Most of the farmers usually know what to look for when going to buy a farm tractor. Several arrive at the showrooms and bazaars with specifications on the models they need, whether a 2011 New Holland T7060 MFWD or a John Deere 9630 4WD. They bear with them the ideal air drill, the hydraulic outlets they need, and other farm attachments.
In as much as farmers know the specifications they need to look for when visiting a marketplace, they must conduct some inspection on the tractor before they decide to purchase it. So, what do they look for? Follow this guideline to help you inspect used tractors before deciding on the bid.
- Articulation Point
Ensure you conduct a full inspection on the operational and visual side of its articulation point. It is the significant moving part of that tractor, which means it should be greased all the time to avoid friction and wearing out. Look if the tractor has metal shards which are wear signs because of improper maintenance.
On the operational inspection part, you could start the tractor and move it a bit. If you hear some strange sounds like maybe a knock, then the tractor could be experiencing some issues, and most possibly it could be transmission slip. Check the steering wheel by turning it left and right to assess if there is any looseness or a bent central pin.
- Cab
Assess the situation of the cab. If the tractor was not correctly maintained, you are sure to find mud and dirt inside. Also, check for how many hours the tractor has been operational. Some tractors may look okay and in good shape but have worked for more than 4,000 operating hours.
In case the cab has a guidance system, ensure you assess the receivers, all displays, and electronic components if they are working correctly. Check that since the guidance systems are not cheap to repair or replace.
- Tires, Body and outward appearance
If a tractor looks okay and appealing on the outside, it is because it has been well maintained. Cracks, weathering, and dents are signs that the tractor was not well kept, and most probably it was never housed. Check on the tires as bulging tires could ask for a replacement, and you should be aware tires can be as expensive as $30,000.
Use a tire gauge to determine the tread depth that is left on the tires to determine the timeline left on the tires.
- Engine Compartment
Just like all equipment before purchase, you should start up the tractor and assess the hydraulics, leaks on the engine, or the hoses if there are any leaks. Assess the fuel lines and check for any cracked hydraulics. Also, look at the amount of horsepower in the engine plate to ascertain whether the engine emission is the required one in your jurisdiction. Make good use of a mechanic stethoscope to listen to any scratching or knocking sounds that may be emanating from the engine.
After you have turned off the tractor, you can take out the air filter. Keep in mind that the air filters ought to be replaced after 100-200 hours, and the cab filters should be replaced after 300-400 hours. In case the air filter was regularly replaced, the air filter ought to look clean.
- Hydraulic power
Inspect for leaks from the hydraulics and look for signs that may show damage to the hydraulic tank. Also, assess the attachments you will need for the hydraulics if they are catered for. An example is the majority of air drills require one auxiliary line that has 38GPM hydraulic power with not less than three hydraulic outlets. Make sure the tractor has the ideal number of outlets you need before making the purchase.
- Power take-off shaft
Any mechanical moving equipment must have a functioning PTO shaft. Make sure that the PTO can support any attachments that you may need to run the tractor. Consider a tractor that has a higher horsepower than you require as it will be more beneficial when you expand your project, and it will also be fuel effective.
Consider a used tractor from Tradus.com. It is an ideal marketplace where you will find your perfect tractor. Tradus boasts of comprehensive coverage of customers and sellers. With this site, you are sure there are as many sellers as possible from all over. The site is also user friendly and will assist you in finding the ideal tractor for your farm. With data insights and notifications when new tractors are added, the site is dedicated to helping you find the perfect tractor for your farm.
Tradus is ever dedicated to helping buyers secure the tractor they came for in the marketplace. That is why the company even has an app where you can monitor all the activities of the company. Contact legit sellers on the platform and strike a deal to obtain the farm tractor of your choice. Tradus app also comes in very handy in assisting buyers secure their ideal farm tractor. With the app you can access the marketplace at any time and from virtually everywhere.
- Supporting documentation
Sellers of the used tractors are encouraged to always have with them inspection lists, maintenance logs, and other supporting documentation. As a buyer, ask for these documents as they will give you insights on how the tractor was managed and additional crucial information. The auction site under the discretion of the seller could provide you with their details so that you ask them more questions about the usage of the tractor.
