Abstract: This study aims to analyze the benefits and barriers to mechanization application in rice farming in central Vietnam. A mixed methods approach was employed, based on 279 semi-structured interviews with rice farmers, four focus-group discussions and related secondary information. The study used the Perception Index formula and Likert scale items to compare large-scale rice farmers and small-scale rice farmers in relation to their mechanization activities and the associated perceptions. A gap exists between the demand for mechanization and its actual implementation, which comes from different benefits and barriers in rice farming. The differing Perception Index scores on benefits and barriers between two rice farmer groups suggest that production scale plays a crucial role in shaping the level of mechanization, as well as farmers’ perceptions of its advantages and barriers. The differences in rice farmers’ characteristics, habits, customs, and rice farming features have introduced new benefits and barriers to mechanization.