Buying Advice Where/how should I research?

onetoughmudder · Aug 2, 2012

Hi all,

I'm just starting to research a new purchase and wanted to know where to begin :confused3: Obviously I'm starting on the company websites but those only get me so far and most aren't that good (except for JD). My next stop is the dealer...but where should I go from there? Thanks for the help!

Deerherd · Aug 2, 2012

Welcome to the forum. I think maybe before you go to the dealership you should decide what you want to do so they can point you to the right size of tractor. For anybody on here to recommend anything they would need to know what tasks you want to accomplish. Because usually the step after going to dealers and trying out their products is to BUY SOMETHING! That's when things get fun. Good luck!

crazyangel · Aug 3, 2012

When researching the purchase of my tractor, and learning about them in general, I have had great results with the search function here in the TBN forum. More than anywhere else on the web, this forum has led me to specific tractor information I have been wanting to understand. You can search specific model numbers, like 5740, or general topics, like box blade. I am always amazed by how much information is in the archives here. You may need to search under a few different terms to find what you are looking for but most often it will be there. When it doesn't turn up, that's when I post a new topic, and it usually ends up helping someone else too. This really is a great community and knowledge base! :tractor: :thumbsup:

cmore · Aug 3, 2012

crazyangel said:
When researching the purchase of my tractor, and learning about them in general, I have had great results with the search function here in the TBN forum. More than anywhere else on the web, this forum has led me to specific tractor information I have been wanting to understand. You can search specific model numbers, like 5740, or general topics, like box blade. I am always amazed by how much information is in the archives here. You may need to search under a few different terms to find what you are looking for but most often it will be there. When it doesn't turn up, that's when I post a new topic, and it usually ends up helping someone else too. This really is a great community and knowledge base! :tractor: :thumbsup:

With a internet search u can find a lot of info, unless it is a new model. I started with the manufactures sites and then did general searches on internet. If u have specific questions that u can not find the ans to, try asking here.

meburdick · Aug 3, 2012

Deerherd said:
Welcome to the forum. I think maybe before you go to the dealership you should decide what you want to do so they can point you to the right size of tractor. For anybody on here to recommend anything they would need to know what tasks you want to accomplish. Because usually the step after going to dealers and trying out their products is to BUY SOMETHING! That's when things get fun. Good luck!

+10 on this advice.

If you have an exact idea of what the tractor will be required to do, will likely start doing in the future, and "would be nice if it could do"... You will then know how to size a machine. Once you have the right size of machine, you'll be able to understand which attachments you'll need. That will all come together to determine storage requirements, trailering (if necessary), and *cost*.

mvwicker · Aug 3, 2012

Welcome to TBN!
Suggestion: decide what main tasks you need to accomplish, like mowing (how much area?) or gravel driveway maintenance (how long?), then research those tasks on TBN and elsewhere. The stuff others use for those tasks will be a good starting point for your own purchase.

creekbend · Aug 3, 2012

When I was looking for a tractor, I went to all the dealers in my area. I also talked to all my neighbors that had tractors. I went to auctions and spent many an hour at the local feed and farm store. You can learn a lot by listening to others. I drove many tractors. I learned quite a lot by searching the forums here on TBN. I am still learning by being a member of TBN and reading the Posts and Threads. Best wishes.