can find an entire review of the Husqvarna YTH18542 and other garden tractors that I like right here. 

The weight of a tractor is also highly influenced by the manufacturer. Two tractors made by two different brands will most likely differ in weight, despite having the same horsepower. That is why you should always check the weight of every tractor separately. 

But remember, this is just a starting point! 

The base weight of a tractor will increase once you fill the tank, attach a trailer, use an accessory, add cargo, upgrade the tires, install an enclosed cabin, and put on additional weight in the form of ballast.  

How To Increase The Weight Of Your Tractor 

The good news is that you can always increase your tractor’s weight with a ballast weight. Additional weight will serve you well when plowing through tough ground or lifting materials heavier than usual. 

Note: It is not recommended to add more than 10 percent of additional weight to your tractor. Otherwise, you will put a strain on the drivetrain and burn through fuel quicker. 

You can try out these four ballasting methods: 

Suitcase Weights

Suitcase weights hang from the front or rear frame of the tractor. You can stack them in a row to meet the desired load. Best of all, they are easy to attach and remove.  

For example, an Arnold 490-900-M059 suitcase weight is made for lawn and garden tractors with rear weight brackets and it will instantly add 43 lbs to your tractor. If this isn’t enough, you can pick up a 60 lbs weight kit instead. 

Wheel Weights 

Wheel weights will increase the traction of the tires and make your vehicle field-ready. You only need to make sure the bolt pattern of the weights fits the wheels before purchase. 

For instance, Husqvarna 954050501 wheel weights are compatible with most of their tractors from the LT/LTH series, YT/YTH 2005 series, and prior models with 18 or 20-inch tires. 

Ballast Box

A ballast box is an empty metal box that can be filled with gravel, sand, or concrete to add weight to the tractor. A ballast box attaches to the rear 3-point hitch of the tractor. It will balance your tractor and keep it from tipping forward when lifting heavy things. 

If you don’t want to buy a ballast box, you can try making one yourself. Here’s a tutorial: 

Liquid Ballasting

Lastly, you can increase your tractor’s weight by injecting liquid into its tires. The liquid ballasting method will make your tractor heavier, but it will also make changing tires more difficult and expensive. 

You may also run into some problems in the winter if you don’t choose the correct liquid. Take a look: 

1. Water is readily available, inexpensive, and safe to use. Water ballasting is not suitable for cold winters since it can freeze and ruin your tires. It is also not as heavy as other liquids. 
2. Antifreeze mixed with water in a 1:1 ratio resists colder temperatures much better, down to about -35 degrees Fahrenheit. Antifreeze, however, is more expensive than water and is toxic. 
3. Calcium chloride is 40 percent heavier than water. When mixed with water, it can handle temperatures as low as -60 degrees Fahrenheit. Calcium chloride is also corrosive and toxic. 
4. Windshield washer fluid can handle -20F weather or colder, depending on the formula. Unfortunately, it is not any heavier than water. The presence of methanol can also irritate your skin and lungs.
5. Beet juice is heavier than water and has a lower freezing point, -35 degrees Fahrenheit, to be precise. Most importantly, it is not corrosive or toxic. It is, however, on the pricier side. 

Buying additional weight for your tractor can be expensive. You will most likely have to combine different ballasting methods to reach the minimum ballast weight suggested by the owner’s manual. 

Watch this video to see how these four ballasting options rank from the cheapest to the most expensive per pound of weight:

FAQs

Tractor Weight – Base Weight Is Just A Starting Point 

So, how much does a tractor weigh, again? 

You can expect your average farm tractor to weigh 5,264 lbs, give or take. You should always check the weight of each tractor separately, as it can vary significantly from brand to brand. 

And the base weight of a tractor is just a starting point. It will increase when you add fuel to the tank, install a cabin, attach an accessory, add cargo, and of course, when you sit in the driver’s seat. 

But if that is not enough, you can always up the load with practical suitcase weights and wheel weights to achieve even better traction and stability. 

I hope I have answered all your questions. If not, feel free to comment down below and share your tractor weight experience with other readers!