Our Mission
At TractorsBy, we believe that owning a compact tractor or managing a small farm shouldn’t require a degree in agricultural engineering—or a blind trust in marketing brochures. Our mission is simple: to empower smallholders, lifestyle farmers, and agricultural contractors with practical, unbiased, and deeply researched equipment advice.
We cut through the noise of manufacturer hype to provide clear guidance on selecting the right machine, maintaining it for decades, and using it safely. Whether you are managing a 5-acre equestrian facility or a 50-acre contracting business, we are here to ensure your investment works as hard as you do.
Who We Are: Three Independent Journalists
Unlike many agricultural review sites owned by large media conglomerates or equipment dealers, TractorsByis run entirely by three independent journalists with deep roots in the field. We are not paid by manufacturers to write glowing reviews, nor do we sell the equipment we discuss. Our independence is our currency.
Our team brings a combined 40+ years of hands-on experience in agriculture, mechanical journalism, and financial analysis for small businesses.
1. Sarah Jenkins – The Field Operator & Safety Expert
Focus: Hands-on Testing, Maintenance, and Safety Protocols
Sarah grew up on a mixed livestock farm in Vermont and spent a decade working as a heavy equipment operator before turning to journalism. Her expertise lies in the “boots in the mud” reality of tractor ownership.
- Credentials: Certified Agricultural Safety Instructor; former lead tester for Small Farm Quarterly.
- Why she writes: Sarah tests every piece of equipment we review under real-world conditions—mowing steep slopes, hauling manure, and clearing snow. She ensures our guides prioritize operator safety and durability over flashy features.
- Key Contribution: Author of our Lawn Tractor Handbook and Safety Best Practices series.
2. Marcus Thorne – The Financial Analyst & Contractor Advisor
Focus: Cost Analysis, Financing, and Business Strategy
Marcus is a former agricultural economist who transitioned into investigative journalism. He specializes in the financial realities of running a small farming or contracting business.
- Credentials: MBA in Agribusiness; contributor to Farm Finance Today; certified financial planner for rural enterprises.
- Why he writes: Buying a tractor is a major capital expense. Marcus breaks down the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), helping readers understand financing options, insurance requirements, and ROI. He exposes hidden costs that manufacturers often omit.
- Key Contribution: Author of Financing Your Farm Equipment – A Practical Guide and our Equipment Strategy guides for contractors.
3. Elena Rossi – The Technical Specialist & Brand Historian
Focus: Mechanical Engineering, Brand Comparisons, and Industry Trends
Elena is a mechanical engineer turned tech journalist with a specialization in hydraulic systems and powertrain efficiency. She has covered the global agricultural machinery industry for over 15 years.
- Credentials: B.S. in Mechanical Engineering; former technical editor for Compact Machinery Review; member of the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE).
- Why she writes: Elena dives deep into the engineering specs. She compares transmission types, hydraulic flow rates, and attachment compatibility across brands (John Deere, Kubota, Massey Ferguson, etc.) to help you choose the right tool for the job, not just the most popular brand.
- Key Contribution: Author of our Brand Comparison Guides and Attachment Compatibility charts.
Our Editorial Integrity
We operate under a strict Editorial Code of Conduct to maintain our independence:
- No Paid Reviews: Manufacturers do not pay us to review their products. We purchase or rent equipment for testing whenever possible.
- Transparent Affiliates: We may earn a commission if you purchase equipment through our links, but this never influences our ratings or recommendations. Our reviews are written before we know if a product will be linked.
- Fact-Checking: Every technical claim is cross-referenced with manufacturer manuals and industry standards.
- Updates: We regularly revisit our guides to reflect new models, price changes, and updated safety regulations.
Get in Touch
We are a small, independent team, but we are always listening to our community. Whether you have a question about a specific implement, want to share your own farming story, or need clarification on a guide, we are here to help.
- Email: [email protected]
- Mailing Address: TractorsBy Editorial Office, 123 Harvest Lane, Burlington, VT 05401, USA
- Social Media: Follow our daily field reports o