How to choose the ideal tractor for family farming

Agricultural machinery plays an important role in family farming, a sector that accounts for 23% of the gross value of agricultural production in Brazil and 67% of rural jobs, according to the 2023 Family Farming Statistical Yearbook, published by the National Confederation of Rural Workers and Family Farmers (Contag). The mechanization of small properties boosts productivity, optimizes operations and promotes sustainability, allowing small producers to expand their activities, reduce costs and become more competitive in the market.

Regulated by law, family farming encompasses properties of up to four fiscal modules, where the labor force is mostly family-based and around 50% of the income comes from rural activities. “The fiscal module is an agrarian measure that defines the minimum area for a property to be considered economically viable. This size varies according to the municipality and region,” explains Eder Pinheiro, tractor product marketing coordinator at Massey Ferguson, a reference in the Brazilian agricultural market.

According to the National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES), tractors intended for family farming must have a maximum of 80 horsepower, a criterion established so that this equipment can be financed within incentive programs aimed at implementing, expanding or modernizing production.

To choose the most suitable tractor, it is essential to evaluate its versatility. “On many properties, the equipment is the only machine available and needs to perform several operations, such as plowing the soil, pulling implements, distributing fertilizer, spraying and, in some cases, assisting in the harvest”, explains Pinheiro.

The expert highlights the importance of defining what the tractor’s main function will be to ensure that it meets the specific needs of the property. “On a dairy farm, for example, the same tractor will be used to prepare the soil for pasture, plant corn, harvest silage and transport food to the animals in the stable. Conventional agricultural tractors are better suited for this activity. If the focus is on vegetable or coffee production, a compact tractor may be the best option,” he explains.

The technology has been incorporated into low-power tractors with the use of autopilot, which offers greater precision in operations, reduces errors and improves operational performance, in addition to sensors that prevent failures, control engine speed and detect problems, such as clogged filters or the presence of water in the fuel, minimizing damage to the farmer.

Mechanization also contributes to the sustainability of family farms. Equipped with more modern engines, tractors ensure more economical and environmentally responsible operation. “Today, engines are much more efficient, with lower fuel consumption and pollutant emissions, which is reflected in reduced operating costs and the sustainability of the property,” says Pinheiro.

Massey Ferguson has a wide range of tractors with power up to 80 horsepower, such as the MF 4300, MF 4400 and MF 4700 series, ideal for different operations. For activities that require compact tractors, such as fruit growing, horticulture and coffee, the MF 3300 and MF 3400 lines are the most suitable.