The Best RC Tractors

Gary B.

UPDATED April 25, 2019
in RC & toy vehicles

Best Overall

Top Race
TR-113G Toy Tractor

If you’re looking for an RC tractor for your kids, you already know that there’s a lot of them available and their features can vary significantly, leaving buyers perplexed. Finding the right balance of quality, durability, aesthetics and features can take time shoppers don’t have. We’ve made things quick and easy for you – take a look at our overview of the best remote controlled tractors to buy in 2020 for some extra insight into top picks.

Our Top Picks

How to Pick the Best Remote Control Tractor

1. Recommended Age

When we buy toys for our kids, we want them to be safe and have fun. Recommended age ranges indicate both of these things for kids, demonstrating whether a toy is appropriate for their comprehension and motor skill levels – a little challenge is good, but too much is frustrating and not enough is boring.

2. Size

Like the real thing, RC tractors come in different shapes and sizes. If you have a big yard, a large tractor can navigate easily with plenty of room for turns and travel, but if your play space is limited, smaller vehicles will fit more easily. They’re also more likely to be lightweight performance vehicles, while the bigger picks tend to be geared toward younger kids (there are, of course, exceptions).

3. Colors

Farm equipment comes in many colors, and so do these tractors – they’re dominantly green, yellow and orange like real equipment, but some do vary from that color scheme. If this part of the aesthetic matters to you, check out the color scheme and any possible options before you buy.

4. Batteries Needed

A battery powered toy minus batteries is usually one that frustrates children, refusing to perform as intended. A lot of RC vehicles come with a rechargeable battery conveniently installed and an accompanying charger, asking only that users provide batteries for the controller. Sometimes, though, you’ll need batteries for the car as well. Having what you need on hand means vehicles are ready to run out of the box.

5. Included

As we mentioned, some vehicles don’t come with the rechargeable batteries needed to power the vehicle itself, nor a charger. These toys are geared toward kids with more RC experience who like to make custom picks or already have these items on hand. Don’t worry – there’s lots of great picks for first timers and non-collectors that have everything you’ll need minus a couple household batteries.

6. Scooping Arm Action

Part of the fun of tractor toys is scooping action, with shovels that can allow kids to move dirt, sand, stones or any loose material they desire, dumping it out at their desired location. They’re a feature that can encourage important creative play, and kids really love them. Not all tractors have scoops and not all scoops are motorized, though, so if this is an important feature to you, keep your eyes open.

The Winners

Top Race TR-113G RC Tractor

Best Overall

Top Race TR-113G Toy Tractor offers the detailed body that Top Race vehicles are known for with cool real scooping arm motion they’ll want to use again and again in the creation of their own construction site. Kids can tackle the sandbox, backyard or playground with this tractor that features full motion functionality with lots of entertainment and sensory stimulation. It’s a safe pick for little ones – the controller is easy to handle and the interface is simple, so they won’t be frustrated.

Recommended Age: 5+
Size: 14 x 6 x 6 inches
Colors: Yellow, black
Batteries Needed: 2 AA batteries not included
Included: Tractor, remote control, rechargeable battery, charger
Scooping Arm Action: Yes

Fistone RC Farm Tractor

Upgrade Choice

The Fistone RC Farm Tractor is a 1:16 scale farm tractor remote-control vehicle. It is controlled by a 2.4G far-distance remote that uses high-frequency technology to move the vehicle with six channels. Move the tractor forward/reverse, left/right, or up/down. In the auto/demo setting, the horn, and turning lights work. Just hold the mute button for three seconds to turn off the auto functions.

The tires on the Fistone RC Farm Tractor are large, textured, and rubber that give great performance in any conditions with anti-skid performance. The cab of the tractor is fully realized with an operation table and desk and steering wheel. On the exterior, there’s an exhaust chimney, ladders, a tail lamp, and rearview mirror.

Recommended Age: 6+
Size: 19 x 7 x 9 inches
Colors: Green
Batteries Needed: 2 AA batteries for transmitted (not included)
Included: Tractor, remote control, rechargeable batteries, charger
Scooping Arm Action: No

Top Race TR-113 Digger

Best Budget Buy

Top Race TR-113 Tractor is an awesome, highly detailed and inexpensive tractor model in a classic yellow and black design with real scooping action is a fantastic addition to construction sites pretend play. It encourages imaginative play and helps kids develop hand eye coordination. Fully functional motion lets them explore in all directions while they carry with the arm. It’s a fun sandbox toy that’s a great safe first RC pick for younger users – the ergonomic controller is easy to understand, hold and use.

Recommended Age: 3+
Size: 14 x 6 x 6 inches
Colors: Yellow, black
Batteries Needed: 3 AA batteries not included
Included: Tractor, remote control, rechargeable battery, charger
Scooping Arm Action: Yes

Cheerwing 1:16 RC Farm Tractor

A realistic horn and lights add extra fun to this cool green tractor. Cheerwing 1:16 RC Farm Tractor also features engine and reverse sounds, making it great for creative play that’s more immersive than most. The durable body and parts of this tractor hold up to collisions and allow it to offer a smooth ride over bumpy terrain. While the audio is great, the quiet mode option is as well – it’s good for when kids are winding down or there’s a sibling sleeping nearby.

