There are some things one needs to know before buying a used tractor, as these details may be the key to a good or bad choice. One can start with establishing the age of the machine, the selling price and, precise condition it is in and the areas in which issues could occur. After all these, the next point it negotiating the best price for the tractor, using some strategies that can significantly lower the price.
The first step in buying a used tractor is to be informed about this type of business and do research in order to obtain as much information as possible. Even if some used tractors are very old, this shouldn’t be a problem, as unlike cars, tractors are built to last longer. Also, the mechanical part is easier to deal with when it comes to repairs, rather than a car which is more delicate and complex and this is an important aspect of the buying process.
Going further into the mechanical part of a used tractor, it is important to get one with a three point hitch. This is actually a hydraulic system and the power-take-off is a part of it. The first ones that pioneered this system are Ford, while others like John Deere and Farmall introduced this system a little later on. Even so, most tractors do have the three point hitch system, but this should be a requirement, so one needs to make sure that the machine to be bought does have it. Without this system, a tractor becomes more limited in actions it can take and maneuverability.
Another key point of the buying process is determining the age. It is not enough to consider the aspect as tractors don’t suffer visual changes very often, but go further and take the serial number of the tractor and run a check on the internet.
Maybe a more important aspect than the age of such a machine is its condition. Checking the tachometer and the hour meter (if any) would be relevant, as well as checking the steering wheel and if it has any play, looking for oil leaks and the condition of the pedals. These are more technical details and these are the ones that should count, rather than a fresh, new looking paint, which may have been carried out to mislead you. The tires also need to be in a good condition, so not only the good threads are to be looked at, but also any potential cracks or dry rot.
Maybe the final exam for a tractor is to get it up and running. If it starts easily, this is a good thing, but otherwise may mean that there are some underlying issues and a mechanic would be desirable to take a closer look to the technical parts and how they are running.
