How to Buy a Used Tractor

Inspecting the Tractor

1. How to Buy a Used Tractor Picture 1
   Give the tractor a visual inspection to check for damage and wear. Look over the entire tractor for chipped paint, dents, rust, and other signs of damage. Keep an eye out for mud or dirt that could be a sign that the tractor was poorly treated or maintained. Take note of any issues that you see so you can discuss them with the previous owner.^[1]

   1. While dirt and chipped paint may not affect the performance of the tractor, it can be a sign of deeper problems.
   2. Check the cab for mud and dirt as well.
2. How to Buy a Used Tractor Picture 2
   Check the hour meter on the tachometer to see how much it was used. The tachometer is a gauge inside the cab of the tractor that provides information such as the speed and RPMs of the engine. Find the tachometer on the dashboard inside of the cab and look for the hour meter on it to find out how many hours the tractor has been used.^[2]

   1. An hour reading of around 2,500 is considered a broken-in engine in good condition. Hour readings above 35,000 are considered high mileage for a tractor.
   2. Hour readings, like the odometer of a car, can be altered by the owner trying to sell the tractor.
3. How to Buy a Used Tractor Picture 3
   Look for spot-painting used to cover up rust on the tractor. Check for freshly painted areas on the tractor and inspect around and beneath the area for any signs of rust. Look for areas of paint that don't match for signs that the paint is being used to cover up scratches, damage, or rust.^[3]

   1. A freshly painted tractor doesn't necessarily mean there's any rust or damage, but small spots of paint can mean they're covering up problems.
4. How to Buy a Used Tractor Picture 4
   Examine the wiring for any damage or fraying. Check all of the wires in the cab and around the engine. Look for cuts, cracks, or breaks in the sheathing around the wires as well as any exposed or frayed wires. Look for any wires that were patched up with tape and make sure the tape isn't damaged or peeling.^[4]

   1. Damage to wiring on tractors is pretty common over time, but any patches or repairs need be done properly with electrical tape.
   2. Exposed or frayed wiring is a sign of poor maintenance and is a potential shock hazard.
5. How to Buy a Used Tractor Picture 5
   Turn on the lights and electronics to make sure they're working. Flip on all of the lights on the tractor, including any turn signals or hazard lights to see that they're in working order. Look in the cab and check all of the gauges and displays to see if they're working. Test the radio and any other electronics in the cab as well.^[5]

   1. If the cab includes a guidance system or GPS display, test it to make sure it comes on.
6. How to Buy a Used Tractor Picture 6
   Inspect the tires for cracks, excessive wear, or damage. A little wear on the tires is to be expected for a used tractor but look for cracking in the rubber and inspect the rims to make sure they aren't bent or damaged. If there is almost no tread left on the tires, they'll need to be replaced, which can affect the price of the tractor.^[6]

   1. Bubbles or bulges in the tires are a sign that the tractor was stored outside and wasn't well-maintained.
   2. Replacement tractor tires can cost up to $30,000.
7. How to Buy a Used Tractor Picture 7
   View the articulation point for metal shards and grease. The articulation point is the pivot joint on the tractor, which is the major moving part and allows you to turn and use the tractor for various tasks. Look at the articulation point beneath the tractor to make sure that it's well-greased and there isn't any rust. Check for small metal shards, which are a sign of wear and improper maintenance.^[7]

   1. The location of the articulation point varies depending on the design but is generally located near the front or rear axle of the tractor.
8. How to Buy a Used Tractor Picture 8
   Start the engine, look for leaks, and listen for knocking sounds. Turn on the tractor and check underneath it for oil leaks or other drips. Check the engine and hydraulic lines for dry rot, leaky, or missing hoses. Look for discolored streaks running down the engine for signs of drips and leaks. Listen for any knocking or scratching sounds in the engine while it runs, a sign of damage and wear.^[8]

   1. Damage inside of the engine could lead to expensive repairs.

   Tractor Tip: Use a stethoscope or place a screwdriver onto the tractor and hold your ear up to it to listen for internal knocking sounds coming from the engine.

9. How to Buy a Used Tractor Picture 9
   Check the oil and fluid levels in the engine. Look at the gauges in the cab to see that the oil and fluid levels are stable. Pull out the oil dipstick on the engine to make sure there's oil and that it isn't cloudy or dirty. Check the coolant and any other fluid levels to make sure there aren't leaks.^[9]

   1. Low or empty fluid levels are a sign of poor maintenance or potential leaks.