Chances are, there are a lot of used tractors for sale in your area. When your “used tractors for sale near me” search turns up a lot of results, you might need a backhoe just to dig through the options.
If you’re in the market for a used tractor, here a few things to inspect on the machine before you decide to buy.
Questions? Let us know!
General Used Tractor Condition
Do a visual inspection of the tractor – in person! While pictures can give you an idea of a used tractor’s condition, it’s more of a bird’s eye view. You want to get up close and personal with the machine.
Keep an eye out for any signs of rough usage in the cylinders, hoses, and undercarriage. Note signs of rust and any cracks. This is also a good time to check for any signs of fuel, oil, or hydraulic leaks. Repairs to these systems can be costly – you’ll want to know upfront if there’s an issue.
During your initial inspection of the machine, make sure you check the machine’s hours. The number of hours on a used tractor can heavily influence its value.
Hours are also a factor in whether a tractor is still covered by factory warranty. Some used John Deere tractors at TriGreen Equipment may qualify for Used Equipment PowerGard Warranty.
Service History
You’ll likely never know the full history of a used tractor for sale, unless “used tractors near me” literally means buying from a neighbor! However, you should see what you can learn about a machine’s service history. Was the tractor serviced at the OEM’s recommended intervals? If you do end up purchasing a tractor, be sure you have access to its operator manual!
If the previous owner had it serviced regularly, that’s a good sign for the used tractor’s longevity. Ideally, you’d find a tractor that has documentation of regular service at a reputable heavy equipment dealer.
Be sure to ask if the tractor was serviced in the shop when the previous owner traded it in. Ask to see anything the technician noted during their inspection. You may get an idea of potential repairs that are in that specific tractor’s future.
Operation
After you’ve inspected the used tractor and talked through it’s service history, it’s time to run it.
Get in and crank the tractor. Is it slow to turn over? Or does it crank as expected? Note the color of the exhaust and any unexpected vibrations.
Take the used tractor for a test drive. You’ll get a feel for the hydraulic, steering, and transmission functions. If the tractor has a loader, raise and lower and tilt the bucket to make sure that works as intended.
Make note of any diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) that appear on the instrument cluster.
Cab
Depending on the plans you have for your used tractor, you may be spending a lot of time in it. Make sure that the interior is in decent condition. Do all the buttons and functions work as intended? Identify anything that needs repairing or replacing in the cab.
Tractor Dealers Make the Difference
When you set out to find a used tractor, make sure to look for reputable tractor dealers.
Finding exactly what you’re looking for on a dealership lot is pretty likely. At TriGreen Equipment, our used tractor inventory across all our locations is always changing. Talk with a sales professional about exactly what you’re looking for. They can keep an eye out for it to let you know when something similar is coming in on trade.
Buying from a reputable dealer comes with benefits like in-house financing options and a quality service shop. If you do need repairs made to your new-to-you tractor, you’ll want a service team you can count on to do the work.
Finding the perfect tractor for your farm or property can be a daunting task. Our sales team at TriGreen Equipment is ready to help you end your search and find a tractor that comes with tried and true support. Contact us for more information, or browse our used equipment listings here.
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