“Operators, today, want comfort and ease of operation. They are also very aware of the dust and other pollutants that can become airborne in a working tractor environment,” says Parrish. “Cabs today are more automotive in design with tilt steering wheels, comfortable suspension seats, cell phone connections and high-visibility glass designs. They are designed with the operator in mind with special attention paid to the ergonomics of the cab layout. Our largest cab model, the DK90, even offers a unit that will keep food cold or hot for those long days of chores.”

To experience the comfort and ease of operation of a unit, you must give it a demo ride (and if possible, use it in applications that you will be using on the job). Start off with the seat — is it comfy and adjustable? Now sit back on the tractor and get a feel for the controls. Key questions to ask: Do I have enough leg room? Are controls such as loader joysticks, transmission levers and PTO engagement levers within comfortable reach? Is this a flat platform or will my legs be straddling something for long periods of time?

Consider how smooth the shift patterns are, evaluate the visibility of front and rear implements, see how wide the turning radius is and consider the versatility and ease of the transmission. Make sure the front and rear of the tractor are balanced (extra weight might be needed on the rear if you’re lifting heavy materials). Ensure the roll over protection system (ROPS) is convenient and sturdy. Turn on the headlights to make sure your machine is visible when driving in low-light situations. Make sure the PTO shaft is enclosed in a non-rotating collar (PTO shield).

Also be sure to check out enclosed cabs options with air conditioned and heated environments, as well as CD players and power steering. Some hydrostatic drive models even include a type of cruise control for forward movement.

“Cab offerings in compact equipment started out as vinyl add-on options without any of the comforts of the newer machines,” explains Beason. “Heat and A/C with multiple vents surrounding the operator are now standard equipment on cabs. You also gain increased visibility from the fully glass enclosed structure that replaces a lot of the vinyl panels associated with early soft-side cabs. They come pre-wired with radio hookups, 12v outlets and a sweat-free operation. You could mistake yourself for driving in your automobile when running these new machines.”