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How do you evaluate tractors

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Newtotractors

08-18-2005 09:26:08

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I have never owned or maintained a tractor before but I am heading out this weekend to look at buying a used one. I will be looking at a Ford 5000, International 624, and a MF 165.

I was wondering what should I be looking for and what questions should I be asking the dealer.

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Burnie

08-18-2005 21:56:40

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Re: How do you evaluate tractors in reply to Newtotractors, 08-18-2005 09:26:08

One thing I do when looking at used tractors is to ask the salesperson who the last owner was, track them down and ask them about the tractor. They usually have nothing to hide as they have already sold the machine. I have often gotten calls about tractors I have traded in.

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Hurst

08-18-2005 21:23:19

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Before you buy, have your expectations set right in reply to Newtotractors, 08-18-2005 09:26:08

When you buy something used, don't expect it to be perfect. It will have some problems. My dad keeps asking if my allis 7000 is a lemon because I have repaired 3 leaks (rear main, oil pan, and timing plate). I tell him if I wanted a new tractor with no leaks, I would have waited till I saved up enough when I was 50. Be ready to work on it. The way you get a good deal on an older used tractor is not by a good buying price (which is important), but by doing the work yourself. That is key if buying used, otherwise labor will kill you (probably literatly by a heart attack) :). Good luck

Hurst

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jimont

08-18-2005 14:04:14

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Re: How do you evaluate tractors in reply to Newtotractors, 08-18-2005 09:26:08

You may laugh , but the first area I always check is the radiator. Has it been damaged ,are the fins clear and clean etc.? A dirty or damaged rad , to me , is an indication of neglect and poor maintenance on the part of the original owner. Just one area that is common to all brands !

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Rod in Smiths Falls, ON,

08-18-2005 13:28:08

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Re: How do you evaluate tractors in reply to Newtotractors, 08-18-2005 09:26:08

Why do you want something that big? Wouldn't a MF351 or even a little Ford compact do what you want? Admittedly a cab would be nice for snowblowing, but those large machines burn a lot of fuel year-round in return for the ability to run a disk mower and round baler.

I bought my 5' snowblower from a guy who had used it on a 20 hp Ford hydrostatic diesel. Beautiful little machine with about 800 hours on it. Would one like that do the job for you and crush fewer sheep?

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Newtotractors

08-19-2005 05:19:51

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Re: How do you evaluate tractors in reply to Rod in Smiths Falls, ON, , 08-18-2005 13:28:08

Thanks for the advice Rod. We are just a few minutes outside Smiths Falls just off Roger Stevens. If you know of any good tractor dealers worth recommending, please let me know. Any other advice you could give would be much appreciated.

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RustyFarmall

08-18-2005 12:14:41

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Re: How do you evaluate tractors in reply to Newtotractors, 08-18-2005 09:26:08

First impressions are usually right. Take a good look at each tractor as you are walking up to it, faded paint is nothing to worry about, total absence of paint means the tractor has spent most of it's life outdoors, which is hard on other parts of the tractor as well. Next, inspect the tires, depth of tread, weather checks, cracks, etc. Do the tires match? particularly important for rear tires. New rear tires can cost approximately $500 for the size you are looking at. Next, how many hours are on it, just like miles on a car. If the hours are high, find out what repairs have been done recently, and ask for proof.

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Newtotractors

08-18-2005 11:39:15

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Re: How do you evaluate tractors in reply to Newtotractors, 08-18-2005 09:26:08

Good advice fellows. The primary uses will be snowblowing in the winter and planting clover, trefoil, etc in the spring. No need to cut hay as I will have sheep to take care of that. Problem is in my neck of the woods there aren't a lot of used tractors to select from. Kinda like choosing the best of the worst. I have no immediate need but need one before winter comes around.

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supergrumpy

08-18-2005 11:31:05

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Re: How do you evaluate tractors in reply to Newtotractors, 08-18-2005 09:26:08

how I would do it instead of how I did it:

first evaluate yourself as far as how much mechanical work you can or want to do, if you have to pay somebody to fix everything you might be better off with a new/newer machine

next you could figure out what implements you will be using to do whatever you need/want to do

then you can start looking at tractors that can handle your implements plus a reputable source of parts

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1FH

08-18-2005 10:38:10

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Re: How do you evaluate tractors in reply to Newtotractors, 08-18-2005 09:26:08

It ain't going to matter what questions you ask, the salesman will tell you what you want to hear. There's not much you can do without a basic knowledge of tractors and their workings. Try to review as much as you can by searching this site by each brand's message board. Better yet, take someone with you that knows tractors and even then you can still get 'bit'.

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John S-B

08-18-2005 10:36:12

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Re: How do you evaluate tractors in reply to Newtotractors, 08-18-2005 09:26:08

New, spend some time in the archives here and read up on tractors. First what are you needing a tractor to do? Find out what kind of HP you need, what kind of options you need, Type of hitch, pto, hydraulics, etc. Post more info on what your needs are and you will get some great info here. 90% of what I know about farming and tractors I learned ( and I'm still learning ) HERE! Don't be in too much of a hurry to get a tractor, research it and you won't be sorry.

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