Choosing a New or Used Tractor

You've got some land or property and now youmore. The reliability of these tractors makes for a
need a tractor. Finding one that suits your needs cangreat used tractor. A new compact tractor with a
be easier than you might think. Here are a few simplemower can range from $10000 - $20000, depending
steps .on the size and model. Great used compact tractors
First and foremost, you need to determine yourcan be found for as low as $5000.
needs. What will you need your tractor to do? DoFarm Tractors
you have an acre or two that needs mowed once orIf farming is in your future and you have many acres
twice a week? Do you need a tractor for mowing,to tend to, you are best advised to consult with a
towing, snow plowing, carrying items, gardening ordealer or fellow farmer before making a purchase.
harvesting fields? Be sure to get enough tractor thatThere are many, many choices when it comes to
will handle the attachments you are going to use.large tractors and farming equipment and it is best to
Gas or Diesel?make sure you get the right equipment the first time
Do you need a gasoline or diesel powered tractor?as these tractors can be a very large investment.
For most residential, mowing applications gasolineOnce you have the specifics you need, then search
powered tractors are the way to go. If you havefor a new or used tractor that will meet your exact
more than five acres and plan on doing someneeds for HP, and capabilities.
plowing, hauling, heavier mowing and adding anyPricing
attachments then diesel is probably the tractor ofBefore you get sticker shock, realize that tractor
choice.purchases are long term commitments and that with
Lawn Tractorsproper maintenance and use they can last for 30
Lets look first at your average lawn mower.years or more. When you consider the life span and
Something that will be pretty much be used forwork they do, the prices will seem reasonable.
mowing and nothing else. Your average "lawn tractor"Attachments can also seem expensive as well. A
can range anywhere from $1500 - $4500 and rangeloader for example will cost $3000 - $5000. A simple
from 15HP- 25HP with gasoline engines. Good reliableblade can run $300 - $500.
used lawn mowers can be purchase from a fewOnce you have a tractor and some attachments,
hundred dollars up to $3000 depending on age andyou'll wonder how you ever did without them. I
condition. Some of the higher HP model lawn tractorsremember when I purchased my compact Kubota
can also be used for occasional snow plowing andfour years ago. I took my wife with me and I
other heavier tasks but are best suited for mowingbought a 60in mower and a loader with it. When my
with or without a grass catcher and pulling a cart.wife saw the price she about died! Since we've
Most all lawn tractors are belt driven with limitedowned it, she has on many occasion told me that it
parts availability and are designed to last a shorthas been such a great thing to have. We only have 5
period of time.acres but get so much use from the loader. I don't
Garden Tractors & Compact Tractorsknow what we ever did without it!
Next lets look at property owners that have 3 - 15 
acres and the need for plowing, gardening, mowing,Gray Market Tractors
cutting and loading. In my opinion we have twoBecause good used tractors are so reliable, there is a
classes of tractor we can look at here. You canhigh demand and a relatively low supply of them and
consider a "garden tractor" or a "compact tractor". Agood used tractors sell very quickly. A tempting way
garden tractor is a tractor that is really a lawn tractorof saving money is buying an "off-brand" tractor or a
with a heavier built to it and with the capability ofgray market tractor. These are usually imported
some attachments like a tiller, a blade, snowblowermachines designed for use in other markets, being
and larger mower decks (usually 54in - 60in decks).sold semi-legally here. While they can be much
Most garden tractors are also shaft driven and cancheaper than standard tractors, there are a couple of
last for many years if properly maintained and notsignificant drawbacks.
pushed beyond their limits. They can be gasoline orOne is that the PTO systems are not always
diesel. They usually sell new for $6000 - $10000 withcompatible with US standards. Many of them do not
a mowing deck,and can be purchased used for $2500have a mid PTO which is needed if you want a belly
- $6000 depending on condition.mower. A second issue is parts availability. It can be
My personal recommendation for this scenario woulddifficult or impossible to find replacement parts here if
be a "compact tractor". A compact tractor is basicallyit's a model designed for use in other markets.
a miniature tractor with full size tractor capabilitiesWhat ever you do, make sure you buy a tractor
such as mowing, cutting, loading, digging, tilling,that will do what you need it to. The worst thing you
plowing and hauling. They have diesel engines rangingcan do is to push the equipment beyond it capabilities.
in size from 15HP - 30HP. Most of them have fullIt not only significantly shortens the life span but can
hydraulics, 4WD, mid and rear PTO's, high and lowbe dangerous as well.
range, roll over protection and are built to work.Before making your purchase, do your research.
They have a life expectancy of up to 30 plus yearsCheck with other owners, dealers, web forums and
if properly maintained. Parts are readily available.manufactures sites for information. When your ready
These compact tractors can handle many implementsto make the purchase be sure to check here with
like large belly mowers up to 72in., rear mowers,Tractor Shopper for deals on your next new or used
tillers, blades, loaders, plows, backhoes, sweepers andtractor!