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Tips for Buying a Used Tractor

Feb. 11 2021 Power Tips By Meranda Kashay

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What to Look for When Purchasing a New or Used Tractor

Purchasing a tractor can be both exciting and intimidating for new buyers. If you have thought about purchasing a tractor but are not sure where to start, our team at M&R Power Equipment is here to help. Our Sales team will work with you to match you with the tractor that fits your needs and answer any questions along the way. To further assist you in your search for the right tractor, we have outlined some top tips to look for when purchasing a tractor and what to look if you are looking to buy previously owned tractors.

New or Used?

Your first decision to make when purchasing a tractor is whether you want to buy a new or used tractor. Purchasing a new tractor is a safe option to choose for those with a bigger budget as new tractors are equipped with newer technology, features, and warranty. When purchasing older tractors, there can be some limitations as they are not equipped with the latest technology but can accomplish just what you are intending on using your tractor for.

Purchasing older tractors is much different than purchasing cars as tractors have a longer lifespan compared to cars. Purchasing an over twenty-year-old car may not be reliable but purchasing a well-maintained twenty-year-old tractor could be a reliable and perfect fit for your needs. Which brings us to our next key consideration when purchasing a tractor.

Tractor Type

When looking for a tractor, it is important to have a good idea on what types of tasks you will be using your tractor for. There are a variety of different tractors available at M&R Power Equipment including garden tractors, sub-compact tractors, compact utility tractors, and utility tractors. Below is a description of each type of tractor to help you figure out what tractor type fits your needs best.

  • Garden Tractors/Lawn Tractors: Garden tractors are great if you do not have a lot of land to cover. Garden tractors are typically used for cutting grass and smaller landscaping chores but there are additional attachments you can buy to accomplish different outdoor task like snow pushing, hauling small loads of wood/sticks/mulch as well. If you have a smaller yard and intend on accomplishing smaller tasks around your home, garden tractors may be the best fit for you.
  • Sub-Compact Tractors: Sub-compact tractors are configured as a step between garden tractors and compact tractors. These tractors are great for residential use of five acres or more that accomplish a variety of tasks. If you are looking to mow, push gravel and snow, grade your landscape, haul dirt, wood, gravel, and other basic outdoor care tasks a sub-compact tractor could work great for you.
  • Compact Utility Tractors: Compact utility tractors are designed to look like a smaller version of an agricultural tractor. These tractors will accomplish everything a sub-compact tractor can plus bigger landscaping and nursery work. If you are looking to get bigger jobs done around your property or business, these tractors would work well for you.
  • Utility Tractors: Utility tractors are bigger and more powerful than sub-compact and compact tractors. These tractors are great for accomplishing big tasks with more acreage to cover. They can also be used for some excavation work and large farm related tasks. If you tend to a large property and have several tasks to accomplish, utility tractors are your best bet to get the most efficient results.

Financial Priorities 

Another key decision to make when purchasing a tractor is to decide on a good price range that fits your budget. Knowing your financial price range before heading to a tractor dealer can help us in matching you with the right equipment at the right cost to you. If you are looking to finance, having a general idea on what you are willing to pay in terms of monthly payments to fit your budget.

M&R offers financing for both new and used equipment. If you would like to have an idea of what type of financing we can offer you before visiting us feel free to apply for financing online with our Get Financed Application Form. A M&R team member will review your application and reach out to you with more information once you have submitted your application online.

Attachments and Specifications

Lastly, when purchasing a new or used tractor it would be helpful to have an idea of what attachments or implements you are wanting/needing on your tractor. There are various attachments available that will help you accomplish different tasks on your property. Below is a list of commonly used attachments with descriptions.

  • Mower: A mower attachment is used to cut grass and weeds to a manageable length.
  • Backhoe: A backhoe is used for excavating project that require digging with a digging bucket.
  • Front End Loader: This attachment goes on the front of the tractor and is used to lift and move material like wood, rocks, soil, and debris.
  • Box Blade: This attachment is pulling behind a tractor and is used for making paths, roads, leveling out gravel, or other ground leveling/smoothing needed tasks.
  • Rear Blade: This attachment is used for several tasks like leveling dirt and sand, moving gravel or mulch, clearing snow from driveways, and more.
  • Rotary Tiller: This attachment is used to prepare or cover crops by digging deep into the soil with rotating tines and turning it up, leaving a fresh layer of loose soil for seeding.
  • Pallet Forks: Pallet forks are typically used to transport crates or large amounts of pallets with ease.  

“HP” or horsepower is another important consideration you will need to make when purchasing your tractor and it goes hand-in-hand with tractor attachments. If you are looking to accomplish bigger tasks you and use multiple attachments, you will want to choose a tractor with a higher horsepower to ensure efficient function and results. If you are looking to accomplish smaller tasks on your property or have little land to cover, choosing a tractor with a lower horsepower will suffice. Horsepower typically ranges between 17 HP – 60 HP depending on tractor type. Garden tractors typically range between 17 HP – 27 HP, sub-compact tractors range between 19 HP – 30 HP, compact tractors range between 25 HP – 38 HP, and utility tractors range between 38 HP – 60 HP.  If you are unsure how much horsepower you are needing, our sales representatives can help you decide on the proper horsepower for your priorities.

Overall, there are several factors to consider when purchasing a new or used tractor. Being aware of your priorities, tasks, and needs for your tractor will greatly help you in finding your perfect match. If you are stuck between what type of tractor you are needing, our Sales team can point you in the right direction. Feel free to Contact Us any time with any questions or concerns you may have in purchasing your next or first tractor from M&R Power Equipment!


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