Benchmarking Costs of Fixed-Frame, Articulated, and Tracked Tractors

Abstract. Recent changes in the agricultural equipment market have led to increased costs associated with tractor ownership and operation. A regression analysis produced a linear model for purchase price based on a tractor‘s power and configuration (fixed frame, articulated, tracked). Projected purchase price and other cost contributors including fuel, repair and maintenance, housing, taxes, and insurance were used to predict hourly ($/h) and specific cost ($/kWh). Tractor cost per hour is proportional to power rating with marginal hourly cost independent of configuration. Specific cost for fixed frame and tracked tractors decreased slightly with increased power rating. Specific cost for articulated tractors remained constant at $0.56/kWh. This cost estimation can be used to make decisions related to machinery sizing and selection and budgeting.