When research staffer Clarence Goosen purchased a small spread with the intention of settling on it, he found himself-like many folks in the same situation-caught between his desire to get the land into production (which would require the help of a small tractor that he didn’t have) and the financial pressure that usually accompanies the acquisition of property. Interestingly enough, our whole tractor project resulted from a need that had to be filled. And you can do it at a cost that won’t quite touch the $2,000 mark! then you can build a do-it-yourself mini-tractor that’ll be every bit as good as (and, in some cases, far better than) those available from the manufacturers today. If you feel comfortable fabricating metal goods, own or have access to the equipment necessary to make the parts for such an undertaking (a cutting torch, an arc welder, a metal grinder, and a large-chuck power drill are a few of the major tools you’ll need, to start with), and are prepared to spend a good bit of time planning and assembling an admittedly involved project. Unfortunately, the hard truth is that simple economics may prevent many people-especially those just starting out with a newly acquired parcel of land-from taking advantage of the industry’s latest offerings. In fact, the newest workhorses generally sport features and improvements that allow their operators to handle everyday plowing, tilling, and mowing chores with even less effort than was required, using similar machines, just a few years ago. most of these mechanical mules are still good buys. Tractors that might have been available for around $3,300 not long ago can’t be touched today for much less than $4,500! and many of them will more than likely find themselves in their local dealers’ showrooms, eyeing the latest crop of pint-sized, 12- to 20-horsepower tractors.Īnd, of course, the past few years of inflation have taken their toll within the outdoor power-equipment industry. Naturally, if this backyard boom continues, more and more folks-green thumbs and greenhorns alike-will be searching for ways to ease their gardening chores. And we suspect that as the economy worsens, and as greater numbers of people begin to take a discriminating look at the often questionably safe methods and materials used in the production of commercially grown fruits and vegetables, the practice of raising-your-own will become even more widespread. Home gardening is presently enjoying a steady increase in popularity.

(See the detailed mini-tractor diagrams in the image gallery.) Gardening, logging, lawn care, and snowplowing all add up to big bucks, unless you build MOTHER’s do-it-yourself mini-tractor. Home Organization News, Blog, & Articles.Energy Efficiency News, Blog, & Articles.

Homemade mini dozer tractor