This study was conducted to assess the level of use of tractors in Vhembe district, Limpopo province. Soils in this district are generally fertile and support irrigated and dryland agriculture. Although some farmers own tractors and other farm implements, mainly for hiring out, much land remains unplowed. Owing to lack of operational knowledge, some equipment is not used or is used only during the plowing season, and so runs at a loss. As a result, it is difficult for tractor owners to cover their expenses, since most of the time the tractors sit idle. The aims of this study were to assess the level of use of tractors in Vhembe, to investigate the types of tractors and implements owned by farmers and how they can be fully used, to determine the costs of running tractors, and to propose how tractors and other farm implements can be fully used throughout the year. Fifty owners and operators in Vhembe's four municipalities were interviewed. The available tractors were used for tillage only during the rainy months and sat idle during the dry months. Infrequent rain and lack of skills at operating implements caused serious problems for farmers. The area to be cultivated, tractor efficiency, and number of rainy days strongly influenced the level of tractor use. The necessity of appropriate mechanization planning for Vhembe is discussed. The number of tractors needs to be increased and will require outside assistance to help farmers acquire machinery, to train operators, and to provide after-sales services.