How the calculation works
The calculator estimates plow draft (the dominant load on a tractor) through a simplified equation: depth × width × soil coefficient × 100 = draft in kgf. Draft is converted to drawbar power at the standard plowing speed of 8 km/h. A 1.7 multiplier (transmission efficiency + reserve) and an intensity factor are then applied. For farms above 2,000 ha an additional 1.15 multiplier accounts for breakdown reserve.
- 1
Enter farm area
Total arable land area of the operation.
- 2
Tillage parameters
Primary tillage depth (typically 25 cm) and plow width.
- 3
Soil type
Light (sand), medium (loam), heavy (clay).
- 4
Intensity
Basic (1 shift), moderate (1.5), intensive (2 shifts).
When to use this tool
- Tractor purchase planning for a new farm
- Checking whether a current tractor is undersized for a growing operation
- Justifying a leasing request to the bank
- Comparing alternatives across power classes
Limitations
The calculator focuses on primary plowing as the dominant load. It does not account for haulage, spraying, or harvesting. For operations with heavy silaging or haulage, add +20% to the recommendation.
Frequently asked questions
Should I always buy the top-power option?
No. An oversized tractor is a waste: higher purchase price, more fuel on light operations, higher depreciation. The calculator recommends the middle of the range; +15% headroom is enough for most farms.
How is the soil coefficient computed?
Light (0.35 kgf/cm²) — Polissia sands. Medium (0.55) — Forest-Steppe chernozems. Heavy (0.75) — Steppe clays. Values come from Ukrainian Institute of Agricultural Engineering tables.
When do I need a second tractor?
Farms above 2,000 ha should add a smaller backup tractor for parallel work and cover during main-tractor maintenance. Farms of 5,000+ ha should run two primary tractors of the same class.