Seven Factors To Take Into Account Before Purchasing A Tractor
Posted on: 24 April 2018
A tractor is a vitally important piece of equipment for just about any type of agricultural operation. Choosing the right tractor is important to maximize the profitability of your operation.
The following are seven important factors to take into account before purchasing a tractor for sale:
The hitching mechanism and what types of equipment you'll be attaching
Tractors are typically useful because they can pull other pieces of equipment like harrows, manure spreaders, or plows. It's a good idea to choose a tractor with a versatile hitch mechanism so that you can easily attach your equipment. Three-point hitches and drawbar hitches are known for being some of the most versatile hitch options out there.
The engine and how much horsepower it offers
The amount of horsepower you need will depend on how heavy the equipment is that you need to pull with your tractor. Generally speaking, a tractor that's powered with a diesel engine is going to offer more pulling power than a tractor that's powered with gasoline. Be aware of horsepower and the range of horsepower you're going to need to get the work done that you need to accomplish with your tractor.
The tires of the tractor and what type of terrain you need the tractor for
Tractor tires can be filled with either air or fluid. Tires that are filled with liquids like antifreeze generally provide better traction and can be used on more rugged terrain. However, tires that are filled with air are often easier to deal with and more convenient.
The headlights of the tractor and what type of schedule you keep
If you need to be able to operate your tractor at night, you're going to need headlights that provide enough light. Test out tractor models you're considering in the dark to get an idea of how much visibility their headlights offer.
The transmission and how comfortable you feel shifting gears
Learning to drive a standard tractor that requires clutching and shifting can make it more complicated than it has to be to become familiar with driving your tractor. If you or your workers are not able to drive with a standard transmission, you might want to opt for a tractor model with an automatic transmission to make training easier.
The cab the tractor offers and whether or not you need heating and cooling
If you need to operate your tractor year round in all weather conditions, you probably want to select a model with a cab that can allow for conditioned air for the operator. This will make it possible to operate the tractor in an air conditioned environment in the summer and a heated environment during the winter.
The maintenance needs of your tractor and who will provide service
A tractor is going to need to receive routine maintenance to continue operating properly. Before you purchase a tractor model, you should find a mechanic near you who will be able to service the model you've selected.
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