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If you are looking for a bargain in a used tractor or other farm implement, now’s a good time to find one. Because of the present economic situation, unless a piece of equipment is needed it's going to be sold, especially a used tractor.
Buying a nonstandard tractor (from Japan or Europe for example) may be cheaper up front, just make sure you have a good source for getting service parts for it. Simply put, ask the local tractor parts place if they can source the parts then you're good to go.
Getting it to your farm is another less obvious cost involved but just be aware of it while negotiating.
Once you get it to your place there's little to compare with the work that can be done with a tractor. And if you're restoring, there's fewer hobbies that are more rewarding. Especially displaying at the tractor shows.
As with any motorized equipment, direct inspection by a mechanic who is familiar with the item is a very useful and well worth the extra cost if you are unable to do it yourself.
In addition to the motor, there are many other items on a tractor that should be checked or inquired about. The Power Take-Off (PTO), steering, suspension, exhaust, cutting deck pulleys, age and tires are among the many other facets of tractors besides the motor.
The tractor is like a chain, in that it is as strong as it's weakest link.
Are you planning on buying any parts or manual online? If so, be sure beforehand that the needed parts are available, usually a tractor that has been cared for will have a manual. Unless of course it's a classic and everyone knows these tractors inside out.
Yanmar:
Very cool antique tractor show:
What do you want the tractor to do? A few options, in addition to just plowing fields, carrying supplies and people and powering machinery and cultivating.
If the tractor is old or worn enough to warrant restoration, you will want to add in the time and expense to get the tractor into usable condition. If you have an immediate need, you are not going to be inclined to consider tractors that need work.
You want the tractor to hit the ground running, so to speak if you need it for working purposes.
Home Video of a Small Kubota:
Generally speaking, a diesel motor is going to have more torque at low RPMs. Practically, this means that a diesel tractor is going to feel like it has more power without revving the tractor's motor.
If it's a newer tractor (about 1995 is the cutoff), the improvements in diesel engines are going to be evident. Newer diesels are generally quieter, smoother and smoke less than older models.
Newer gas engines are going to be all electronic and less subject to being fixed on site if something goes wrong.
Does the intended user have any experience with the tractor (or type of tractor) you are going to buy? Vintage, or age, is also an important consideration here.
A diesel will get better fuel economy but diesel fuel costs more. You still come out ahead, but not by much.
If warranty is not a concern and you know what you are doing and it is a diesel, used or new vegetable oil can be used as a percentage of the fuel. If it is warm enough year round and the percentage is low enough, no engine modification may be needed.
With this option, a full tank of B99 biodiesel will help to dissolve any leftover vegetable oil deposits.
A consideration for vegetable oil as fuel is road tax. If the tractor is not used on public roads, then you may not have to pay road tax. One of the reasons off road diesel is cheaper than on road diesel is the addition of road tax. Another is the fact that off road diesel is dirtier, undesirable odors and more polluting.
Another diesel option is biodiesel. Incidentally, B99 biodiesel is an excellent solvent. Biodiesel is NOT an option for a gas motor.
Regardless of the fuel you use finding a good used tractor for sale online is easier than ever, check eBay motors often for good deals. There may be one for sale right around the corner from you that was listed on the auction site.
Sort of on the same subject, brings me back to when I was only a young boy, when I was young i was brought up on a farm where all the tractors had been green. I like Fendt but for some cause I’ve always liked Farmall. Anyawy I’m starting to daydream now…good post I’ve provided it a DIGG.Com for you.