How do you know a good used tractor when you see one?

[Humdinger]

If you are in the market for a new or "gently used" tractor, what are some things to look for to make sure the used tractor isn't likely to turn out to be a lemon?

 

[wolc123]

I would look for easy-starting cold and good oil pressure first off. Next, check rear tire condition and sheetmetal as those are expensive parts to replace. Make sure the clutch works well if standard, and the tractor goes ok in all gears. If it has a loader, check for broken welds, bends, and cracks, especially if 2wd as those are real troublesome with loaders compared to 4wd's. Look for oil puddles or other signs of leaks under engine, rear end, hydraulic pumps and cylinders, etc. Pull the dipstick and note the color of the oil (milky is bad - means water is mixing in there). Check the steering for excessive free-play. If you are looking for gently used but older machines, I like to find the ones still wearing factory paint, and indication of a life "indoors" when not in use. The real old ones were mostly 6-volt electric, and I would steer clear of those that have been converted to 12 volts. You know you have a tight engine with lots of life left if it still starts good when cold on 6 volts, while a practically worn out motor will start ok cold on 12 volts.

 

[bigbull338]

when you look at a used tractor theres a few things to check out.1st you get the price.then you look at all the tires an see if they need replacing.then you look at the sheet metal an make sure its in good shape.then you drive the tractor an see how it runs.an i would put the hydros an pto under load to see how it does.an as said look the loader over real good,an make sure it hasnt been welded on.

 

[flusher]

If you are in the market for a new or "gently used" tractor, what are some things to look for to make sure the used tractor isn't likely to turn out to be a lemon?

Carefully note the exhaust smoke on a cold start up. White smoke--possible coolant leak into the cylinders. Black smoke--carburetor or injector pump problem--could need a simple adjustment or could mean repair/replacement. Blue smoke--oil leak (rings, etc).

 

[SandburRanch]

I've seen tractors for sale at auctions that the new last minute paint job, to often mask serious mechanical defects, still smelled (GREEN).

On tractors that have pulled drag implements, look at the clevis pin hole for elongation. That type of work will seriously wear expensive tractor components where a front loader for instance will often just wear the clutch and the other parts will last nearly for ever.

 

[TripleR]

Very good advice by all. I know a bit about tractors, but have one checked out by a mechanic.

 

[jonyyuma]

There are brand new paint jobs on them to sell quickly.....no indication of service, or condition..tires are expensive....have it tested and checked if in doubt..

 

[cdaigle430]

My advise-I origionally wanted to buy a used tractor as my first tractor before I bought the MF. All the used tractors I looked had high hours, but ran well. Most of them didn't have a backhoe attachment.

Most tractor dealers now offer 0% financing so I compared the price of the used tractor to a new one and found that used tractor hold there value way to well. Sure, a new tractor is more than most decent comparable used tractors but not by a whole heck of a lot if your going to finance the used tractor. Of course-if your going to pay cash for the used one, that does increase the gap.

So, sometimes it is better to buy new if you can't afford to pay cash for the used tractor-you will get more bank for your buck.

 

[Will_C]

If you are talking a relatively new tractor (less than 5 years old), I always look at the appearance. Is it clean? How do the tires look? The sheet metal? I have seen tractors that are good mechanically that look poor in apperance, but never saw one that was good in appearance that was poor mechanically. People that keep late model tractors clean also tend to keep them on good mechanical repair.

I would second the above tips if you are looking at 10+ old tractors.

Will

 

[Soundguy]

try to be familiare with models you are looking for.. do your research.. look for signs of abuse and repair. good repairs are ok.. bad repairs can cost you more money down the line.

look for oil in the water and water in the oil.. brakes work? play in the steering? steering strong ? lift strong?

leaks?

how's the rubber.. it's expensive these days..

parts availability or a servicing dealer if you can't turn a wrench.

soundguy