Top Ten Things to Consider When Buying a Tractor
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- Опубліковано 29 чер 2024
- If I had to sum up my top recommendations for buying a tractor it would be the ten items below. I've done videos most of these topics but I'm not sure I've ever put them in one place.
The most important thing when shopping for a tractor, in my opinion, is not selecting a brand, but to find a dealer that you trust, whose culture fits yours and who'll be around to take care of you and buy what they're selling. Just about every brand of tractor on the market today has a model that I'd be proud to own, but the best tractor in the world with no dealer support is worthless. So, the first step in the process is to visit dealers in your area and see who you hit it off with.
Second most important thing is to make sure you're getting all the options you need. This sounds crazy, but find out if there's a more expensive model, and ask what you'd get if you bought that. Most companies offer a "bargain" and a "deluxe" model. They'll advertise the cheaper one, many times, the more expensive model will give you the options you need and you'll get the extra cost back if you ever resell the tractor. So, ask your salesperson if they're showing you their bargain model, and what you would get if you moved up.
Next, remember that a tractor is an investment. I just did a video about that here: • Keep the Old Case 570 ... . If you buy a desirable model, and take care of it, you may get a good part of your purchase price back if you keep if a few years and then sell it. Tractors hold their value, at least they do in the current market, because the supply of used is so low.
Get the biggest tractor you can afford. If you think you want a cab tractor, get it! You'll always want the next biggest tractor, because the more horsepower and size you have, the more you can do, and the more implement and attachment choices you have. I've never known anyone who wanted a cab, got one, and then hated it. I've known plenty of people who thought they might want a cab, decided against it, and then regretted it.
If you use the manufacturer's low rate, get all the options and attachments you want up front. You actually pay for the low rate program by giving up the cash-in-lieu rebate, you'll get more value from that, the more you finance. If you want remote hydraulic connections, a grill guard, a canopy, etc, or, a box blade, rock rake, post auger, grapple, or any other implement, get it up front and put it on the low rate program. You'll have use of the items from day one, and it'll be less painful to buy if it's in the payment stream.
Check out the manufacturer's insurance. Many times they offer a very attractive program to insure that the tractor is always covered while financed, and they'll roll the payments into the payment stream. Always get full replacement value insurance. That's because, unlike replacing a car, if anything happens to your tractor, it may be tough to find a comparable one to buy for the insurance settlement.
Number seven relates to warranty. Find out what the warranty is when purchasing, and what part covers all non-wear items and what part is powertrain only. Tractor warranties are usually fairly long, but only the first couple of years cover everything, after that, it's powertrain only. Extended warranties are usually not that great a deal, especially if it's administered by a third-party source and not the tractor manufacturer.
Next, if you're shopping for a used tractor, there are some I'd avoid. Small tractors with 2wd, no loader, or turf tires don't hold their resale value, and gas tractors require more maintenance than most of us want to do. Finally, avoid tractors who no longer have a dealer network in the U.S. There are many tractor companies who set up shop here, sell a bunch of tractors and then leave, making it tough to get parts and service for. Those can be boat anchors if critical repair parts can't be sourced. Here's a video on that topic: • Six Tractors With Horr... .
Number nine, especially if you're new to tractors, is to get training before leaving the dealership, preferably done by a service person. You'll need to know what all the controls do, how to maintain the tractor, and how to be safe during operation. That's best done at the dealership while both you, and the tractor, are still there.
Finally, develop a good relationship with your dealer. Get to know the service manager and parts personnel. I recommend taking them donuts once in a while. You never know when you'll need a little favor and the customer affectionately known as "The Donut Guy" will get more consideration than the "Yelling and Screaming Guy".
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I went "on down the road" in 2014 when my JD farm tractor dealer where I spent tens of thousands of dollars per year on R & M of 3 big row crop tractors & a combine showed no interest in selling me a homestead size tractor.
The dealer I finally bought my J D 5055E from said I didn't qualify for John Deere's current factory discounts because I was located outside their sales region. To get those factory discounts I should buy from my local dealer. Well, it being that I'd already tried to deal with 2 or 3 of my local dealer's salesmen (at 3 different stores) over a few yrs, I paid the price asked because I needed to make the purchase quickly for end-of-year tax reasons.
Before that experience I felt bad over my local dealer's hardship during times of agriculture related economic stress, but these days when I drive by & observe the dealerships looking like ghost towns with no new machinery for sale on their huge, pristine gravel lots I find myself amused. Then I ask G*d's forgiveness & move on.
