Business

What to Consider Before Buying a Compact Tractor for Your Country Property

Published

9 months ago

December 10, 2023

While some people dream of buying a home in a city or suburb, others dream of purchasing a home on a rural lot with acreage, a drilled well, and fruit trees.

Rural living isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but there are some advantages to packing up and moving to the country. The air is cleaner, wildlife is abundant, and the population density is low. But leaving the conveniences of the cities or suburbs for a rural homestead means you’ll have a lot more on your daily to-do list than you ever thought possible.

One piece of equipment you’ll want is a tractor. A compact or sub-compact tractor will meet the needs of most landowners. Whether for mowing the lawn, tilling the garden, moving logs, or doing other things, a tractor can be a godsend when you relocate to the country.

Consider your use cases for a tractor to get the right one. While budgeting is vital, opt for quality over saving a few bucks. The right equipment will serve you and yours well for many years. Remember to buy from a tractor dealer selling top brands to get the product and service you need.

When looking for the right tractor for your homestead, here are some things to consider.

Horsepower

Horsepower is one of the things to consider before buying a tractor. When you visit a tractor dealership, tell the salesperson your use cases for a tractor. They’ll be able to recommend the horsepower range you need for a suitable compact or sub-compact tractor. Horsepower can go from the 20s to the 50s for a compact tractor or in the mid-20s for a sub-compact tractor. It doesn’t hurt to get more horsepower than you need now to meet potential future needs.

You’ll also want to look at power take-off (PTO) horsepower. PTO horsepower describes the amount of power available to operate the tractor’s implements and attachments, while the engine horsepower describes the power the engine produces. You’ll want enough PTO horsepower to operate a tiller, snowblower, log splitter, or other attachments and implements.

Consider Implements and Attachments

While tractors are helpful, attachments and implements can make them more useful. Box blades, loaders, pellet forks, backhoes, plows, snowblowers, and rototillers are worth considering.

Without the correct implements and attachments, country living can be a chore. Before buying a tractor, ensure it can operate the attachments and implements.

Consider the Size of the Property and Terrain

Consider the size of your property and the landscape conditions before buying a tractor. For instance, if you need to mow 10 acres, get a tractor with enough horsepower to keep up with your mowing needs. Getting the right compact or sub-compact tractor will allow you to use the implements and attachments required on your land.

Consider the Tires

Another consideration is the type of tires you put on your tractor. You’ll want appropriate tires whether you have a hilly, rocky, or flat terrain. The salespeople at whatever tractor dealership you patronize will be able to get you the right tires for your land. If you live in an area that gets a lot of snow in the winter, you might want to invest in multiple sets of tires.

Living in the country is an adventure unto itself. But chances are you won’t look back after taking the leap and leaving the city or the suburb behind. You shouldn’t, however, overlook the importance of getting the right equipment for your homestead. You won’t regret getting a tractor. But you should know what to look for in a tractor to get the right one for your rural property.

Business

Michella Filipowitz: Shaping a Future of Inclusion for Children with Disabilities

Published

4 hours ago

September 15, 2024

Rosario Farell

Michella Filipowitz, a prominent model, business leader, and philanthropist, has dedicated her life to advocating for children with disabilities. Her personal story, shaped by her experiences as the mother of a child with autism, has driven her passion to build a more inclusive world where differences are not just accepted but celebrated.

Michella’s journey took a transformative turn when she became a single mother at the age of 23. Shortly after, her son, Benjamin, was diagnosed with autism at the age of three. “It was an unexpected and overwhelming moment,” Michella recalls. “No one in my family had dealt with anything like this before, but with my mother’s guidance, I was able to see Benjamin’s diagnosis not as a burden, but as a new way of understanding the world.”

Benjamin’s condition is categorized as a hidden disability. Though it’s not always obvious to others, his challenges—such as delayed speech—affect his everyday experiences. “It was difficult to watch him struggle while other kids seemed to develop so naturally,” Michella shares. “It made me realize how often children with disabilities are left out or misunderstood.”

This realization sparked a new mission for Michella: to create a world where children like Benjamin are given the same opportunities as their peers. “I knew I had to be part of the solution,” she says. “Our differences are what make us unique, and we should be embracing that, not hiding from it.”

Michella is also keenly aware of how quickly people judge others based on outward appearances. “We live in a time where everything is so public and visible, but that doesn’t mean we know the whole story,” she explains. “It’s important to have empathy and not make assumptions.”

Her advocacy work has centered on changing how schools and communities treat children with disabilities. Too often, children like Benjamin are segregated in special schools, which can further isolate them. Michella believes this approach is flawed. “Children with disabilities need to learn alongside their peers,” she says. “Only then can they grow up understanding that differences are normal, not something to be avoided.”

Her vision is clear: an education system where children of all abilities are taught together, learning to respect one another from an early age. “If we can instill the values of acceptance and understanding in kids while they’re young, we’ll build a much more inclusive society,” she says.

Michella’s commitment to helping families of children with disabilities goes beyond advocacy. She co-founded the DR Family Foundation with her fiancé to provide critical support to families who are struggling with the high costs of therapies, treatments, and education. “As a single mother, I know firsthand how overwhelming it can be,” she explains. “That’s why I wanted to help other families get the resources they need.”

The DR Family Foundation has already made a significant difference, helping families cover school expenses and other essential costs. The foundation’s next big initiative is creating a home for children from difficult backgrounds, offering them a safe and nurturing space where they can thrive. “It’s not just about providing shelter,” Michella says. “It’s about building a community where these children feel loved and supported.”

Reflecting on her journey with Benjamin, Michella speaks with gratitude. “He’s shown me that what others might see as a challenge is actually his strength,” she says. “His resilience and uniqueness are what make him so special, and I want to make sure other children have the opportunity to shine in their own way.”

Through her work, Michella envisions a world where children with disabilities are fully included in every aspect of life. She hopes that by advocating for inclusion and providing support through the DR Family Foundation, she can help create a brighter future for these children. “I want parents to know that they’re not alone,” she says. “With the right support, we can give our children the chance to live fulfilling, happy lives.”

Stay connected with Michella Filipowitz and her mission to create a more inclusive society for children with disabilities by following her on Instagram @princessmichella.