How to Select and Buy the Right Tractor

We want to help you select and buy the right tractor for your needs and budget. 

Your goals should include finding a tractor that runs great, has the right amount of power, is comfortable to use, and well within your budget. 

Finding the right tractor will also help you get the most out of your land.

Let’s consider the selection process from six different angles. 

PRICE

While there are many other considerations --- price ranks near the top.  It is super important. 

Of course, there’s a balance to think about.  You want to buy a tractor that will get the job done.  You also need to keep in line with your budget.  The key is to know your budget going in, as well as how much you can afford to pay monthly if you need to finance (see below). 

Also make sure the tractor you buy has all the features and amenities you need and want.  If not --- no matter what you paid --- you will have wasted your money.  Let’s eliminate the potential for that right now.  We want you to be happy with your tractor.        

One key is to buy good quality, so your tractor runs well, lasts longer, and has a better resale value.  You get what you pay for. Be sure to investigate prices carefully and buy from a reputable dealer. 

AREA

The size of your land will help you determine what size tractor you need.  

If you have a large area of land --- you will need a more powerful machine and implements to handle the workload.  Land containing hard soil also requires a more powerful tractor.  

Keep in mind that smaller tractors, have far less power, and limited features.  They are better suited for smaller areas of land, with less work requirements. 

REQUIREMENTS

Speaking of requirements… 

It is important to know what you need your tractor to do --- the work requirements. 

A lot of thought needs to go into this. 

Here are some questions to help you focus in on the perfect tractor and implements for your needs. 

How many acres will you be working with the tractor?  Will you be doing yard or field mowing?  Are you going to be garden tilling?  Do you need to move materials?  Do you plan to do a lot of sweeping?  Do you have snow to plow?  Will you be doing grading work?  Is haying part of your needs?  Do you plan to install fencing?  Will you be clearing land?  How about digging?           

Think about all this and list everything.  Leave no stone unturned.  

Another consideration is loader work.  Will you need a front loader?  This one requirement alone will help you determine if you need a four-wheel drive tractor.  It will also help you decide the hydraulic capacity you are going to need. 

Another key consideration is shifting.  Are you comfortable using a clutch/shift or do you prefer an automatic?  Do you know how to use a PTO?  Will you be the only operator?          

Now let’s take a moment and discuss weather.  Are you in a very hot or cold climate requiring air conditioning or heat?  If so, you may require a cab tractor.  Cabs also keep you from getting dust and dirt in your face, allow you to play music comfortably, and shield you from dangerous insects and other animals/pests.

The key here is to think through every possible use, as well as your comfort level.  

This will enable you to determine the right size/power tractor you will need, so you can utilize the necessary implements.   

One much-overlooked feature is size.  What is the smallest area that you will be working in?  Sometimes buying a large tractor requires rebuilding fences and moving buildings.  And if you are storing your tractor indoors, you need to make sure it fits inside.     

Knowing all your requirements also means knowing all the implements you are going to need.  Purchasing your tractor with all the implements at one time may result in a super deal compared to buying things separately at different times.       

Your local dealer can help you select a tractor and all the right implements.      

COMFORT 

Another huge consideration is comfort.  

Comfort is very important as you are going to be sitting on your tractor for many hours, doing hard work.  Some people regularly work on their tractor over 12 hours a day. 

You may find yourself driving and operating your tractor for long hours every day.  So, make it as pleasant as possible.  

If you are not comfortable, you may be miserable.  Also consider the comfort of any additional operators.    

Before you buy a tractor, take it for a test run, and make sure it is comfortable to drive and use.  Operate and test all the implements. Also, make sure it has all your required amenities.  

SERVICE 

All tractors require repairs and routine maintenance and service.  There is no way around them.  

You will also likely experience breakdowns at the worst possible time.  This requires planning upfront. 

Make sure to buy a reputable brand upfront.  Quality is super important to keep your tractor in the field and out of the service bay.  

Also make sure that whatever brand you buy offers an excellent warranty.  Top tractor brands will stand behind their equipment.  You get what you pay for.            

Make sure that you can service your tractor locally.  The local service center should also have parts readily available.  They should also have trained and certified mechanics on staff.  We cannot stress this enough.     

You will want to be as close as possible to your local service center, to limit equipment downtime, and for easy transportation.     

Some service centers even offer mobile repair and pickup/delivery.  Ask your service center about these possible options. 

For those of you near, or right in the Arizona area, the Team Tractor service department can handle all your service and parts needs.  Our highly-trained technicians can service all make and model tractors, loaders, aerators, mowers, snow blowers, implements, and UTVs.  

RESALE 

Resale is a consideration that many buyers tend to overlook.  

It is important to know the approximate resale value of your tractor.  This will also encourage you to keep your tractor in excellent condition.     

With constant use, upgrades, and changing needs, there is a good chance you will be trading in or selling your tractor.  The day you buy your tractor you may think it is the only tractor you will ever need.  With all the changes in technology alone, we can assure you that at some point you will want to upgrade.  And it helps to get a fair amount of money for your used tractor.  This money can be used as a down payment on your new equipment.      

So, if you are spending a certain amount of money time-after-time, you should have an idea of the resale value.  It does not matter if the tractor you buy is new or used.  Either way --- know your approximate resale value.  

There is much more to learn --- but this was a good start to better understanding what to consider so you can select and buy the right tractor. 

Hopefully, this brief article has helped you a bit.

If you need any further help or have any questions about tractors, implements, or anything else, please contact your dealer, local mechanic, or call us at 602-734-9944.  Please ask about our current new and used tractor supply. 

Team Tractor Ranch - #1 Tractor Dealer in Arizona. We sell and service most major brands of tractors including Yanmar, Kubota, John Deere, TYM, Mahindra, Kioti, Case, New Holland, Massey Ferguson, Ford, Deutz, Case IH, Farmall, International Harvester, Branson Tractors, LS, Shibura, Claas Tractor, McCormick Tractors, Valtra, Solis, YTO, Montana, and Nortrac.