Used Farm Tractors

Evaluating Used Farm Tractors

Written By: Steve Thompson

A large piece of property can't very well be called a farm unless it has a tractor (or three) on the premises, yet large pieces of farm equipment are expensive. It isn't difficult to spend $100,000 just on machinery, which is why many farmers choose used farm tractors instead of new ones. This saves money and you usually wind up with equipment that is just as dependable as it was when it first came out of the factory.

A used farm tractor might have been operated just three or four times before the owner decided something else was needed, or it might be 15 years old with hundreds of thousands of miles under its belt. As a business owner or manager, it's your job to evaluate used farm tractors to gauge their potential reliability and remaining operating life.

Used farm tractors or new equipment?

Some business owners feel that buying a new tractor is a better investment than trying to save a few dollars on used equipment, while others will never buy new if they have any choice in the matter. The reality is that a well-maintained tractor can last for decades, operating just as well today as it did five years ago, and saving on that initial investment can be a lifesaver for a start-up farming venture, but buying a new machine does provided added peace of mind.

In the end, it's important to consider both the function and the frequency of operation. If you'll depend on the tractor to operate all day, every day, a new machine might be a better choice because you won't have to worry about something going wrong the next day. If the tractor will only be used sparingly or during certain seasons, however, the cost savings can make a used farm tractor a better investment.

How to evaluate equipment

Used farm tractors should come with detailed maintenance records, and should be in prime working condition with no rusted or faulty parts. Don't let a new coat of paint hide potential problems – look for signs of recent repairs.

You'll find that some used tractors for sale will look as though they've been soaking in a mud pit for 10 years, and these are the machines that you want to avoid. Significant build-up of mud or other debris should be washed away prior to purchase, and there shouldn't be lots of cracks in the exterior or signs of decay.

Buying used farm tractors should never be a quick process. Visit the owner, ask to see records, drive the tractor for a while, and ask about any major problems that might recur despite replaced or repaired parts. It is also a good idea to research the manufacturer to understand how well that tractor copes with age.

It is also a good idea to look at several used farm tractors, preferably models, before making your decision. Observe how well each machine operates and compare the maintenance records. This will give you the best frame of reference. Ready to find used tractors near you? BuyerZone's free request for tractor price quotes can connect you to the best sources for used tractors in you area.

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