Technical Things to Check When Buying a Used Tractor

Many farmers have a problem when it comes to the purchase of used tractors. Most spend lots of hours looking for what’s available, comparing the different features and prices available. However, you do not have to go through all that stress, whereas you can drastically reduce the time taken to research for your ideal tractor.

With a used tractor, you are sure to have saved some cash from the costs involved in buying a new tractor. Here is a checklist that will help you get the most out of your cash and head home with quality machinery to serve the purpose.

1. Understand why the tractor is on sale

Before investing heavily in the tractor, you want to know why it is being sold. You want to understand if it is because of any mechanical issues or upgrade to a higher version of the tractor. Understanding the real issue with the tractor saves you a lot of time and effort in the long run.

2. Check the maintenance history

After getting the assurance that the tractor is in perfect condition and the owner is just selling it for an upgrade, you now want to check if it was serviced regularly. Go through the maintenance records and ascertain whether there were any replaced parts. Check to see if the tractor had regular tune-ups etc. This information will equip you with better knowledge of what you are purchasing and the state in which it is.

3. Know the accident history

You will better understand the tractor’s history by also assessing the accident history. Check to see what collisions and accidents have the tractor been involved in and probably the extent to which the damage was. You could also check what parts needed replacement and were replaced afterward.

4. Check the engine’s model

On the Tradus platform, you are sure to find used tractors with all their information. That is where you will check the engine model on the tractor since some models are known for chronic problems. Tradus is an online marketplace where you will find diverse categories of used tractors for sale.

The platform connects serious buyers to professional sellers looking to sell their used tractors. Tradus provides data insights about the buyers and sellers to enable you to make the right choice before purchasing a tractor. The marketplace also has diverse and advanced tools to help you in the entire experience, such as alerts and the ability to trade from anywhere.

5. What should be replaced

From assessing the tractor’s history, you will better understand what needs to be replaced. You will determine the tractor parts that require upgrading soon. Check near the engine, and the transmission as these are among the most crucial and vulnerable parts. Purchase if most parts of the tractor have been replaced just recently. That will mean the replacements won’t be needed any time soon, thereby saving you the time value of money. Ensure you assess the safety concerns such as the lights and brakes to ensure they are working correctly.

6. Check for body rust

Inspect the exterior of the tractor to check if there is body rust. Check even some hidden and interior parts as rust would indicate the tractor was not correctly maintained. Also, make sure to notice any raised spots on the tractor’s body paint. Most of the time, there will be rust underneath the paint.

7. Inspect the mileage

The tractor’s mileage can be a good indicator of what you are purchasing. It shows the overall quality of the tractor combined with other factors. Understanding your purpose for the purchase will assist in knowing what level of mileage you require. If the tractor is to be used more often or over large pieces of land, you will go for a lower mileage tractor.

8. Assess the oil

Make sure you assess the oil situation in the used tractor. Check for the condition of the oil and the levels as well. The oil transmission status and the engine are quality indicators. They will let you know the condition and health of that tractor. In case you are not satisfied with what you see, you could always ask for the oil change records.

9. Ask an expert

If you are sure you will not be able to investigate the maintenance and quality specifics on the tractor on your own, you can ask for an expert’s help. The expert will bring out some issues that you would have probably overlooked. They will also help you with recommendations on the ideal tractor you are seeking.

Purchasing a tractor, especially a used one, can be a bit daunting on what to look out for. However, with this checklist, you can assess the basics and determine the tractor’s condition. Again, if you are not comfortable with the assessing procedures, you can always bring along an expert who will check the tractors and tell you their current state.