What to Look For in a Used Tractor

Agricultural equipment can be a large investment that not all farmers are able to prioritize. However, agricultural equipment is also necessary for the success of your business. A solution to mitigate the cost and still complete every task is to shop for a used tractor. Our team at Enlow Tractor Auction is here to help you look for the perfect option. 

Trust Your First Impression

One of the best things you can do when you’re shopping for a used tractor is complete a visual inspection and pay attention to your gut reaction. If you don’t love what you see, it may not be the right fit. Look for signs of damage, rust, and missing paint. These could be indicators of neglect or a previous accident. 

As you do a once-over, also pay attention to the condition of the tires. Have they worn unevenly? Have they been patched? Tires don’t have to be a deal-breaker, but they can be a hefty expense if they need to be replaced. 

Dig Deeper

If you complete a visual inspection and find yourself interested in the tractor, you can move on to completing a more thorough walkthrough. Take a look under the hood, check the fluids, check the water pump, and take a look at the exhaust system. The nitty-gritty details can help you determine if the tractor will be a good investment for your operation. 

During a deeper inspection, you should also see how the tractor starts and idles. Watch for discolored exhaust smoke and any signs of leaks. While it's running, check the electronics, lift, and brakes for functionality. 

Completing a detailed inspection will give you an idea of how well the machine was cared for and what maintenance tasks may need to be addressed immediately. You want to add a functional piece of equipment to your fleet, but if minor repairs or adjustments need to be made, you may be able to negotiate a really great deal on the purchase. 

Gather Information

When you’re satisfied with your inspections, you need to gather as much information as possible about the model you’re interested in. Start by looking at the total amount of operating hours. Ideally, the hour meter will still be working properly so you can get an accurate reading of how much the tractor has been used. 

Next, ask for the maintenance records and any necessary history about the model. Whether you’re working with a private seller, auction house, or dealership, you should be able to request this information. 

Finally, use your network to learn more about a specific type of tractor. Buying a used model gives you access to a lot more real-life information beyond just the specifications. Seek people who’ve used the same model and get their opinion on it. 

Looking for the right tractor to add to your operation can be daunting, but our team is proud to offer great solutions. Visit us in Tulsa, OK, where we are proud to serve the communities surrounding Oklahoma City, OK, and Wichita, KS.