“The short wheelbase and tight turning radius make the tractors extremely easy to manoeuvre, while the weight distribution provides optimum traction on difficult terrain. A central pivot allows the tractor to oscillate more than 15deg in relation to...

“A compact tractor can be moved using a van and trailer. A local authority will have many housing areas to cut across a large geographic area, and a gang of two men can move a tractor with middeck...

Valpadana is the specialist small tractor manufacturer within the ARGO Group. In the UK, the tractors are supported by the dealer networks of fellow ARGO Group manufacturers Landini and McCormick.

Compact tractors continue to develop and become more versatile, but for local authorities and parks managers there are always choices – a larger tractor, utility vehicle or even ATV may appear to fit the bill just as well.

Oldham Hulme Grammar Schools Estate Manager Richard Gaskell and Head Groundsman John Watkinson were supplied with a couple of New Holland tractors on demonstration to help them select the right model, and they eventually opted for the TC31DA.