Recommended Age: 8+
Size: 14.88 x 8.42 x 6.77 inches
Colors: Green
Batteries Needed: 2 AA batteries not included
Included: Tractor, remote control, rechargeable battery, charger, manual
Scooping Arm Action: No

TOMY John Deere Tractor

Best RC Tractor For Toddlers

A perfect pick for tots, this cute little TOMY John Deere RC Tractor toy with a cheerful face and big, friendly eyes features a controller that’s the perfect size for little hands. Both the car and controller are easy for younger users to hold onto and use, and a simple two button operation lets them move their tiny tractor with ease. Additionally, it’s a good way to encourage physical motion in toddlers – they can use the remote or manually roll their tractor, so there’s two ways to play.

Recommended Age: 18 months +
Size: 10 x 4 x 5 inches
Colors: Green and yellow
Batteries Needed: 3AA and 1 9 volt batteries not included
Included: Tractor, remote control
Scooping Arm Action: No

Purelemon 1:16 Farmer Tractor

A sleek, realistic body and large deep tread tires both look great and perform well indoors and out. This Purelemon 1:16 Farmer Tractor goes off road, handling rough terrain with ease. The durable construction and quality suspension of this model hold up to wear and tear, faring well in collisions and full motion function lets kids explore without limits.

Recommended Age: 12+
Size: 12.59 x 7.48 x 8.26 inches
Colors: Green, black, red
Batteries Needed: 2 AA batteries not included
Included: Tractor, remote control, rechargeable battery, charger
Scooping Arm Action: No

Haktoys RC Construction Truck

A great pick for toddlers in bright, cheery colors, Haktoys RC Construction Truck is manned by a friendly driver. Front and rear LED lights, horn sounds and music offer sensory stimulation and an immersive creative play experience for younger users. The car features two channel forward and reverse motion on carpeted and tiled surfaces, and the controls are easy for toddlers to hold and operate. While there’s a shovel on the front of this car, it can’t be moved by remote OR manually – it’s screwed in.

Recommended Age: 18 months +
Size: 13 x 7.5 x 4.9 inches
Colors: Red, yellow, green
Batteries Needed: 5 AA batteries not included
Included: Tractor, remote control
Scooping Arm Action: No

Dissylove RC Farm Tractor

A unique pick, Dissylove RC Farm Tractor has a rear combine feature that isn’t seen anywhere else on our list. The tractor and rear fixture both look very realistic, and kids will be ready to plow the pretend wheat fields with their new toy. It also offers lights and sounds for an even more immersive play experience. It’s fun and functional, but be warned, the rear of the toy isn’t compatible with rough terrain – it could break, so use caution.

Recommended Age: 7+
Size: 18.9 x 14.17 x 4.53 inches
Colors: Green, black, red, yellow
Batteries Needed: Included
Included: Tractor, remote control, rechargeable battery, charger
Scooping Arm Action: No

Top Race RC Construction Truck

Loaded with full motion function and full of fun, the Top Race RC Construction Truck is beautifully and realistically designed scale model is durable and features a real working shovel arm kids will love. It’s a very safe pick for younger users, with controls that are simple for them to use and a tractor body that’s specifically sized for smaller kids. Because it’s a smaller toy, it’s a great take along pick for vacations and adventures.

Recommended Age: 3+
Size: 9 x 4 x 5 inches
Colors: Yellow, black
Batteries Needed: 5 AA batteries not included
Included: Tractor, remote control
Scooping Arm Action: Yes

DIY, Craft and Décor: Ideas for RC Tractor lovers

Touch and Feel Tractor

Do you want a fun craft that’s perfect for kids who are too little to get in on the full sized RC action? Try this Touch and Feel Tractor project from Jolanthe at Totally Tots – it’s a fun sensory project thanks to the soft raised foam.

John Deere Tractor Party

John Deere is ubiquitous with high quality farm equipment, and kids love their iconic tractors in all forms. A John Deere tractor party, seen here as presented by Anders Ruff at Anders Ruff Designs, is a fun and rugged party that’s great for city and country kiddos alike.

Tractor Truck Prints

What good is an empty lint roller? Plenty good, as this tractor truck printing craft by Erica at Craftulate shows. Simply gluing bits of foam over the empty cardboard roll and rolling through paint and over paper makes fun tractor prints – try other patterns too!

Quick Decision

Top Race TR-113G Toy Tractor – Best Overall
The working shovel arm is great for construction play

Fistone RC Farm Tractor – Upgrade Choice
The detailing is immaculate and it’s likely to be their biggest RC tractor

Top Race TR-113 Tractor – Best Budget Buy
It’s safe with a detailed body, lights and sounds they’ll love at a low price

Gary B.

Gary is a father of two, self-identified RC fanboy, and part-time guitar plucker. When he's not racing his collection of remote-controlled vehicles or strumming away, we bend his arm and get him to write with precision and expertise on a range of mechanical and electrical toys.

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