With a tractor and the proper implements, you can accomplish tasks such as grading driveways, clearing arena footing, and harvesting hay that otherwise would be too costly or difficult. But which tractor do you select?
Purchasing new equipment can be expensive, but a used tractor may provide just as much power at a lower cost. When shopping for a tractor, consider these tips:
Convenience
Tractors are expensive equipment, and you want to ensure you get a machine with the correct specifications for your farming needs. While a dealership can sometimes be a good resource for finding a used tractor, they often significantly mark up their inventory’s prices.
They may even buy tractors from auctions and other sources and sell them on their lot with little or no warranty. When shopping for a tractor, forget all the fancy car features like color options and stereo systems. Instead, create a list of all the tasks you expect your fuel-powered workhorse to accomplish and use that as a guide for determining which machine meets your needs. Then once you’ve found a tractor that meets your needs look for the equipment that you need to process your harvest like this roller crimper for cover crops or a rotary tiller.
Ensure you get a tractor with enough horsepower to power the routinely used implements. If you don’t, your tractor will be under constant strain and more likely to break down or perform poorly. When shopping for tractor auctions, you can examine the equipment in person and ask questions before bidding.
You’ll also have the chance to ask the seller or auctioneer for maintenance logs and documentation. This information will help you understand how well the equipment has been cared for and how often it has been repaired.
Competitive Bidding Environment
Tractors are an essential piece of equipment for any farm. Whether you’re looking for a specific make, model, or year of tractor to add to your collection, or you need to replace an old one, auctions are the best place to shop.
Auctions provide a competitive buying environment that can lead to a better price for buyers than dealerships can offer. Auctions also allow buyers to see what they’re getting before they buy. This can help reassure buyers that they’re making the right choice for their needs.
Additionally, many buyers can get more information about the equipment from other experienced bidders at an auction. This can help them make more informed decisions about the best tractor for their needs. A competitive bidding process can save government agencies money on equipment and services.
However, the process can be complex and requires much time, effort, and energy for vendors to submit bids. The federal agency should set clear objectives for each procurement action to ensure an efficient and effective competitive bidding process.
This can include establishing criteria for evaluating offers, choosing the most cost-effective supplier, and developing a plan to track costs during procurement. This can help prevent mismanagement and increase the efficiency of the procurement process.
Wider Market
A tractor is a vital piece of equipment for any farm. It allows farmers to work on larger hectares of land in a shorter time, which helps cut labor costs and dedicate more of that saved money toward other farming needs.
Tractors come in various sizes and capabilities to match any farm’s unique needs. There is a tractor, from smaller, two-cylinder models to heftier, more modern units, for every situation. While buyers can find tractors for sale on Craigslist and other online sites, auctions are the best place to get real inventory options. Dealers often auction off their old tractors to make room for new ones and repossessed tractors seized by the government.
Some hold a weekly auction of restored tractors that attract collectors, young and old. That mix of classic tractors makes this auction ideal for anyone looking to add something special to their collection.
Better Value
While owning a new tractor fresh off the lot is excellent, this often comes at a premium. Not only that but just like a car, it will begin depreciating the moment you drive it off the dealership. Buying a used tractor at auction can be such a smart move.
When you buy a new or used tractor at auction, you can ensure the machine meets your specific needs and is in good condition. For instance, you can examine the tractor to see how clean it looks, and if you open up the cab, you can inspect its controls. Look at the odometer, too—a low number indicates the tractor was well cared for.
In addition to checking the overall condition of a tractor, you can also check its specs and features before you bid on it. This is especially important if you need to know if the tractor will have PTO (power take-off) for your equipment or if it has the proper hitch configurations for your farm’s requirements.
You can find a wide range of 2WD tractors, 4WD tractors, and more for sale at tractor auctions daily. Search for auctions near you and sign up to receive notifications about upcoming events. You can find parts and accessories for your tractors online, too.
