How to Buy a Tractor
Tractor Time by Don Hatton
About Buying a Used Tractor
The thought of buying a tractor is a scary thing. At 50 years old I was in a position where I needed to buy a tractor, but knew next to nothing about them. I was ignorant, but smart enough to know I had to learn before spending a bunch amount of money without knowing what I was getting into. I would need knowledge and, in the end, I knew I would have to take a chance by actually writing that check. So, like many others, I dove right in and got started.
Fighting Fear
When I bought my ranch, I really didn't know anything about tractors, and I didn't know anyone I could trust to give me good information. I was literally flying blind, and was taking quite a risk with my $20,000 budget, as it represented almost a year's earnings and many years of savings. I was literally scared spitless. I had a lot of questions that I needed answers to before I would make that much of a commitment! First, I did some research on the internet.
Online Information
I learned a while ago you truly can learn anything online if you look hard enough. Well, the same was true about finding the information on how to be smart about buying a used tractor. I ended up only finding bits and pieces of information here and there. Undaunted, I was determined to learn what I needed, no matter what.
Tractors, the Hard Way
I did end up learning what I needed the hard way (which is why I decided to write this and other articles). At any rate, I ended up driving over a lot of dirt roads, stopping whenever I saw a tractor on the side of the road and talked to their owners. In the process of this, I met dozens of ranchers and farmers, and learned tons about tractors. I also learned ranching, horses, horse trading, how others got ripped off, and a million things I will probably never need to know. Finally, after weeks of research finally and my head busting open with all this new information, I knew I needed a 40-50 hp tractor with 4 wheel drive, front end loader, auger, backhoe and some other toys I convinced my wife I just HAD to have, lol. I was ready for the next step... contacting a used tractor salesman.
The Used Tractor Dealer
Since I was still scared (even though I thought I knew a lot about tractors), it took me 3 encounters to realize what they say about car salesmen is true about many tractor salesmen. Be careful! I almost allowed myself to get talked into spending another $10k on a tractor with do-dads and gadgets I really didn't need. Since I wasn't exactly Howard Hughes or Warren Buffett, I had to be practical. (Thanks honey! You saved our anniversary that year!). So with my wallet (and my wife) still where they belonged, I asked a few more people and found a dealer they all recommended as honest and one to be trusted. The salesman I contacted was named Jack and he really took me through the experience painlessly. I wish I had found him first. It would have saved me a set of shocks and tires on my beat up-Ford pickup!
Tractor Selection Process
Jack walked me through the selection process and actually moved me down from the 40hp that I thought I needed down to the MUCH cheaper 24 hp, 4 wheel drive tractor which was more than adequate. He explained to me that the horsepower of a tractor is nothing like a car, and smaller engines are actually far stronger in tractors. I did need a 4 wheel drive because the terrain I had on my ranch was a little rough and there are several areas where I could get stuck. I also learned about warranties, how they really work, and was able to decide for myself whether I wanted one. I settled on a reconditioned import tractor that came with an 8 month warranty. It was used, but everything important had been repaired or replaced and it even looked like new. With his help, I felt comfortable in my decision. It was time to look at a tractor.
Fluid level Check: As you check the fluid levels, pay attention to any off-colors, rust or strange things floating in the water. Oil floating on the water is also a bad sign. If the oil is grey or foamy, leave it alone. These signs can indicate a cracked head or blown gaskets in the engine. Any low fluid level usually indicate leaks, even if you don't see any drips.
Hydraulic Hose Check: Take a close look at the hydraulic hoses. The rubber should be free of checks and cracks, the fittings not showing signs of leakage.
Tire Check: When checking the tires, remember these are not on your personal vehicle. Gouges and scrapes are normal, to a limit. Tread should be at least 1/2" at its shallowest, and all the rubber free of cracks. Another common issue in Arizona is dry rotting of tires. If the tires are really old, there will be checking and large cracks in the side wall of the tires, and tires can be really expensive.
Start Check: Start the tractor, listening for anything out of the ordinary as it runs. After it reaches running temperature, check again for signs of leaks on the engine. Checking the oil again as it is running is always a good idea, and look for blowback through the dipstick hole as well as a drastic change in the color of the oil.. (Leave the engine running for the next checks).
Steering System Check: When checking the steering system, turn the steering wheel from side to side all the way to its stops. Pay attention to the smoothness of the steering. You should also check the ball joints on the front end to ensure the rubber boots are intact.
Accessory Check: Operate the hydraulics, make sure they all work smoothly. If possible, lift some loads and work the attachments. When done, perform another check of all the hoses and fittings, making note of any major leaks.
Drive Gear Check: Drive the tractor, checking all the gears for trouble-free operation, unusual sounds, and smooth shifting. Note any adjustments that might be needed, as some tractors do require them from time to time.
Gauges and Indicators: before shutting down the engine, check all gauges and indicators to make sure they are working properly. After running for about fifteen minutes or so, the temperature gauge should be warm, and the RPM gauge, hour meter and charging gauge should all be working. If the salesman tries to explain away any concerns, make sure they are not covering up something potentially disastrous. Gauges are important.
Park and Check Again: After all the other checks are done, park the tractor and perform another visual inspection of the exterior.
Finishing Up
If everything checks out to your satisfaction, the tractor should be a decent one. If you are buying from a reputable dealer, check out any other tractors in your price range and about the HP strength you need. Discrepancies should be noted for repair or, if minor in nature, use them to negotiate a better price for your used tractor. If you'll start your hunt for a tractor with Jack at Arizona Tractor Sales, I believe you'll save time, trouble, and probably a lot of money.
Check Out the Tractor
Here's where my research came in real handy, and made more trouble for Jack. I've bought lemons before and learned how not to get ripped off. An adage I like to use is "IN-spect and you'll know what to EX-pect." So, when you check out a used tractor to buy, here are a few things to take a look at before making the decision. All these things will let you know a lot about the tractor and whether or not it will present problems early on.