Farming Goods, Supplies and Equipment

Your Essential Purchase Guide for a Used Farm Tractor

13 April 2020 by Clinton Sutton

There are several types of agricultural equipment that you can use to make farming tasks easier, but if you want to truly take your farming to the next level, a tractor is a must-have farm vehicle.

Depending on the farm implements that they're fitted with, tractors can have a variety of uses on farms. Some of the most common applications of these farm vehicles include ploughing, tilling, harrowing, pulling trailers and planting.

One of the major drawbacks of tractors is that even the smaller models can be expensive to buy new, especially for small farmers. The good news is that it's possible to own a used tractor that works just as well as a new machine at a fraction of the price. 

If you've already decided the tractor type that suits your farm operations, use the following tips to ensure you purchase a machine that will serve you well. 

Check the Condition of the Tractor 

One of the biggest mistakes you can make when buying a used tractor is to assume that a machine has a long working life left in it because it has low hours on the clock and generally looks new.

However, some cheaper tractors with more hours on the clock may have been well cared for and can be in better shape than low-hour machines with a history of poor maintenance. Acting diligently is essential to ensure you get a machine that is worth every penny you pay.

One way to ensure you are buying a quality tractor is to ask a mechanic of your liking to check the entire machine, including the engine, transmission, three-point linkage, linkage arm adjuster, drawbar hole, wheels and tyres, suspension and steering and so on for damage or excessive wear.

It can be financially imprudent to pick a low-hour tractor that has suffered major damage or excessive wear that is expensive to repair over a well-maintained high-hour machine that still has a lot of working life left in it.

Take the Tractor for a Spin

If you're satisfied with the general condition of the tractor, you should ask the seller to let you take it for a test drive so you can find out how it feels and sounds when it is in use. 

Engage the various gear modes that you will need to use during farming operations to check for signs of gearbox trouble. While you are at it, operate the tractor through the engine speed range because some noises will only become noticeable at certain speeds.

For example, a persistent whining noise when your tractor is in gear can mean your torque converter needs professional repair. Repairing a broken torque converter may lead to significant and expensive repairs as it requires a complete disassembly of a tractor.

A normally functioning used tractor speaks volumes about its treatment during previous years of use. With the above guide, you should be able to get a used machine that is still in good shape and can serve you well for many years to come. Look for tractors for sale near you. 

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