Your Tennessee Tractor Buying Guide: What You Need to Know Before You Buy

Buying a tractor can be a generous investment for your Tennessee property. However, buying a tractor that is not equipped for your operation can be more of a headache than a relief. Before you purchase a tractor, it is essential to know what you are looking for. Pay attention to several factors in your search for a tractor to ensure that you can efficiently reap the benefits of your machinery.

Questions to Ask Before You Buy

What do I need this tractor for?

To determine what to look for in a tractor, you have to think about what your tractor will primarily be used for. Are you looking for a tractor to take care of lawn work such as mowing and cutting? Do you need something to help you manage your small farm operation? Or do you need a tractor to perform heavy-duty tasks like row crop planting or baling hay? Knowing the answer to this question will give you an idea as to the amount of engine horsepower and strength you will need in your tractor.

What does your property look like?

When investing in a tractor, it’s important to think about what kind of property you’re working with. For smaller or residential properties, a compact tractor is ideal for maneuvering through narrow spaces, while larger agricultural tractors are better suited for broader acreage. Terrain plays a crucial role too. For more challenging terrain including slopes and hills, aim for a tractor that will gain more traction. In this case, wider rear wheel spacing will enhance stability.

What is your budget?

Whether you're working with a tight budget or have more flexibility, there are options available to suit your needs. You will need to prioritize and think about which features are necessary and which are optional extras. While some tractors come with a range of advanced features that may be tempting, they often come with a higher price tag. Assess whether these extras are truly necessary for your tasks or if you can make do without them. Also, to make your budget stretch even further you can consider shopping in the used tractors market. There are many used tractors that offer excellent performance and reliability for a fraction of the cost of newer models.

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Engine

The engine is the heart of your tractor and determines the amount of power it can output. The strength of the engine is determined by the amount of horsepower the tractor has. Compact tractors have 22.4 - 65.9 horsepower. Utility Tractors range from 50- 250 hp. As the size of the tractor increases, so does the horsepower, with some large ag tractors reaching up to 830 hp. When it comes to engine types, you'll generally find either gasoline or diesel options. Diesel engines are renowned for their robust power delivery but don't underestimate the efficiency of gasoline engines for various applications.

Transmission

How you can operate your tractor depends on the type of transmission it has. Two common types are hydrostatic and manual gear-driven transmissions. Hydrostatic transmissions offer convenience as they don't require shifting and operate similarly to driving a car. John Deere tractors with hydrostatic transmissions feature TwinTouch pedals to make forward and reverse navigation as simple as a tap. Gear-drive transmissions lock in at one speed which requires shifting gears to operate. The manual transmission can be beneficial for tasks that require constant speed such as tilling or plowing. It can also be useful for working on sloped and uneven terrain.

Hitch

Your tractor is about as useful as the implement it pulls, and what makes that possible is the attachment hitch. The hitch is what connects implements to your tractor. Typically, tractors are equipped with a 3-point hitch, featuring a hydraulic lift mechanism for raising and lowering implements as needed. Additionally, specialized hitches are available for front-end loaders and forklifts, catering to specific operational requirements.

Power Take-Off

Another important aspect of your machine is the Power Take-Off or PTO. This spinning shaft at the rear of your tractor provides power to your rear implements such as mowers, hay balers, and backhoes. The amount of power it exerts is determined by the PTO horsepower.

Hydraulics

Hydraulic power from your tractor can be useful for several purposes. The hydraulic power can be transferred to power steering to make maneuvering your tractor easier. It can also be used to lift attachments and power implements.

Tires

The tires on your tractor are made to provide efficient traction to navigate a variety of terrain. Depending on the work you will be performing, you’ll want to ensure the tires on your tractor are durable enough to withstand heavy loads and demanding working conditions.

Now that you know what to look for in a tractor before you buy, you can start exploring! Check out our online inventory of tractors for your Tennessee operation now or visit us at your nearest Tennessee Tractor for personalized assistance.