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Understanding the Life Expectancy of a Used Tractor

Jul. 23 2021 Buying Guide By SS Equipment

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A tractor is one of the biggest investments that a farmer can make. These versatile pieces of equipment take care of a lot of the hard work on the farm, leaving you time to focus on maximizing yields rather than toiling in the field.

Because they’re so versatile, owners tend to keep their tractors in good condition to increase their lifespan, which means used buyers have excellent options. But still, you need to be sure you’ll get your money’s worth from a used tractor. That’s why we’ve crafted this guide to help you understand a used tractor’s lifespan and how to optimize it. If you want to know more, or you’d like to check out our selection of used tractors for sale in Washington and Oregon, get in touch with us at SS Equipment.

The Average Lifespan of a Used tractor

Generally speaking, most tractors on average will last for at least 4,000 hours of operation. Some of the newer models with the latest features can last for around 10,000 hours of work. You must keep in mind that the operational capacity of a tractor can change as it gets older. When a tractor has been used for 500 odd hours, it won’t operate like it was new any longer. The more a tractor is used, its hydraulic pumps, injectors, and clutches will require professional service and maintenance. By 5,000 hours, a tractor’s engine will usually need to be inspected by a technician.

What Affects a Tractor’s Lifespan

First and foremost, the brand of used tractor you’re looking to buy can make a big difference. Some manufacturers build their tractors from excellent quality materials, which makes them more durable and are likely to last longer than other comparable models.

Checking the machine’s service history records can give you an idea of how responsible the previous owner was with maintenance and general upkeep. A well-maintained tractor is more likely to have a better life expectancy as compared to equipment that’s fallen into disrepair. Another key factor is the hours of operation. Tractors that have been used less will obviously be in better shape than those that have higher hourly usage rates.

Determining a Used Tractor’s Life Expectancy

If you buy from a trustworthy and reputable dealer, you’ll be able to ask them plenty of questions and use them as a resource in your shopping process. Some good questions to ask include:

  • Which tasks were performed by the tractor?
  • How and where was the tractor stored?
  • What type of terrain did the tractor usually navigate?
  • Were any parts upgraded or replaced?
  • Was the tractor used by multiple owners?
  • How was the machine maintained?

As long as you do some research, ask the right questions of a dealer, and inspect the equipment for potential problems, you’ll be well on your way to picking up a quality used tractor.

Hopefully, this short guide on understanding the life expectancy of a used tractor has been helpful. If you have more questions about buying a used tractor, don’t hesitate to call or head into SS Equipment at one of our locations in Washington and Oregon.