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There are a few questions you need to ask and factors to consider before buying a used tractor. This way, you can purchase the tractor that suits you best and is in the best condition. Otherwise, you may face situations you do not want to deal with.
Checklist to Consider When Buying a Used Tractor
By checking the following elements, you can understand how the tractor you are considering to purchase has been used. The factors to check include:
- Peeling paint
- Cracked tires
- Bloated tires
- Scratches
- Loose fenders
- Weld marks
- Incompatible parts
- General appearance
Key Issues to Pay Attention To
The key considerations to keep in mind before purchasing a used tractor are:
Check Maintenance Records
Check maintenance logs, inspection lists, job orders, receipts, and any other supporting documents you may have.
Total Operating Hours
In general, diesel engines are considered to still be in good condition after 6,000 to 10,000 hours of hard work. With proper maintenance, some tractor models can even last beyond 12,000 hours, depending on the tractor model and maintenance. So don't be afraid of high operating hours.
Inspect Hydraulic Fluid
When inspecting hydraulic systems, check for leaks and weak fittings. This is because there is a high likelihood of seeing damage indicators at the outlets or in the hydraulic tank. Therefore, always check the fluid levels.
Check Tire Shelf Life
Before buying a used tractor, get a tire tread depth gauge and measure the tractor tires' tread depth. To get a good idea of the shelf life of the tractor tires, compare this measurement with the tread depth measurement on the tire manufacturer's website. This is not a step that can be overlooked, as tire replacements can cost from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars depending on the type of tractor tires.
Check Engine Oil Level
Before starting the tractor, check the engine oil level. Cold engines will provide the most accurate control. The oil level should be between the "full" and "add" markers on the oil dipstick.
If the engine oil level is very low, it may indicate neglect. A well-maintained engine oil should have a golden-honey color. If the color ranges from dark brown to black, it indicates that the engine oil and oil filter need to be replaced.
Check the Axle Oil
Park the tractor on a level surface, remove the filling and check plug, and check the fluid level. Also, make sure there are no deposits on the filler cap and surrounding parts.
Inspect the Hydraulic System
It's a good idea to do a pressure test on the hydraulic system for a used tractor you are considering buying. This way, you can understand how well-maintained and good condition the hydraulic system is.
Check the Filters
A clogged filter can negatively affect the performance of the tractor engine. As a result, clogged filters can cause the tractor to work more than necessary, potentially shortening its lifespan. So, checking the filters is beneficial.
Check the Battery
Make sure all connections to the battery are tight. Check the fluid levels in each cell and don't forget to test the battery with a voltmeter. A value below 9 volts indicates that a new battery is needed.
Check the PTO or PTO Shaft
Start the tractor engine and then turn on the PTO shaft. Make sure the propeller shaft rotates smoothly. Listen for unusual sounds coming from the output shaft. You don't want to be the owner of a used tractor that requires repairs to the PTO shaft as it can be very expensive.
