Top toy tractors: ride-on range

In the market for the best ride-on toy tractors for the budding farmer in your life? We think these are the best

The pedal tractor has been on the wishlist of country kids for generations now – a miniature version of the big one that Dad or Mum drives around the paddock.

To meet this demand, major manufacturers design everything from delicate miniature models to remote controlled models big enough for a child to sit in.

John Deere has toys everywhere from Australia Post to Amazon, Coles to Costco, Leading Edge to Toyworld – and Big W, Target and Kmart.

But the full range is not always available  – and for most other manufacturers, the toys are only available through dealerships.

Some dealers will have the toys in stock, which can be viewed in person at a dealership. In other cases, preferred toys will have to be ordered in through the dealership via phone, email or an in-person visit, in the same way that parts are normally ordered.

Manufacturers contacted say this can take as few as five working days, if the toy is presently in Australia, or to up to six weeks when the toys are ordered in from overseas – so if you’re planning a birthday gift it might pay to order in advance.

Here, Farms & Farm Machinery has picked out a sample of the ride-on toy tractors available from a variety of manufacturers. Contact your local dealer for a catalogue to get a look at the full range available.

KUBOTA M135GX RISE-ON PEDAL TRACTOR WITH LOADER & TRAILER

RRP: $223.10 (including GST)

Part Number: J808

Available from Kubota dealerships and online at Kubotagear.com.au.

Not to be confused with Kubota’s 135 horsepower (100kW) model of the same name, this one’s better suited for tearing around the backyard.

Weighing 14.5kg and suitable for children aged over 3, the M135GX comes with a front end loader attachment that allows the user to scoop, carry and dump.

It also has a rear trailer, which its manufacturers say is easily removed and reattached, and tyres that provide traction on a variety of surfaces.

NEW HOLLAND 12 VOLT BATTERY OPERATED TRACTOR WITH WAGON

RRP: $875.00

Part Number: ERT13910

Available from New Holland dealers only.

New Holland’s only ride-on model available in Australia comes with almost every modern convenience, including an adjustable seat, flip-up arm rests, a working FM Radio and a decorative windshield, smokestack and counterweight.

Powered by a 12V battery (charger included) and with a 38kg weight capacity, the tractor has two speeds – 3.6km and 7.2km – which parents can control through a second gear lock-out feature.

It also has a reverse gear and a detachable trailer with an opening end gate.

 

CASE IH FARMALL 1256 NARROW FRONT PEDAL TRACTOR

RRP: $490

Part Number: ZFN44127

Available through Case IH dealerships only.

Just like Grandpa used to drive, this Farmall 1256 takes the idea of a Tricycle Tractor to a whole new level.

Made from stamped steel, the pedal tractor features authentic style decals and a rear hitch with adjustable seat.

Weighing about 18kg, the pedal tractor is suitable for children aged 3+.

 

DEUTZ-FAHR 5115 WITH FRONTLOADER AND TRAILER

RRP: $236 incl. GST

Part Number: M03D071

Available through Deutz-Fahr dealers only

Newly available in Australia and based on the 113hp (84kW) Deutz-Fahr 5115, this smaller ride-on model has a front-end loader and a trailer – making it 1.6m long end-to-end.

Designed for children aged 2.5 to 5 years old, the pedal tractor is made in Germany by Rolly Toys, which a Deutz-Fahr spokesman says is well known “for being strong and reliable and long lasting”.

 

CLAAS XERION 5000 RIDE-ON TRACTOR

RRP: $150 including GST

Part Number: 00 0171 489 0

Available  through Claas Harvest Centres only.

Made in Germany by Rolly Toys, this ride-on tractor is designed for kids aged 1.5-4 years, weighing about 4.2kg.

Designed to ride on, the tractor has space for knees and an openable bonnet with a storage compartment underneath.

Its noise reduced tyres will make things a little quieter, but the steering wheel with signal horn will make sure to keep parents on their toes.

Claas Harvest Centres also distribute merchandise for the Amazone and Vaderstad ranges.

 

CASE IH PEDAL TRACTOR AND WAGON

RRP: $540

Part Number:  ZFN44062

Available through Case IH dealerships only.

At the higher end of the pedal tractor range, this bicycle chain-driven pedal tractor is designed for children aged 3 and older, up to 38kg.

With a realistic design including a weight at the front and a trailer at the back, the pedal tractor looks a lot like its real life counterpart.

With the chain enclosed to protect fingers and an adjustable seat, the model also comes with a two-year warranty, showing the company expects the toy to be built to last.

 

JOHN DEERE 12V GROUND FORCE TRACTOR AND STAKE WAGON

RRP: $849.95

Part Number: IGOR0039

Available through John Deere dealerships and some retailers.

Designed to look like a real John Deere tractor with an adjustable seat and fold-up armrests, this model is designed for children aged 3 and up, to a maximum weight of 38kg.

This model has a two speed shifter (3.6km/h and 7.2km/h) with reverse, and comes with an extra-large, detachable Stake Wagon.

The unit comes with a rechargeable 12-volt battery with charger included. 2 x AA batteries required for sound and lights (not included).

 

JOHN DEERE 8R 410 PEDAL TRACTOR (STEEL)

RRP: $499.95

Product Number: 45720

Available through John Deere dealerships and some retailers.

New this year, this pedal tractor replicates the look of the 8R 410 tractor which is one of the largest row crop tractors in John Deere’s current line-up.

Features include classic pedal power, adjustable seat, steering and rugged stamped steel and die-cast construction.

Designed for children aged 3 and over.