Tractors For Sale: Everything You Need to Know About Buying a Tractor

Buying a tractor is a significant investment, whether you’re a farmer, landscaper, or a homeowner with a large property. Tractors are versatile machines that can handle a wide range of tasks, from mowing lawns and tilling soil to hauling heavy loads and more.

However, with so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right tractor for your needs.

So what do you need to know?

This article aims to provide you with a comprehensive guide on buying a tractor, including information on tractor prices, a buying guide, and tractor accessories. By the end of this article, you should have a clear understanding of what to look for when purchasing a tractor.

Tractor Prices

One of the first things you need to consider when buying a tractor is the price range. Tractor prices can vary significantly depending on the brand, model, and features. It is essential to set a budget before you start your search to make sure you don’t spend too much. Remember, buying a tractor is a long-term investment, so it’s crucial to choose a model that will serve your needs for many years to come.

Tractor Sizes

When it comes to tractor prices, there are three main categories: compact tractors, utility tractors, and agricultural tractors. Compact tractors are smaller in size and are suitable for light-duty tasks such as landscaping and gardening. They are perfect if you have a large property or small-scale farm.

Utility tractors are more versatile and can handle a wide range of tasks, including mowing, tilling, and hauling. They are ideal for larger properties and commercial use.

Agricultural tractors are larger and more powerful. They are designed for heavy-duty tasks on farms and in fields.

The price range for compact tractors typically starts at around $10,000 and can go up to $30,000, depending on the brand and features. Utility tractors usually range from $20,000 to $50,000, while agricultural tractors can cost anywhere from $100,000 to over $600,000.

Keep in mind that these are just average prices, and the actual cost can be different depending on your location and the tractor you choose.

If these prices seem a little extreme, you may want to consider a used tractor.

Tractor Buying Guide

Now that you have an idea of the price range, let’s dive into the essential factors to consider when buying a tractor. These factors will help you determine the type of tractor that will best suit what you want and need.

1. Horsepower

The horsepower of a tractor determines its capability to perform various tasks. It is crucial to know your needs and choose a tractor with the appropriate horsepower.

For light-duty tasks, a tractor with 20-30 horsepower may be sufficient. However, if you require a tractor for heavy-duty tasks, you may need a model with 50-100 horsepower or more. Row-crop tractors used for field work can even reach an astonishing 700 HP!

Remember, more horsepower means more power, but it also means higher fuel consumption and potentially higher maintenance costs.

2. Transmission

Tractors come with different transmission options, including manual, automatic, and hydrostatic. You need to shift manual transmission gears (wait for it…) manually. This can be challenging for beginners.

Automatic transmission shifts gears automatically, making it easier to operate but less efficient in terms of fuel consumption.

Hydrostatic transmissions provide effortless control of your speed. This makes it ideal for tasks that require precise speed adjustments, such as tilling or mowing.

3. Attachments and Implements

Consider the attachments and implements you will need for your tractor. These can include loaders, mowers, tillers, and more.

Ensure that the tractor you choose works with the attachments and implements you need. Some tractors have a universal attachment system. Others may need more specific attachments made to fit that model.

You should also consider the cost of the attachments in your budget, and if they are readily available.

4. Fuel Type

Tractors can run on diesel, gasoline, or even electricity. Diesel tractors are the most common choice due to their fuel efficiency and power. They are ideal for heavy-duty tasks and long hours of operation.

Gasoline tractors are suitable for lighter tasks and are generally less expensive to buy but more expensive to run due to higher fuel costs.

Electric tractors are becoming more popular due to their eco-friendly nature. They may have limited power and range, but this makes them ideal for light-duty tasks and smaller properties. Because many brands are still experimenting with electric power, there are few electric models to choose from.

5. Brand and Warranty

Choosing a reputable brand is essential when buying a tractor. Look for brands that have a good reputation for quality and reliability. Brands like Fendt, John Deere, Kubota, and Massey Ferguson are known for their durable and high-performing tractors.

Additionally, check the warranty offered by the manufacturer. A longer warranty period can provide peace of mind and allow you to focus on the work you need to do. It’s also a good idea to check the availability of spare parts and service centers in your area.

