Tips for Buying a Used Tractor

If you’re looking to score some great savings while still securing a good piece of equipment that’ll meet your agricultural needs, you might want to think about buying a used tractor. It’s important to know how to approach this process so you can come out the other side with a solid tractor and still have some money left in your pocket. Whether this is your first used tractor purchase or you’re simply adding another unit to your fleet, there’s a lot you’ll need to consider.

At Mike Cooper Tractors, we know that the process of buying equipment can be daunting, especially when you need a piece of machinery that’s going to serve you well day in and day out. We’ve gathered a list of essential tips to assist you in your used tractor buying experience. For further information, stop by our dealership today! We’re conveniently located near Tulsa, Oklahoma near Broken Arrow, Muskogee, and Tahlequah.

Find the Right Dealer

While it’s certainly a good idea to conduct your research online, it’s probably best to get down to the dealership in person once you’re actually ready to start shopping for a used tractor. There are far too many questionable listings online that might seem enticing, but can lead to trouble. You’ll be in much better hands with a reliable dealership that you can trust to do fair business.

You’ll want to start by figuring out which dealers sell the type of equipment you’re looking for. This checklist should include proof of ownership, maintenance and services records, and clear history of title. Steer clear of dealers who make excuses for any of these items and try to convince you it’s not important. You’ll want to find a dealership that is upfront and honest about their inventory.

Inspect the Tractor

Another reason you’ll want to shop for your used tractor in person is so that you can perform a thorough inspection. If you’re new to the equipment world and don’t have experience operating a tractor, you might want to bring someone along who can offer that expertise for inspection purposes. If you aren’t able to get to a dealership to see the tractor for yourself, you’ll want to lean toward listings that offer several photos and informative details on the item being sold.

Either way, you should never be afraid to ask questions. If you notice a dealer or seller doesn’t have an answer to an important question, this might be a red flag. It’s common practice to ask for records and any other information before making such a significant investment. You shouldn’t put any money down until you feel totally comfortable with the equipment.

Some key things you should look for include cab and tire wear, tire tread, possible leaks, and so on. The amount of wear you observe should be in line with the operation hours listed. Low hours of use should show minimal wear on foot pedals, carpet, mats, and so on. This should also be reflected in the age and condition of the tires and their tread. Open up the tractor and have a good look inside. If you notice leaks or significant damage, it could lead to costly repairs. Always take any used tractor you’re considering buying for a test drive. Once you’ve started it up, check the steering and feel for any operating inconsistencies.

Complete a Background Check

After you’ve confirmed that a used tractor is functioning properly and in good condition, you should complete a background check. This will confirm that the equipment didn’t come from a questionable line of trade and that it’s not going to fall apart when you use it. If you’re buying from a dealer, ask if the tractor is owned by them or if it’s under a lien. You can also check ownership against the VIN or serial number.

You’ll want to run the information through a private service to determine the equipment history and ensure it’s never been reported stolen. You’ll want to shy away from equipment that doesn’t have a clear title or has a lien against it that could result in forfeit ownership to another institution. As you can see, this is a very important step that should not be skipped.

As difficult as it might seem at first, buying a used tractor doesn’t have to be too much different than buying any other used vehicle. So long as you take your time in conducting research, weighing options, and getting all the pertinent information you need from the dealer or seller, you’ll be ready to confidently make a purchase you're comfortable with. If you still need some tips or you’d like to browse our used tractor inventory, head on over to Mike Cooper Tractors today! You’ll find our dealership located just outside of Tulsa, Oklahoma near Broken Arrow, Muskogee, and Tahlequah. We’re also proud to offer lawn mower and tractor parts and repairs.