If you want to experience chauvinistic behavior first hand just walk into a tractor dealership with the wrong chromosomes. BTW: I paid in full for the little 5055E I bought in 2014. I didn't need their finance program.
John Deeres (& CNH's) consolidation of dealerships has hurt the customer service aspect of of buying & servicing tractors immeasurably. Now my 5 or 6 closest JD dealerships are all owned by the same co, so where do I go for better service? Competition no longer exists unless you want to give up the resale advantage of green paint. By the time JD reaches full blown monopolization customer public relations won't matter. Bill Gates owns enough JD stock to buy his tractors straight off the factory floor at cost. John Deere's business model perfectly exemplifies the death of capitalism during my lifetime.
This is merely one example - I could write a book.
I'm a little disappointed in my dealer at this point. When I bought the tractor ('21 L4701HST), I was pleased enough with the price, and I did roll in a set of forks and a Landpride RCR1272. What annoys me at this point is that I did ask about 3rd function and multiple rear remotes and was told I didn't need them. I didn't completely understand the point of them, so now if I want a grapple or a hydraulic offset flail mower, I'm going to have to have them added (or do it myself, which I'd most likely do at this point). And I really want properly integrated ones, where the lever positions for the hydraulic top link are present, and 2nd rear remote. I have NO idea why they talked me out of those. Then when I went back to buy a mini-ex, they didn't take me seriously. So I went to another dealer and bought a JD 26G instead of a Kubota. So except for buying parts or warranty work, that dealer is now dead to me.
Excellent. I believe the relationship with the dealer/service can’t be overstated. Nice video.
As a novice in the whole thing here a few years ago, my prospective is different. I would now say, make a list what you want to do on your property, the scale of the whole set of projects, then do research on implements to do the job to match the tasks. Learn the language of things so you can ask the right questions from a dealer. After pricing the attachments, think what tractor type you will need to do the job, what capacity you need. Try talking around with experienced people that know what to do and how to do it. Now, set to go with wisdom and knowledge, look for the right close as possible dealer that can do as Tractor Mike says. Do your homework up front. It is the best way to get it right the first time.
The homework thing didn't work for me. I had an 84 inch RHINO brush hog I'd used on my previous tractor (1961 MF 85). I was skeptical that the JD 5055E had the weight & hydraulic system to handle the brush hog. No source (including this channel) answered my questions with confidence. It turns out I was right. My PTO kicks off repeatedly & has difficulty getting the cutter speed up to maximum efficiency. I've checked my shredder gearbox for signs of damage or wear. It's in good shape. Now the problem I face is how much to downsize with the next one.
My #11: Rent before you buy (if possible). I rented several tractors from a local company ranging in sizes, manufacturers and configurations. I learned quickly what each was capable or not capable of doing. Made my decision much easier.
I was surprised how inexpensive insurance coverage can be. Annually, one percent per year of the purchase cost. Another educational video to enjoy.
Good tips there, Mike. Thanks for sharing them!
Wish I had seen this video BEFORE I purchased my first Tractor.
Should have gotten the one with the cab, no a/c in Texas, tuff.
Another great video. The information that you presented is invaluable to a new tractor owner. A couple of these, I wish I had known when I bought my first tractor last year. Great job!
I had a advantage on most buyers of tractors. I worked for a large manufacturing of tractors. Operating all sizes of tractors is not only full but educational. Your video is spot on.
This is akin to a "greatest hits" on Mike videos. I agree whole heartedly about the right dealer. I lucked out with mine, but my local dealer through apathy and a messy lot did enough to scare me off.
Yeah, the "Greatest Hits" is valid. I swore before making that video I had done the exact video before, after ten years on UA-cam, they all blend together in your mind. If I did, I sure couldn't find it. I wanted those all in one place so I can direct new viewers to that one video because that answers about 40% of the questions I get. Thanks for being a long-time viewer!
Mike, the top 10 that you noted in this video were the same things that I was looking for when I got my tractor in 2020. Great tips & thanks for sharing.
Once again great info. Which I will use when buying my first new tractor next year
I agree with everything you said but I know for me I had to make sure it would fit in my garage door so I had to measure to make sure. Also one of the problems I believe with newer tractors versus older is that older tractors had more weight to them so power was more even when plowing & discing making the ride less jerky. It also allowed lower hp tractors to do more work rather than having to have 4wd.
What can anyone say , Thanks Mike invaluable wise advice, that takes the grief out of life, from ones own dumb choices.
