Contrary to what some people may think, buying a new tractor is not like buying a new car. A tractor is not something pretty that you drive around for two years and then trade in for a newer model. While residential landscape tractors are expected to last five or six years, larger, agricultural tractors are hard-working investments that can last 25 years or more.
What do I need to consider before buying a tractor?
The most important thing to consider before buying a tractor is how you will use it. Will you be using a tractor for mowing and garden tilling or do you need one to move equipment around? If you need a tractor to do double-duty in the winter months as a snow plow, realize that snow removal and the constant forward-reverse motions can be brutally hard on an engine. What you are using your tractor for and how many acreages you have can help you determine what your needs are in terms of horsepower, towing capacity, and hydraulics.
What is the best time of year to buy a tractor?
Like any recreational vehicle or piece of equipment, the best time to buy one is during the off-season. Just as no one wants a snowmobile when the snow melts, no one wants a new or used tractor after harvest. You can often get the best deals at end-of-season sales, especially if you buy the previous year's model. If you don't see a sale price, ask. You may be surprised at how willing salespeople are to move product at the end of a season to make room for next year's models.
Should I buy a new or used tractor?
Whether you buy new or used is personal preference and there are pros and cons to each option. A new tractor comes with better financing options and a full warranty. A used tractor, however, is typically less expensive. If you are mechanically-inclined, you may be confident in your skills and able to care for a used tractor. If you are not, you will probably be better off with a brand new tractor with no pre-existing problems.
Do tractors hold their value over time?
Tractors are the work horses of modern farming operations -- literally and figuratively! Not only do they get the job done, day in and day out, but they also hold their value over time. In fact, used tractors still command high dollar and are a great investment.
Choose your tractor based on your needs now and in the future because it will be with you for the long haul. Talk to your local tractor dealer for more information.
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