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Writer's pictureBuchanan's Bighorn Ranch

Why a Used Tractor is a Great Investment for Your Farm

Friends and neighbors are always asking me why I'm so in love with used tractors. For my business, buying used equipment is a no-brainer. I can get a lot of power for a very fair price. Plus, I don't have to worry about buying unnecessary features or spending extra money on the latest technology. Check out this article to see why you should consider purchasing your next tractor second-hand.


Used tractors have been broken in

One of the biggest benefits of buying a used tractor is that it's already been run through its paces. This means that any initial problems that might arise from using the tractor have already been resolved by the manufacturer or previous owner. In other words, you aren't going to have any major mechanical problems when you first start using your new machine!


You can buy a used tractor and still have money left over

You can buy a used tractor and still have money left over. If you're not looking for a new tractor but want one that's less than five years old, you may find that buying a second-hand model will save you thousands of dollars. While used tractors may have some wear and tear, they usually have very low mileage and are in excellent condition otherwise.


You can sell your new tractor sooner if needed. When buying new tractors, farmers often put them into service before they're fully paid off. This means that if something happens on their farm that requires them to sell their equipment early (such as an illness or other financial hardship), they might not get all of their money back from the sale of their equipment — especially if it's been depreciated by half or more due to its age. With used tractors, however, there's less risk.


It's easy to find a good deal on a used tractor

It's easy to find a good deal on a used tractor. There are many websites where you can buy used equipment online, including our website, Craigslist, and eBay. You also have more options at local auctions or estate sales than you might think — even if you don't live in farm country! If you go this route, though, make sure you understand what makes a tractor reliable before you buy anything.


Just be sure to always test drive any used tractor before buying it. This will give you an idea of how well it runs and whether or not it's worth the asking price.


It is a Practical Alternative for Small Farms

Used tractors are a great option for farmers who want to get into the tractor business. It's expensive to buy new, and buying used can save you a lot of money. You can find a quality used tractor in your price range that works well and that you can afford.


In many cases, buying used is also the only option if you're a small farmer or rancher with limited funds. You may not be able to afford a brand new tractor, but you can still get one that's in good shape and will last for years if you buy it secondhand.


It Can Still Be an Opportunity to Upgrade

Buying a used tractor is an opportunity for you to upgrade without having to spend all of your cash upfront. You might find that there is something about your current tractor that isn't working quite right, and you don't want to spend too much money fixing it up yourself. Instead, you might look for another model that has more features or better performance than what you have now.


Most people don’t need the latest and greatest technology

Buying a used tractor can be an excellent investment for farmers. Tractor technology has changed dramatically over the past few decades, but most farmers don’t need the latest and greatest technology.


A used tractor will save you money on fuel and repairs when compared to a new model. The engine may not be as powerful as a new one, but it will get the job done for most farmers. Also, many used tractors are available with four-wheel drive, which is very helpful when working in fields with heavy soil or in hilly areas.


Most people don’t need high horsepower tractors either. The maximum horsepower needed to pull equipment is determined by how much weight your tractor can carry and how steep an incline you will be pulling up. Most farmers don’t need as much horsepower as modern tractors have, but this depends on what type of equipment you plan on using your tractor for.


New tractors lose value quickly

If you're a farmer, a new tractor isn't always the best option.


"New tractors lose value quickly," says Robert Koehn of Iowa-based Farm Credit Services of America. "In two to three years, they're worth less than half what they were when purchased."


Used equipment is often a better buy because it's already depreciated, but there are other advantages to consider:


Cost savings. The initial cost of buying a new tractor is often more than double that of a used one. That's because dealers have to make money on the deal, and they need to make their money back quickly by selling the vehicle at full price or leasing it out for a monthly fee.


Maintenance costs. New tractors come with warranties that can last up to three years, but after that point, you'll have to pay for repairs out of pocket. Used tractors don't have these extra costs, so they may be more affordable over time — especially if you can get one with low mileage or few hours on it.


Accessories included. Some used tractors come with attachments such as a loader or mower deck right off the bat; others require an additional investment upfront before you can use them effectively on your farm.


A used tractor is less of a burden for the environment

A used tractor is less of a burden for the environment. It doesn't take much time to see the impact that agriculture has on our planet. Farmers rely heavily on fossil fuels for their equipment and machinery, which means more carbon emissions are being released into the atmosphere each year. Buying a used tractor means you're reducing your own carbon footprint as well as helping other farmers do the same by keeping their old machines running longer than they would have otherwise been able to do so otherwise.


Used tractors are a great investment for your farm

Above all else, we wanted to convey that if you're not a huge fan of spending money, and you have a small budget to work with, then buying used is your best option. If you're able to buy a used tractor in good condition, then you'll be able to use it for many years. That will save you from having to make another big investment anytime soon.


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