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We run a variety of tractors for the hayride at the "choose and cut" tree farm I've worked at for many years. A few observations: 1 - More important than being able to pull up your steepest incline is being able to STOP the wagon at any point going back down! Consequently the heavier the tractor the better. 2 - Obviously brakes must be in top notch condition. And if you must deal with snow (we do...) tire chains are a must. 3 - The less noise the tractor makes the better. Customers like to be able to talk with each other, and field hands must be able to communicate with customers and tractor drivers. Also some small kids are frightened by loud exhaust. 4 - In our operation the tractor drivers are on/off their machines literally hundreds of times a day, helping customers load trees and unload again at the end. Consequently easier it is to mount/dismount the tractor the easier it is on the driver. --- We operate with several JD A's, a 3020, a pair Farmalls (an SH and an SM), a pair of Minnie Mo's (a U and a G) and a Case 500, with a JD 5410 4x4 held in reserve. The 2 cylinder Deere's are OK but they are loud all the time. The other tractors are much quieter - especially when descending and at idle. The Minnies are nice because they have low platforms and they are hand clutched. It's a single step to get on and off 'em (vs a 3 step climb onto the others). And they can easily (and safely) be driven standing up. The 3020 and 5410 I like on account of the "park" postions on their transmissions - they don't depend on friction brakes and rachet latches to hold the tractor on an incline when the driver must leave the seat. Punch below for a few photos from our 2004 season.
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