The secret to getting a lot out of buying a used tractor is being armed with information. Get started by knowing how to quickly determine the age, condition, and median sales price of any used tractor make and model. Next, find out which problem areas to examine closely. The final step is to know the seven bargaining statements that will drastically reduce the sale price of any tractor, including the one sound you can make that will reduce the price of any tractor by 10%.
Let’s start from the beginning. The first step to getting a good deal on a used tractor is to do some research and be an informed buyer. Let’s start from the beginning. When you are looking to buy a used tractor, don’t worry because it may be older than you. Buying a used tractor is not like buying a used car. Tractors are made to last forever and you can still get replacement parts for almost any tractor, regardless of age. Also, unlike your car, tractors are relatively easy to repair. Keep these facts in mind when shopping around for a used tractor.
When buying a used tractor, one of the most important things to look for is a hydraulic system or a three-point hitch, as it is commonly called. The power take-off or PTO is part of this system. Ford introduced the three-point hitch on their 9N tractor in 1939. Farmall and John Deere waited a bit later before coming out with a three-point hitch, but most tractors you look at will have the three-point hitch, but be sure. to check it out.
The 3-point hitch and power take-off system is very important because without it you will be limited in what you can do with your tractor. So my advice is to only look at tractors with a three point hitch. The next step is to determine the age of the tractor you are considering. The best way to determine age is to find the serial number and look it up on the Internet. Cars change design every year, but tractors only make changes every decade or two, so you can’t tell much about a tractor’s age just by looking at it.
The Internet has a wealth of information on tractors. A good website where you can use the serial number and find the date a tractor was built is Yesterday’s Tractors at YesterdaysTractors.com. When you get to this site, click on “Tractor Registration” in the left navigation menu. panel to find information about any tractor. You can also use this site to see how much a particular type of tractor has recently sold.
The condition of a used is more important than age. To determine the condition of a used tractor, check to see if it has a tachometer that includes an hour meter. Many older tractors do not have an hour meter. You can know a lot about the condition of a used tractor from petal wear, steering play, and checking for oil leaks. All of these factors will help you estimate the condition of a tractor.
Don’t be fooled by a new paint job. It could be covering things up. Also look at the tires. Just because the tires have a good tread does not mean they are in good condition. Check for dry rot and cracks. A good set of tires can cost you between $ 500 and more than $ 1,000.
Of course, check how the tractor starts and how it works. If someone is trying to sell a tractor and can’t get it started easily, there could be a problem. You may want a mechanic to look at the tractor with you. If the tractor is difficult to start in hot weather, it will be even more difficult to start in colder weather. After starting the tractor, check for excessive smoke from the exhaust.
Once you have checked all the above points, you probably know more about the tractor than the owner does.
The next step is to check the prices:
Two good places to check prices (besides yesterday’s tractors) are TractorHouse dot com and eBay. On eBay, be sure to check out completed auctions to see which tractors like the one you’re looking for actually sold. You can use this information in your negotiation.
One last point: The amount of equipment (if any) that comes with a used tractor can be an important factor in determining the value of the tractor. Also, consider how you will get the tractor home. If you can get a breakthrough on the deal, that’s always a huge bonus.
When you’re armed with all of the above information, your final step is to “Trade Like a Pro.” Here’s how to do it.
Seven negotiation techniques for people who don’t like to negotiate:
1. Offer much less than what you expect to pay.Some people say, “I don’t want to negotiate and play with you. I’ll give you $ 5,000 for the tractor and that’s it.” These people almost always end up negotiating and paying a lot more.
2. Always gasp and act shocked and surprised at the other party’s first price. Without saying a word, this lets the owner know that you think their price is totally unreasonable.
3. Never say yes to the first price they quote you – even if the price is less than what you expected to pay. If you say yes too quickly, the other party will know that the price of the tractor was too low. Then they can say something like, “Well, let me clear this up with my partner.” Then he will come back and say that his partner would not agree to the offer.
4. “You have to do better than that.”Always use this expression at some point during negotiations. This will almost always give you a lower price.
5. Use the “good cop / bad cop” technique.For example, say, “I’d love to buy your tractor at that price, but my wife would kill me. She’s determined that I won’t pay more than $ 3,500 for a used tractor.”
6. Arm yourself with information.The more prepared you are with facts and information, the better the deal you can negotiate. For example, say, “I’ve looked at eBay and other Internet sources, and tractors like this never sell for more than $ 35,000.”
7. Never agree to split the difference.The other side is almost always willing to split the difference, so offer less than half the difference. Usually you will.
Use these techniques and you will get the best possible deal on a used tractor. Do not forget that there are many used tractors in good condition, so always be ready to walk away from any negotiation.