A terrible dealer experience pushed me to buy used and I'm thankful I did. Your videos along with others on UA-cam gave me the information I needed to find a quality, brand new used machine. It was 10 years old with 300 hours and a deluxe model to boot. I saved thousands by bypassing the dealer all together. Service department from that same dealer on the other has has been very helpful along the way finding upgrades and helping with items needed for maintenance. Thanks Tractor Mike!
Great video Mike very good information.
Love this video! But I think #10 should actually be #1! I was lucky enough to find a dealership that makes me feel like family, and it has saved me from what could have been some very costly mistakes (that were 100% my fault).
Awesome that you have a good dealer! Judging by the comments, that's getting to be rare. That makes me sad.
@@TractorMike Me too. Many family businesses are getting sold to larger corporations.
Great points. Thanks for posting.
I got pretty lucky when I bought my first tractor (I think, based on your advice at the end.) But I'm really glad I found you since then. I have learned so much! Thanks for all your videos. And, although this is a couple weeks late, congratulations on your 100K subscribers!
Thanks for the nice comments Kenneth, glad to have you here!
While I agree with you on #1 - the dealer, I would like to point out that dealers do change ownership and with the change in ownership can come a big change in the people working there and the approach to dealing with customers. Both our local JD and Case-IH dealerships have changed owners in the last 5 years and at least once more in the previous 10 years. These changes brought a large turnover of people. The dealership that you deal with today might be completely different in 6 months.
The third dealership in our local area has remained with the same ownership, but they have changed the brand of tractors that they sell.
Overall you have made many good points.
Thank you.
Mike, that is a huge concern of mine. Deere really led the charge to force their dealer into either being a buyer or a seller of other dealers, and I never liked that idea. The whole industry has followed. There are certain things you pick up when dealing with a mega-dealer, they'll have more clout with their supplier and have economies of scale that could help them offer better prices and/or better service. What you give up, though, is huge. There's less staff accountability and it's harder to get anyone to make a decision. I'm hoping my local dealerships stay independent for a long time, I'm not sure that will happen.
I love my New Holland 25S. Unfortunately my dealer in Otsego County was disappointing to deal with. Great information, thanks.
Loved your list. The one item I disagree with is a small tractor with turf tires. I've owed larger compact tractors for ag chores but now I have a sub compact for estate chores. Turf tires save my lawn and do 95% of chores in the field and woods too. Keep up the great work Mike.
Always good advice! My family has done business at the same dealer since 1950.
That's exactly what you want. You are fortunate to have such a long-time dealer!
These are all good things to consider when buying a tractor Mike. Especially #1 and #10. Having a good dealer will go a long ways on owning a tractor. I’d recommend getting a name brand tractor that is close to home. Tractor brands that are popular are easier to get parts for, also have a higher resale value. Good Insurance is a must. I have experience with KTAC insurance and know that it is very good and is a replacement insurance. Another Great video Mike!
LinemanG
Good job. Thanks for the information.
One thing I'd add....when you say "get the biggest tractor you can afford"...there are two things to consider here: engine size, and frame size. Let's say a manufacturer offers a 30 and 35 HP tracter in a 2000 pound frame size, and the same engines in a 2800 pound frame size. Know what you need. If you're working in/around the barn or tight spaces like an orchard, then think of "bigger" as engine size, and stick with the smaller frame size (more manueverable, tigher turns, easier in small spaces) and get the 35 hp 2000 pound frame. But if you're doing ground engaging work or heavy loader work, then think frame size. More weight means more efficient pulling, pushing, and towing so look at the 30 hp 2800 pound frame size.
I couldn't have said it better!
Hey good video Mike! Appreciate your channel and your additions to the educational and tractor communities.
Bought my first Kioti tractor from an S&H there just east of Springfield this summer(2022). It was a good experience and I have no complaints. I actually used your channel and others to help me nail down what I wanted/needed. The "not getting enough hp" might be the only thing I fell a little short on. Got a low hour used CK35 with a backhoe and felt it was such a good deal with the backhoe attachment that it was worth sacrificing the hp. Would rather have gotten something in the DK model.
Anyway, just a message from a watcher here in MO.
I spent a lot of time on that lot there at Rogersville. My initials are in the concrete out by the front gate.
