No matter if it?s an upgrade or your first tractor purchase, many factors should be taken into consideration to make an intelligent purchase decision. From dealer quality to parts availability and beyond. Here are a few tips to ensure an informed decision is made.
Tractors can last years or decades and should be seen as long-term investments. Use this guide to make the right choice for your farm.
1. Know Your Farming Needs
As you shop for a tractor, it is crucial that you have an idea of its future uses and your current plans for using the machine. Selecting an ideal tractor will have a dramatic impact on the productivity of your property; therefore it is imperative that you select an ideal machine.
Start by compiling a list of tasks on your land that must be accomplished to help determine the type of tractor that best suits you.
It is best to invest in a tractor with slightly more horsepower than your job requirements, as underpowered machines could lead to higher maintenance costs later. A suitable tractor allows for quick attachment of implements such as ploughs, mowers, backhoes and loaders – an invaluable advantage.
2. Consider Your Budget
No matter if you prefer shopping online or offline, setting a budget before beginning is key for successful tractor shopping. This should include not only purchase price and tractor attachment costs but also realistic interest rates on financing options that may be attractive.
Consider that tractors last years or decades. While you might not want to purchase an outdated car, investing in a quality used tractor might just meet all your needs and financial requirements just as effectively as anything available in today’s market.
If your land features challenging terrain, a tractor equipped with a high traction engine would make the perfect vehicle to navigate it. Furthermore, for hauling large loads such as hay or feed consider investing in one with either a front-end loader or backhoe attachments.
3. Take a Test Drive
Preliminarily test driving a tractor before purchasing one is an integral step to making an informed decision about its purchase. Doing so allows you to familiarize yourself with its controls and seat, and ensure it fits your specific needs and lifestyle requirements.
Before purchasing, inspect the tractor carefully for signs of rust and damage, paying special attention to the power output numbers. Most dealers will quote engine horsepower while some may also include power takeoff (PTO) horsepower which accounts for hydraulic pumps or any other features that drain power away from its source engine.
Keep in mind that purchasing a tractor represents an investment and should be thoroughly inspected and tested prior to making a sale. Utilizing Yanmar Custom Tractor Builder is an ideal way to find a tractor tailored specifically for your needs and budget.
4. Explore Financing Options
Acquiring a tractor is a significant investment that may take some time to save for. If budget concerns arise, consider financing your purchase through one of many manufacturers’ flexible payment plans so you can purchase the tractor you can afford.
Consider how you will use your tractor. Making a list of tasks you want to complete can help determine which model best meets your needs, for instance if landscaping and lawn care will mostly be your focus, then perhaps a compact tractor would suffice.
Consider where and how you will store your tractor and accessories before making a decision. Some larger series may not fit easily into a typical garage; if space is tight, consider John Deere 1 series models instead.
5. Find a Dealer
Tractors differ greatly from cars and purchasing one requires an alternative mentality. Steering, shifting gears and depressing the clutch require more muscle than pedaling a car does, while operating over uneven ground requires full concentration from all involved.
Your ideal tractor for managing property will open the doors tо numerous other agricultural applications that can make property management simpler, but before taking advantage оf all іt offers, you’ll need tо find a dealer and explore financing options.
Find a dealership with an attractive lot and knowledgeable salespeople. During your visit, note whether displays are organized according tо size and function; additionally observe whether salespeople can answer questions about compact tractor financing without seeming condescending оr defensive.
For more information click here.
