Different Types of Tractors in India
Different Types of Tractors for Agriculture and Farming
1. Utility Tractors
In India, most farmers either engage in small or medium-scale agriculture. As a result, it becomes difficult for these farmers to afford various implements to perform several tasks.
Among the different types of tractors in India, utility tractor serves the purpose of these farmers effectively. This machinery generally operates on either gasoline or diesel and comes with power ranging from 45 HP to 140 HP.
Applications
Farmers use this tractor for ploughing and sowing. Additionally, one can combine utility tractors with other types of equipment, such as harvesters, tillers, hay cutters, threshers etc. These tractors are also ideal for landscaping, farming, and pulling heavy implements.
Top Brands
Some of the best utility tractors brands are as below:
- John Deere
- Kubota
- Mahindra
2. Row Crop Tractors
Row crop tractors are multipurpose machines. Although row crop tractors are more expensive than utility tractors, they deliver superior performance. Moreover, they come with several features, such as greater ground clearance, good row spacing, easy steering, quick action and more.
Another advantage of row crop models is they can work effectively in all weather conditions.
Applications
It can be used for weed controlling, ploughing, and harrowing. Also, farmers can use it for primary tillage and cultivation. In addition, cultivators can use this tractor to push and pull heavy equipment.
Furthermore, as row crop tractors are all-rounder engineering vehicles, farmers use these types of tractors with thrashers and water pumps.
Top Brands
Some of the best-quality row crop models are engineered by these companies:
- John Deere
- New Holland
- Massey Ferguson
3. Garden Tractors

Garden tractors possess powerful engines, which range anywhere between 1 HP to 20 HP. As the name suggests, these variants are made for small lands, especially for homeowners or hobby farmers. Therefore, these models are compact and have thinner wheels compared to others.
Another benefit of using garden tractors is that these generally weigh less than 1900 kg with about 40 PTO HP.
Applications
You can use it to mow your lawn. These models come with attachments like lawn sprayers and sweepers, tow-behind carts and spreaders, spike and plug aerators. Moreover, garden tractors can be used to move snow, spread grass seeds in the lawn, and spray weed control, fertilise, dethatch, and aerate a lawn.
Top Brands
Here are some of the leading manufacturers of garden tractors:
- John Deere
- Swaraj
- Massey Ferguson
4. Orchard Type Tractors
Cultivators prefer these types of tractors as they help them to sit comfortably while performing agricultural tasks. In addition, these variants have more height as compared to others.
Another unique feature of these tractors is the shield on their tyres that resists punctures. Orchard type variants come with an engine capacity ranging between 8 HP and 40 HP.
Applications
These tractors are designed for vineries and orchards. The machinery is designed to allow manoeuvring and navigation in small fields. Additionally, they help one to easily pluck fruits from trees.
Top Brands
There are 3 brands that develop top-quality models. They are the following:
- John Deere
- Mahindra
- Massey Ferguson
5. Implement Carrier Tractors
Implement carriers are widely used by farmers in India. These variants are available in multiple sizes and designs. Moreover, these are engineered with an extended chassis frame between their front and rear tyres.
Applications
Cultivators use it for spraying, drilling, loading, rotary sweeping, and drilling seeds, among others.
Top Brands
There is no particular company that specialises in these types of tractors. However, you can look for top brands, such as-
- Mahindra
- John Deere
- Kubota
Different Types of Tractors for Industrial and Construction Purposes
1. Industrial Tractors
These models, previously named tuggers, are explicitly designed to offer matchless power. For instance, steel grills are used on their body as a shield against rocks. Additionally, they come with construction tyres.
Unlike agricultural variants, these tractors have drawbars instead of 3-point linkages. You can find them in multiple designs and horsepower strengths.
Applications
They are mainly used for pulling loads. Individuals often connect them with cranes to lift heavy loads.
Top Brands
Few top brands that develop industrial models are:
- Eicher
- Ford
- Escorts
2. Earth-moving Tractors
Earthmoving tractors are primarily used in construction work and quarries. They have a heavy build and are, therefore, extremely powerful.
Applications
You can find them helpful in relocating dust, mud, lumber, debris, and rocks. According to their applications, earthmoving variants are categorised into-
a. Bulldozer
Bulldozers are equipped to push rocks and clear lands due to large plates at their front. The best feature of this machinery is it can maintain balance, regardless of the intensity of a task.
b. Excavators
Excavators are significantly used for digging and lifting large objects. These variants come with a long bucket arm attached to a cab that rotates. Additionally, as the seats are elevated, drivers can have a better visual field.
c. Backhoe Loaders
It is used for digging holes to break asphalts. This tractor features buckets at the back for digging and shovels at the front that can be adjusted as required.
Top Brands
Listed below are some brands of earth-moving tractors
- BEML
- JCB
- Komatsu
Points to Determine before Buying a Tractor
When planning to purchase this engineering vehicle, you can consider the list of tractors and their uses given above. However, it is advised that you also take a few other factors into account, such as the following:
Engine Type
One of the critical aspects of a tractor is its engine capacity. However, this capacity varies with each type of tractor. For instance, the horsepower of John Deere's utility tractors ranges from 50 to 135. Therefore, to make the best purchase, consider the engine power according to your requirement.
Price
A top-quality row crop tractor may cost around ₹ 2.80 lakhs. On the other hand, the price of a backhoe tractor can be around ₹5.2 lakhs. Therefore, it is imperative to compare the prices of various tractors and explore the available options before buying one.
Brand and Service Network
The other factors to consider before purchasing a tractor are its brand and service network. Therefore, you must find options that come with a reasonable warranty period and servicing facilities. Also, brands such as Mahindra, John Deere, and Eicher are some of the top tractor brands in India in terms of these parameters.
And that was our complete list of the different types of tractors and their names. We hope that this article will help you assess the types of tractors and choose one that fits your needs.