If warranty is important to you, Fendt offers their Gold Star Customer Care warranty. This warranty covers all aspects of the tractor for 3 years 3,000 hours standard. It can be increased to a 5 year warranty.

The one thing you can be sure of, is you do not want to buy a tractor without a warranty. Repair costs can pile up, and no warranty shows that the dealership will be of no help to you after you buy the tractor. It is important that you buy from a trusted dealership who will support you and handle any necessary warranty work.

Tractor Attachments

Once you buy your tractor, you may want to invest in some attachments to improve its usefulness. These accessories can help you get the most out of your tractor and make your tasks easier and more efficient.

1. Front-end Loader

A front-end loader is a versatile attachment that allows you to lift and move heavy objects. It is useful for tasks such as loading and unloading materials, clearing land, and leveling surfaces. It can also be used for digging and moving soil, making it a must-have accessory for many tractor owners.

2. Mower Deck

If you have a large lawn or field, a mower deck attachment can help you maintain the grass efficiently. It attaches to the tractor and cuts the grass to a desired height. This can save you a lot of time and effort compared to using a push mower, especially for large areas.

3. Tiller

A tiller attachment is used for tilling the soil, which gets the ground ready for planting. It is useful for gardeners and farmers who need to cultivate large areas of land. With a tiller, you can prepare your soil in a fraction of the time it would take with manual tools.

4. Snow Removal Equipment

For those living in areas with heavy snowfall, a snow blower attachment can be a lifesaver. It helps clear snow from driveways, sidewalks, and other areas quickly and efficiently. This can save you a lot of time and effort compared to shoveling snow manually.

Snow plows are also great tractor attachments. They work faster than a snowblower and are much simpler to use.

5. Trailer

A trailer attachment allows you to transport materials, equipment, and other items easily. It is ideal for hauling heavy loads and can be used for various purposes, from transporting gardening supplies to moving large pieces of furniture.

Buying an Agricultural Tractor

Farming tractors are essential to our modern world. Farmers need high quality equipment to meet the needs of food consumers.

When buying a farm tractor, also known as a high-horsepower (HHP) tractor, everything in this guide becomes 10X more important. You don’t just need a high quality transmission, you need the best transmission. Having just any warranty doesn’t cut it anymore, you need a warranty that takes care of everything, even if you need a loaner tractor (Also a perk of the Fendt warranty).

The attachments that you need also become even more important. It is one thing to mow your lawn with a compact tractor. It is another to plant and harvest 3,000 acres. A job like that calls for the best attachments on the market.

Price also becomes more important. When you buy a $20,000 compact tractor, you want to have a good relationship with the dealer or seller. When you buy a $400,000 tractor, you want to have a $400,000 relationship with the dealer you purchase from.

Who should you buy from?

These points can help guide you when choosing someone to buy from (and no joke, knowing who to buy from is even more important than what you are buying). You should choose a trusted dealership, with high quality equipment, and who has lots of experience and reviews.

A Trusted Dealership

The dealer you buy from should be handling, parts, repairs, and offer trade-in opportunities. After all, you will hopefully be growing as a farm, right? The dealership must be above reproach, and willing to work with you in anything you need.

High Quality Equipment

The equipment they sell must be well made, and reputable. The last thing you want is to buy a poorly made tractor and discover that in the middle of it’s first harvest.

Lots of Reviews and Experience

The dealership must understand their customers and the market. They need to be well spoken of by other people who have $400,000 relationships with them. They also shouldn’t be brand new, with no experience in the agriculture market.

We have an understanding of this at Maple Lane Farm Service. After 40+ years in the industry, we have learned how important a good reputation is among customers. That is why we feel our reputation is the most important part of our business.

Conclusion

Buying a tractor requires careful consideration of various factors, including tractor prices, the buying guide, and tractor accessories.

By understanding your needs, budget, and options, you can find the best tractor for you. Remember to choose a reputable brand and consider investing in accessories that will enhance the functionality of your tractor.

With the right tractor, you can tackle a wide range of tasks with ease and efficiency. Happy tractor shopping!