Identify the kind of tractor you need before shopping, an industry rep said
By Diego Flammini
Staff Writer
Farms.com
An industry rep has provided tips for producers who are in the market for a used tractor.
First, a producer should know the kind of unit he or she needs before starting any serious browsing, said J.E. Cadle, marketing manager with Case IH.
“The first question a farmer should ask themselves is ‘What am I using the tractor for?’” he told Farms.com. “You want to make sure the tractor you’re thinking of buying has all of the features you need to suit your work on the farm.”
After identifying the tractor, a potential buyer may want to do some research on the individual unit.
The more information a farmer has on a tractor, the better, Cadle said.
“Find out the history of the tractor as much as you can,” he said. “Try to find records available of what it was used for because that might give you an idea of what to look for when you do see the tractor in person.”
Once a farmer has an opportunity to see the tractor before buying it, a thorough visual inspection is a good place to start, Cadle said.
“A walk around the unit can tell you a lot about it,” he said. “Look at the lights and make sure they work. Look for little cracks or any damage to the body. Go into the cab to see if it’s clean. Do the pedals look worn? Does the air conditioning work?”
A farmer should also take the time to look at the tractor’s oil, he added.
“It’s not necessarily to see if the oil is full, but what does it look like?” he said. “Is it clean oil? Does it look like it’s been changed recently?”
When inside the tractor, a farmer should pay attention to how many hours are on the unit.
An experienced producer may have a better idea if the hours match the condition of the machine, Cadle said.
In addition, like buying a used car, a buyer may want to take the tractor for a test drive.
This will also provide an indication of how the machine operates, Cadle said.
“Once you turn it on, you’ll already have a good idea of the machine’s condition,” he said. “But certainly, take it for a drive. Make sure the brakes work and the parking brake works. These are things farmers might take for granted but are obviously important for safety purposes.”