By Amelie Lawrence
One of the most essential tools in a farm is the tractor. After all, it is incredibly useful. You can use this vehicle for everything from hauling loads to digging holes. As a result, you may certainly find it quite beneficial in investing for the purchase of a tractor. Nonetheless, the fact is that the investment is quite high even if you find tractors for sale. You need to know how to select the right tractor for your needs. The following guide can help you with that-
Take Your Property into Account
Before buying a tractor, you must consider the size of your property. If you are planning to purchase additional acres in the future, take it into account as well. After all, purchasing the right tractor now is better than upgrading it in future, in terms of cost-effectiveness. Additionally, consider how the acres are used, because the uses will also affect the attachments that might have to be purchased.
Buying Secondhand
Tractors tend to have a high durability. As a result, they generally hold on to their value even after a few years. Therefore, people often buy second hard instead of getting a new one. If your budget is limited, you should certainly look at dealer lots, auction lists and other places that offer secondhand tractors for sale. There is a high chance that you will get a good deal there.
Buying New
Despite the financial benefits of purchasing a secondhand tractor, sometimes new is the way to go. In fact, there are several benefits for purchasing a new tractor. For starters, you can expect to get better fuel efficiency. They may also offer new features that can benefit your line of work. You get several options with respect to the features such as transmission options.
The Hitch System
These days, all tractors come with a 3-point leveling hitch. However, there are two categories of hitches as used in implements. Category 1 is meant for tractors with an HP lower than 45. Category 2 can be used in tractors with a maximum of 95 HP. However, there are also hybrid hitches which can operate with both the categories. Keep in mind that the implement you want to buy should match the hitching system and meet the weight requirements of the tractor.
The Engine Capabilities
For a novice at tractors, it is easy to believe that more horsepower means that the tractor is more powerful. However, that is not exactly true. In tractors, engine capabilities are recognized differently from cars. After all, a tractor’s horsepower rarely exceeds 100 HP. Most of them have around 50 HP. Instead, a tractor’s engine capabilities are determined by its torque. Torque is the force generated by the engine to move the tractor and its attachments. Engines with higher torque can move the tractor and any linked attachments more easily.
Therefore, pay attention to the torque rating. This is especially important if you are planning to use various implements with your tractor.
Understand Power Take-Off
This is essential for powering certain implements attached to the tractor such as wood chippers or balers. These power points have strict specifications. Therefore, you need to ensure that you are using the right implement with your tractor. Pay attention to the PTO as it will affect your choice of implements down the line.
Other Things to Consider
Here are a few other things to consider when you are getting tractors for sale.
- The Transmission Options
- Safety Features
- Front-Wheel Assist
- Size of the Tractor
Keep the above points in mind when you are purchasing tractors as they will help you to find the best solution.