Love the donut idea! I’m off to Donut King first thing Monday 😀
Good info Mike. I just sold my new one yrs. Old tractor just because of the dealer. They jerked me around for long time because they put some guy on it for the 3 function: he did not know what he was doing. I had to travel 5, time back n forth,hour and half drive one way. I didn’t trust them after that. So I sold it two days ago . 50 H/ P only 43 hr. On it and 4 implements. Massey Ferguson. I’m out of the tractor business.
Very good advice Mike
Thank you for the video.
Nice tips Mike, Just wanna point out that if a tractor has turf tires but has everything else including being well maintained, I'm not going to let turf tires turn me away from it.
I asked to exchange the lug tires for turf tires as part of my purchase deal. Salesman lost his hearing about then.
Another good one, Mike. Your comment on insurance on the tractor got me to thinking. My New Holland TN70 is a 2008 model but still in great shape. I wonder if insuring it would be wise?
Mark, if it's not covered on your homeowner's insurance, definitely have it insured. Tractor theft is the greatest threat.
@@TractorMike Thanks Mike.
On my gc 1723 e I use my homeowners policy. No dealer was close to me in Missouri . Bought in Illinois because no sales tax. The difference in 1723 and 1725 was 2 hp and armrest and slightly faster hydraulics. I put armrest and cigarette plug for 100 bucks. So it wasn't worth the price difference. Same motor, one is turned up a bit.
I appreciate what you've got to say, but...
What about when one manufacturer's warranty trounces all over the brands around you? I'm speaking of Yanmar and their 10 yr transferable warranty. Wouldn't that be a big thing to consider? Or, is that warranty not as good as it sounds?
Mike, Bedford Kentucky
How about doing a video on utvs and accessories that can be used with them. For some small acerages, that might be more suitable than a tractor.
Roman, great idea, it's on the list.
i think your video was in almost priority order from first to last
I bought my first small tractor and I now realize they are not very good at bulldozing anything. Even a fern lol. I had a 4' fern and tried to FEL it over today and it took me 20 minutes on the stupid plant. The roots were very tough. It stopped the tractor every time. I do have a tiller I could try. Even a brush hog might not work because the mound of dirt and roots. It is a 25 hp Yanmar. Maybe I need a 40 hp tractor?
It's hard to say, I have no experience with ferns. You nailed it, a tractor is not a bulldozer. Maybe try renting a skid loader and see how it does, that would be my machine of choice for what you want to do. I'd also recommend calling the University Extension Service in your area and see if they have any recommendations on the best way to remove ferns. The only ferns I have experience with are the ones in out house and they wouldn't be hard to get rid of. Good luck!
I have no problem buying donuts but I know they’d never make it to the parts counter!
Hello Mike good tips. Best tractor no matter what size is John Deere I just dont understand why people dont see that. Have a great day sir.
if you have the money john deere yellow and green and a good dealer close bve is the way to go.
James M., this is James M. in New Mexico. Your comment, above, is simply ridiculous! What if I told you the the best vehicles to own were Lamborghini, without providing any justification as to why? I can afford to buy any tractor(s) I want and I have two of them. Neither one is a Deere and there are very good reasons for that.
We werent impressed by their 50hp cab model. In 300 hrs and alittle over a year a/c condenser had a pinhole leak in the weld, dealer said not covered under warranty. $1200. The fel was finicky, not smooth. It chugged fuel. Had random electrical problems. We now have a workmaster 65. We really like it, gobs of grunt, well balanced and smooth loader, but...At 13hr a pulley came apart. Fixed under warranty, and gave us a loaner too! If we left it out in the rain overnight it wouldn't run right intermittently. It turned out to be a pinched seal on the ecm in front of engine letting water in. At around 400hr front hub came apart. 6 days out of warranty unfortunately. Dealer gave us 10% discount on parts/labor to fix it. Gonna try kubota next.
What are the pros and cons of buying a tractor out of state from a different dealer.
I actually covered that in a video. Click here to watch: ua-cam.com/video/EogdjvAP1wI/v-deo.html.
We didn’t finance but we got KTAC insurance
My land is less than 1 acre but my dream is to buy a tractor. Is it worth it?
It all depends on what you want to do. If you never need a front end loader, a zero turn is a faster and more efficient way of mowing. It you need to move things around and mow, a tractor is hard to beat. You'll find more uses for a tractor after you own one, but if you only use it a couple of times a year it may make more sense to rent one.
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Don't assume you need a tractor. Do assume whatever you buy you do need parts. Bigger is not always better. Moving stuff around is probably the slowest part of doing anything - the same "sized" articulated loader would hold twice as much in a bucket - things you learn later....
iseki is better than kubota