When you decide to buy a used tractor, a myriad of factors will influence your decision. Of course, Buying a used tractor is a great decision. Whether you’re buying it to add to your fleet, or it’s your first tractor, the feeling is so great that it might carry you away.
Many tractors dealers have machines and farm equipment that are just as good as the new. The only difference is that they have longer mileage and are a little cheaper than the new farm equipment.
It can be easy to decide to buy a used tractor, but; it will undoubtedly be a challenge to know the one that fits your needs well. And to make sure that you don’t get overwhelmed trying to find the best used tractor for your needs, we have compiled a few tips that will ease the challenge.
It’s A Tractor!
When you walk in the dealership to go home with a used tractor, you first need to overcome your attitude of buying a car. A tractor is far different from a personal vehicle.
Of course, buying a car can be such a great experience, and in fact, it might have the same feeling as having a tractor. But you must realize that the two are fundamentally different. While the car will take 10 to 15 years on the road, the tractor is a machine that will serve you for several decades.
So what can be an old age for a car might be perfect for the tractor. When you do away with the car-buying attitude, you will be able to find lots of opportunities with the tractors.
Which Tractor Do You Need?
Pay attention to your needs before you even walk into the dealership. At least understand what exactly makes you want to have a tractor. Tractors come in different sizes, and they have different roles. So make sure to look around the dealership and find the tractors that would satisfy your needs. Do your research but also ask the dealer the right questions that might help you narrow down to the best model and type of tractor.
- Compact utility tractors are a little smaller than the other members of its class. They are mainly used for landscaping and other minor farm work such as nursery maintenance.
- Utility tractors are larger than the compact tractors. They are attached to the equipment needed for general work on the farm such as excavation and hay production.
- Then therow-crop tractors are for large-scale crop producers. In most cases, they are designed to perform specialized tasks. They are bigger than the utility and compact tractors.
- Then, the articulated 4wd tractorsare usually the largest. Typically, they pull implements, especially for planting or tilling the land. When you want to prepare your field for agriculture,, this is the equipment you’d be looking for. They cultivate and level the land and make it ready for planting.
Verify Documentation
Make sure that the tractor comes with its original documents of registration. Look at the invoice, insurance taxes, as well as registration certifications. It will be difficult to transfer the ownership if these documents are missing. Appropriate documentation proves that the deal is legit.
Do a Mechanical Check-Up
Do not forget to look at the engine as well as other mechanical factors. Find out if the engine is well maintained and how the transmission works correctly.
- Check if there have been any replaced parts in the past.
- Again, see if the torque and horsepower are appropriate for your work.
- Ensure that the tractor is in excellent condition because it will save you money in the end.
- Also, check the number of hours per year that the tractor has been used. Anything above 900 shows that the tractor has been overused and mean you would need higher maintenance.
Who Is The Owner?
Make sure to understand the tractor from the previous owners’ point of view. Not many people will tell you why exactly they are selling the tractor, but you must find it out. You need to know if the tractor has been involved in any collisions and the extent of the damage.
Perform A Test Drive
Don’t buy the tractor before you do a test drive. You need to know how it feels like to operate the equipment.
- Look out specifically for abnormal smoke and noises. Too much smoke shows that the engine is not in good condition.
- Noises would probably suggest transmission challenges.
- You should also check out for leakages.
Find a Good Market
The dealership from where you buy your tractor will have a significant influence on the quality you get. You need to use a reputable and high-quality platform from here you can meet tractor sellers and owners. As long as you can find credible tractor sellers, it means you will increase your chances of getting the perfect tractor that suits your needs. Buying a used tractor can be overwhelming, but when you use the right platform, it will be far more straightforward.