Market demand for hydro-mechanical transmission (HMT) for agricultural tractors has increased recently. To select a type of HMT satisfying design conditions, performance characteristics of 12 HMT types must be understood. This study was conducted to provide tractor engineers with a guideline to select the most appropriate HMT type for their design requirements. Characteristics on speed reduction ratio, power transmission efficiency, power regeneration, lock-up angular velocity, output torque ratio and torque ratio of planetary gear train axis of the 12 HMT types were investigated and presented as either formula or graphical forms. A guideline to select proper HMT type was also presented using 2 parameter: lock-up angular velocity (${omega}_L$) and torque ratio of the planetary gear train axis. In addition, effect of gear ratio of the planetary gear train on the power transmission efficiency was investigated and a guideline to select the best gear ratio was also presented.