HOW TO SELECT A COMPACT TRACTOR

(Page 5 of 7)

April/May 2002
By Ken Burner 
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Unscrupulous dealers? Greedy manufacturers? A little of both? The bottom line, as always, is the buyer should beware. If you choose to purchase a grey market tractor, consider the issues carefully and make sure you have an independent dealer who can support you for the foreseeable future. If you're shopping for a used tractor, be very sure of what you're buying.

RELATED CONTENT

A huge safety risk with grey market tractors is their lack of rollover protection. If your tractor is not equipped with a roll bar, adding one is probably the best investment you can make. Start by contacting the manufacturer to find an authorized dealer in your area who can equip your tractor with a roll bar and a seat belt. If the dealer won't help you, contact one of the following:
•Angus-Palm Industries, (605) 886-5681 • Custom Products of Litchfield, (800) 222-5463 • Full-Vision, (316) 283-3344 • Saf-T-Cab, (209) 268-5541.

What are some alternatives to buying a tractor? 

Not everyone wants or needs a tractor. A tractor is not the ideal tool for every job. Purchasing a tractor can be a big expense and may not be necessary. Here are some alternatives:

FINANCING ALTERNATIVES 

While you can take out a traditional loan at a dealer for a new or used tractor, not everyone is in a position to take on this kind of debt. If you are in the process of buying a new home or refinancing your existing one, you can add the tractor to your mortgage. This often makes sense for larger, heavy-duty equipment and adds very little to monthly payments. Not all mortgage companies may be willing to do this, but if this strategy appeals to you, shop around for a company that will.

If you have a short- or medium-term need for a dedicated tractor, you may want to buy, and then resell a used machine when you're finished. After several years, heavy-duty tractors in good condition do not depreciate much in value. In fact, some classic, 40- to 50-year-old tractors, like the Ford N series, now sell for more than they cost when they were new. (See "A Perfect Homestead Tractor," Mother Earth News, No. 191, Page 101.) As with any used machine, make sure it is in good condition when you buy it, and take care of it while you own it. (Be prepared to make some repairs.) How much you can resell it for will depend on finding a buyer who appreciates its value.

NONPURCHASE OPTIONS 

Instead of buying, consider renting machinery or implements you need only occasionally. Most equipment dealers rent anything from single-bottom plows to tractor loader-backhoes. Rental fees are usually reasonable, especially compared to the purchase price. Most dealers offer delivery and pickup of large equipment and, except for very large equipment, do not require an operator's license.

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