Gas Tractor Versus Diesel Tractor
There are many different reasons as to why a diesel compact tractor is superior to a gasoline garden tractor.
First of all, the diesel engine doesn't have the parts that normally wear out or give problems. There are no spark plugs, rotors, points, or distributor caps like the garden tractor. There is no carburetor either, that will gum up and be hard to start after being stored for a long period of time. Diesel engines can be stored for long periods of time and still start right up.
Secondly, diesel engines in most tractors are water cooled. This will allow the engine to run at a more consistent and cooler temperature, which will extend the life of the engine. The typical properly maintained diesel engine can run thousands of hours without breaking a sweat - and without having to be rebuilt.
Diesel engines will also make more power. Even though gasoline tractors may be a little quicker to start with, they can't begin to match the power and raw torque that diesel engines offer.
Another reason why diesel tractors are better than gas is the available attachments. Most gasoline tractors are equipped with a belly mower and don't normally have a three point hitch. This will severely limit the type of implements that you can use and also limit the tractors expandability.
Most blades and scoop implements won't work with a gasoline tractor. The drive train will also limit the type of implement you can use with a garden tractor. The typical gasoline garden tractor is belt driven, while a belt drive won't pull as much load as a diesel powered tractor. You would probably not be able to use a box blade or tiller either with the average gasoline powered tractor.
I would have to agree with you on that klar, diesel love to be worked. The only issue I can think of if cold weather starts. If can plug it in it is not an issue otherwise that oil can get thick.
Yeah having a in line block heater and even a heat lamp can solve the cold related issues you have with diesel engines. I know a person who used a in tank heater during the winter months to keep his diesel fuel warm so he did not have to worry about gelling.