Buying Used Tractors

The decision to purchase a used tractor can be confusing as there are so many different models to choose from and equipment options. It is probably best, in the beginning, to write a list of what exactly you require the tractor to do and what added equipment to you need exactly. If you are using a typical tractor for general use on a small farm, here are a few guide lines.

It all depends on what you need the tractor to do, as there can be a lot of difference between tractors. For instance, if you wanted one that will power a snow blower on a driveway roughly a quarter mile, or for mowing an acre of land.

General farm use tractors are always needed for plowing so it's what size tractor to choose; a two plow or three plow. This means the tractor can pull a two bottom or a three bottom plow sufficiently.

The soils on your land can also make a difference when choosing a tractor. Heavy clay soils or hills will require more power from the tractor; a two or three plow tractor has tilled many a Midwest farm. A good example to consider is it takes about 15 horsepower per bottom, so it would probably take 30 horse power for a two plow and 75 horse powers for a five bottom plow. By using different implements, these will use varied amounts of power.

Finding something that works well with a round baler may not be adequate for a small square baler; grinding feed can use a lot of power while harrowing a field can use a lot less power. Some would say the ideal thing to do is purchase your tractor first, and purchase implements based on the capabilities of your tractor. Make sure you have researched to buy the best tractor for your needs.

To buy a tractor, have you considered what machinery you would like the tractor to power. If you would like a hydraulic loader, look at tractors with dual hydraulic connections. Hydraulic hook ups, when using other implements can be a necessity, so look out for a dual remote one.

Never consider a tractor that does not have a power take off, (PTO). You may find that it is older tractors that do not have this. The most common was 540rpm but now more implements are using 1000rpm. Since the 1960s, many tractors were produced with both speeds. 1950 models had a live power take off which means it continued to run after the clutch was pushed in. Tractors before this made it hard using a mower, combine or corn picker because when the clutch was depressed everything stopped.

A similar principle to this is live hydraulics, this works when you depress the clutch the hydraulics controls still function. Many loader tractors can be used without this and the reverse is many think this is a great feature when using a loader; personal opinion, really. The older tractor had a one way hydraulic system; this system would lift and then rely on gravity to lower equipment. Cultivators, plows and mowers are just a few pieces that used this system.

When deciding to purchase a tractor, age, model and brand can play a huge part. If deciding to buy an older model, are the parts still available when needed. It's pointless having a tractor if, when something needs replacing, you can no longer buy it. Parts can be expensive enough, as with any machinery, without having to nearly pay double if your dealer has to pay shipping expense to purchase the part you require. The longer this takes, the longer your tractor is out of action.

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