Buying a used tractor can be intimidating. Today I give you an outline of components to pay attention to so you don't get stung when you shop for a buy a used tractor.
You can tell a lot about the tractor by the owner. If their place is immaculate and well tended, chances are their tractor will be, too. I'd ask why they're selling the tractor and if there's anything wrong with it. There's nothing that will keep them from lying to you, but most folks will be honest and if they're not, you'll notice a change in their demeanor. If you get the feeling they're not telling you everything, keep shopping.
Here's what I look at when evaluating a tractor...first, the tires. Tires are expensive to replace, look at the tread and make sure there aren't any weather cracks or gouges in the sidewalls, that would be indicators that they'll need replaced.
Look at the three point to see the type of stabilizers it has, if it has extendable link arms, and if it has a drawbar. It's either expensive, or impossible to change the stabilizers. If you want telescopic stabilizers and it has turnbuckles, there may not be a good way to change them. If the tractor lacks extendable lower link arms it'll be tougher to hook up, but you can overcome that with the addition of Pat's Easy Change: • Is Pat's Easy Change t... . You may never need a drawbar, but if you'll be pulling implements, make sure it has one, some tractors have a clevis hitch and replacing it with a drawbar is expensive.
Look at the seat...small rips can become big gashes and you don't want the expense of replacing the seat right off the bat. Start the tractor up and check the three point to make sure it goes up and down. Turn the PTO on and make sure it goes around, turn it off and make sure it stops. A continually running PTO could indicate a PTO clutch is failing.
After the tractor has warmed it up, slowly run it up to PTO rated engine speed. It should run smoothly up to the level with no flutters or "misses", If there are any rough spots, an expensive injection pump failure may be coming.
Run the front end loader all the way up and tilt the bucket back and forth. Then run it down to the ground and (making sure you're not stepping on the brakes) use the bucket to lift the front end off the ground. If the hydraulics won't do that, it's possible a pump failure is coming.
Drive the tractor and make sure there's no slop in the steering system or labored turning that could indicate a steering pump is failing. Make sure all gears work or that there's not excessive hydro noise. Split the brake pedal and step on each side while driving slowly. You should feel the tractor try to lurch to one side unless the brakes are weak and need replacing.
Check all the sheet metal to make sure it's straight, and turn on the lights to make sure they work. Examine all of the filters. If the oil filter has the date and hours it was last changed, that's going to tell you how well it's been maintained. Check the oil to see how black it is. Look at the air filter to make sure it's not loaded up with gunk. If the tractor has a see-through fuel filter make sure there's no water or debris in there. Finally, look at the radiator to make sure it's not loaded up with dirt and weed seeds.
Any time you're buying something used, you're taking a risk, but if you'll follow these guidelines, your chance of getting a bad tractor are pretty low. Good luck and I hope you find that late model/low-houred "cherry" out there, worth the money.
LINKS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT...
The Tractor Fun Store: asktractormike.com/products-f...
Support the Tractor Mike Channel: / tractormike
Visit the Tractor Mike website: asktractormike.com/
Visit Facebook Page: / ask-tractor-mike-31211...
Copyright 2021 Tractor Mike LLC