Tips For Buying A Used Tractor

Since tractors can cost a pretty penny, many buyers opt for used tractors as a way to save a few hundred dollars. Buying a used piece of equipment is a perilous task, filled with pitfalls like shady sellers and hidden damages. However, there are some steps you can take to avoid getting a lemon.

At High Plains Equipment, we want our clients to get the best machines for their needs. We’ve compiled this guide to help you select the right used tractor. To check out some quality new and used tractors for sale, visit our dealerships in Devils Lake and Harvey, ND. We’re here for all the farm equipment needs of our friends from Minot and Grand Forks!

Dealer Integrity

Buying a pre-owned tractor shouldn’t involve surfing the internet looking for listings from questionable individual sellers. Sometimes these listings promise a whole lot for very little, which should set off red flags as most sellers won’t undersell anything. A lot of individuals have a few pieces to sell, so they aren’t too bothered about things like seller reputation or building a customer base. 

Instead, you should look for dealers and sellers with good reputations. You can usually check online credentials and reviews for legit sellers. Such sellers also provide any information you ask for, such as proof of ownership, maintenance and service records, and clear title history. Avoid dealers who seem reluctant about showing any paperwork. 

Vehicle Condition

Before you make a decision, you need to inspect the tractor in person. If you’re not too familiar with tractors, take along someone who is knowledgeable and reliable enough to give you their honest opinion about the used tractor. If you’re checking for listings online, give more attention to sellers who provide product information and pictures. If you have any questions, don’t hold back. Any good dealer is ready to address your questions and concerns upfront. It’s not impolite to ask for records or other information you might want to see.

There are some things you can keep an eye out for when you examine used tractors. The cab and tire wear should match up with operating hours. Low hours show little wear on things like foot pedals, carpet, and mats, and the age and condition of tires should reflect this as well. The same goes for tire tread. When you check the inside of the tractor, look for leaks, damage to and around the battery, and engine condition including oil and coolant. Check the 4WD swivel pin for wear and tear. Once you’re satisfied, take the tractor for a test drive. Once you have it turned on, check the steering and feel for any operating inconsistencies. 

Background Check

Now that you’ve tested the used tractor to make sure it’s working well, it’s time for the next step, i.e. doing the background check. We do this to ensure that the piece of equipment won’t fall apart after a short time or that it hasn’t come from less-reputable sources. Always ask the seller if they own the equipment or if it’s under a lien. You can also check the ownership by running the serial number or VIN through a private service to find out the history of the pre-owned tractor. Buying equipment that doesn’t have a clear title or has a lien against it may forfeit ownership to another institution, so it is extremely important to verify ownership!

We hope this guide helps you get the best used tractor you can find. As long as you do your research and use a good dealer, like us here at High Plains Equipment, you should be good to go. To check out some reliable used tractors for sale near Minot and Grand Forks, visit our dealerships in Devils Lake and Harvey, ND.