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Should you look at New or Used Tractors?If you are looking to buy a compact tractor, then you might want to consider a used machine. It is possible to find low hours, well maintained used compact tractors for price savings that might enable you to get more machine for your money. It is also important to investigate new prices too, and don't assume that all used tractors are a good deal. Some sellers might be very fond of their used machine and could be charging too much. You don't want to buy used and later find that you could have bought new for close to the same price! It's probably good to shop around for both used and new and see what you come up with.
One of the areas that needs to be considered is the value of different brand names. It might be possible to find a new compact tractor that is lower cost than some brands of used compact tractors! Brands like John Deere have a good reputation and can demand a higher price (both new and re-sale). Brands like Kubota also have a very good reputation, but value (features for the price) can be very good on both new and used Kubota tractors. Some other brands of Japanese tractors or some of the Chinese tractors like Jinma can offer a lot of features for a relatively low price. Keep in mind that most compact tractors these days are a made overseas. Even big names like John Deere have some of their machines manufactured overseas. Whatever brands you consider, just be sure to check out parts availability. Don't take just one person's word for it that parts may be available for a foreign made tractor. Verify this upfront. The last thing you want is a tractor (new or used) for which it is difficult to find parts. Having a tractor out of commission for an extended time (or indefinitely) because of a repair that can not be made due to poor parts availability is a nightmare. Don't consider any tractor unless you know you can get parts! As you are looking at different used compact tractors, some of the things to check out include engine fluids. Pull the dipstick and check the engine oil and see how it looks. Does the oil look tan or light brown, or is it black? Very dark black oil can mean the engine oil has not been changed regularly. Also, check to see if there are any signs of water in the engine oil. This might be evident by milky looking deposits on the dipstick which could be a sign of water in the oil. This could be caused by a coolant leak in the engine such as a cracked head or perhaps a leaky head gasket. Also remove the radiator cap and check the coolant to see if it has any signs of oil contamination. Oil should float to the surface and be easy to detect. If there are any signs of coolant and oil mixing, then definitely move on to something else! Expensive engine repairs can really negate any savings of a used tractor. You could easily end up paying more in the long run by buying used tractors with serious problems. Be sure to also check the tractor's hydraulic fluid by pulling the dipstick and see if it looks clean and normal. Very dark colors or a "burnt" smell are good indications to look elsewhere! Also, be sure to inspect the tractor and look for leaks. Some small hydraulic leaks like light weeping around hydraulic cylinders (like on a front loader) or around hydraulic fittings can be normal on used tractors. Just make sure that it is not excessively leaking anywhere. If you are looking at used Kubota tractors, then be sure to watch out for gray market models. Click here for more info on: used Kubota tractors. Naturally, one of the most important things to do while shopping for a tractor is to take it for a test drive! Listen to the engine. Make sure there are no unusual sounds. Keep in mind that most compact tractors are diesel powered, and the engine will have a louder knocking sound than a comparable gasoline engine. A light "knocking" sound of a typical diesel engine is normal. If you are not familiar with diesel engines, then try to take someone along who is and can recognize what a normal diesel engine sounds like. Be sure to shift through the gears on the transmission (or test out the hydro drive if it is equipped with a hydrostatic transmission). Listen for unusual noises or excessive vibrations while driving. If any of the used tractors you are looking at comes with implements like a front loader, then be sure to test them out and make sure they operate smoothly. Also, keep an eye out for the tires and see how much tread is left on them. Tractor tires can be expensive to replace, so factor that in when figuring price savings of purchasing used versus new.
There are good, used tractors that can be purchased that are well maintained and have low hours and can offer a lifetime of service if properly maintained. Buying a brand new tractor can also be a good investment if you find a reputable brand that offers a good value for your money. In addition, new tractors typically have a warranty that covers defects in parts and workmanship for an extended period of time. Most used compact tractors will not have a warranty unless you buy from a tractor dealer that also independently offers a warranty on the used tractors they sell. Shop around, research on the internet, talk with local dealers, talk with tractor owners, and make an informed choice that you will enjoy for many years to come!
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