Top 7 Inspection Tips While Purchasing Pre-Owned Tractors

Today, buying a tractor is a big job for a farmer, whose source of income depends on the farm for which he is planning to buy the tractor. There is no doubt, inspection is very essential while purchasing the best tractor for your farm, and it’s becomes more crucial if you are going to buy a used tractor.

So here are some simple tips to properly guide you for thoroughly inspection of a pre-owned Tractor.

1 - Take a Look on Exteriors

Believe it or not, but looks of the tractor matters a lot. Always remember that dents, cracked, peeling paint or bulging tires are signs that a tractor was not kept well. It also depends on the model of a tractor that how much of the price will be deserved.

So, before move forward for any final decision, don’t forget to check the depth of tire and try to compare it to the real depth measurement provided by the manufacturer of the tractor.

2 - Look For The Cab

To ensure about the condition of the tractor, open the cab door and take a thorough look inside the cab. If you find dirt and mud inside the cab that means tractor is not getting proper maintenance on a regular basis. Don’t forget to check that how many hours of operation has already performed by the tractor. Always keep in mind that some of the tractors have up to 4,000-5,000 operating hours but they are working fine and still in a very good condition, because of proper care and maintenance.

3 - Articulation Point

Don’t forget to carry out both operational and visual inspection of the articulation point. There is no doubt that it is the major moving of the tractor so it should be greased on a regular interval. Also inspect for metal shards which are the core indication of wear & tear in a tractor.

4 - Always Check for Engine 

Similar to any other equipment, start the tractor & lift the hood up, keep it on run and look for any indications of leakage coming from the engine, hydraulics or the hoses. When you switched off the machine, remove the air filter. Always perform a cross check if the Air filters replaced every 100-200 hours, 300-400 hours for in cab filters.

See Also: Top 7 maintenance tips for tractors

5 - Inspect Hydraulic Power

While inspecting for hydraulics, always check for any kind of leaks and broken seals, there might be the possible signs that damage to the outlets or hydraulic tank. Always consider what kinds of attachments you must be running while going to inspect the hydraulic outlets and auxiliary/return lines ensure the tractor has the appropriate number of outlets & lines for what you need to run now and a year from now.

6 - Power Take-Off Shaft

Any agriculture land that has a mechanical drive -grain carts, augers, manure spreaders etc. - always requires a proper functioning shaft. Firstly, make sure that the PTO has proper pattern of the attachments that you will require to run. It is better to buy a tractor that has more of what you need.  The final result will be the more improved fuel economy in the field.

Always keep in mind that maintenance to the PTO are cost very high as the tractor's rear end, & the rear axle as well, required to be removed for the proper access. 

7 - Check The Previous Records

While looking to buy a used tractor, it is always recommended to ask seller for maintenance logs, work orders, inspection lists and other supporting documents for the machine. These documents establish valuable insight into how often and what kind of repairs were performed earlier on the tractor.

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7 Tractor Maintenance Tips To Improve Life Of A Tractor

Tractors, for a common man it might look like an ordinary machine, but for farmers and agriculturist they are like a lifeline. So, it is very important for tractor owners to keep their tractors in a good condition to increase their life of service. But, maintaining a tractor or equipment is a totally different job than take care a car or any other vehicle in this segment. As there are many different segments and brands of tractors offered in the market, there is no particular guide existing about proper guidance for Tractor maintenance. But with the help of these following steps, you can maintain your tractor on regular intervals.

 

 (Image Source: deere.com)

1 - Reading Operator Manual
The operator manual provided with the tractor has the specific step by step instructions for the maintenance.  The user’s Manual includes all the important rules and instruction about regular maintenance schedule, equipment specifications, tools and lubricants along with other basic operating instructions.

2 - Maintenance Tools
Never make any compromises with the quality of tools; tractor maintenance involves use of different tools that should be of good quality and bought in advance.

 3 - Radiator Screen
Always take care of the ways you using the tractor as conditions in which tractors are used can escort to serious costs to the tractor equipment and components if not kept a regular check on. Unwanted debris or dust may mount up on the radiator.

4 - Check Fluids Regularly
It is vital to keep an eye on leakages to keep your tractor in a great condition because they may result to damage of any expensive part of the tractor. Especially take care of transmission fluid, Engine oil, hydraulic oil, coolant, and battery electrolyte on a regular basis, with the help of user’s manual about the process of checking.

See related article: how to sell used cars online

5 - Regular Lubrication
For a smooth functioning, always keep the brake linkages lubricated, and ensure that brakes are adjusted in the same way. Old tractors and equipment needs specific lubricants, thus, using the wrong fluid can result in damage. A Tractor has more moving parts that need oiling and greasing, than other automobiles. So, regular lubrication must be kept in check.

6 - Avoid Overloading
To put extra life to your tractor, avoid overloading your Tractor than its capacity, there is no doubt that overloading can cause severe damage to the health of your tractor. If tractor is being used for mowing or cultivation, a recommended volume of attachment should be added not more than that.

7 - Other Major Instructions
Don’t forget to keep an eye on the temperature, tachometer and oil pressure. If you find a hose (or belt) looks damaged, cracked or worn, replace it at the earliest. If fittings or fixtures are poured out, tighten them properly or replace the seals as soon as possible.

Selling your second hand tractor is such a tiring task and go through reliable sources is also very difficult. So, go with Shriram Automall Physical bidding as well as Online Bidding platforms where customers can buy as well as sell second hand tractors and other vehicles. 

 

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