Things to Consider When Buying a Tractor

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Selecting the right tractor for your individual situation will require some thoughtful consideration, but if you take the time to define your intended use for the tractor and do some research, you’ll find a lot of cost-effective models to fit your needs.
Selecting the right tractor for your individual situation will require some thoughtful consideration, but if you take the time to define your intended use for the tractor and do some research, you’ll find a lot of cost-effective models to fit your needs.
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Attachments for all seasons and most tasks are available for subcompact and compact utility tractors.
Attachments for all seasons and most tasks are available for subcompact and compact utility tractors.
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If your needs for hay would involve more than 100 bales of hay a year, a heavy-framed utility tractor with a higher horsepower rating may suit you better.
If your needs for hay would involve more than 100 bales of hay a year, a heavy-framed utility tractor with a higher horsepower rating may suit you better.
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Posthole digging can be one of the most dogged chores on the farm. Tractor-mounted augers make it a breeze.
Posthole digging can be one of the most dogged chores on the farm. Tractor-mounted augers make it a breeze.
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Front-end loaders and backhoes add value to your machinery investment.
Front-end loaders and backhoes add value to your machinery investment.
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Rollover protective structures (ROPS) and seat belts help keep tractor drivers safe.
Rollover protective structures (ROPS) and seat belts help keep tractor drivers safe.

One of the most pressing questions you’ll face when purchasing a tractor for your farm or acreage is, “What size of tractor do I need?” This is an essential question, and answering it correctly requires a good understanding of how you intend to use the tractor.

Prices for both new and used tractors climb dramatically based on horsepower, so too much tractor can mean money wasted. But, if the tractor you choose is underpowered, you’ll run the risk of damaging it through stress or simply by not being able to use it for its intended purpose.

When my wife and I purchased our rural property, buying a tractor was one of our first priorities. But with all the manufacturers and models, I was at a loss for where to start my search. I sat down at the table and made a list of questions I had to answer based on my personal needs. That full list is later in the article, and the following factors are things I took into consideration before buying my tractor.

Subcompact or Compact Utility Tractors

Start by determining how you’ll use the tractor. If your main uses will involve mowing, moving snow, light tilling, and some loading, a lot of subcompact, compact utility, and utility tractors can handle those chores with ease.

  • Published on Sep 19, 2017
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